Physical Therapy and Keeping Perspective

Yesterday was my fourth physical therapy session since my knee brought me to a point where I couldn't just work through it on my own. The first two sessions were pretty much just an analysis of my legs. Bending/stretching/rotating them all of the place to see what hurt, where my strenghts laid and trying to define the root of the problem. After those first two sessions last week the thought is primarily that it is an IT Band issue. I'm working through it by taping my knee, icing, elevating, stretching my IT band and using my foam roller.

This week my two sessions consisted of 1) video taping me running on a treadmill; and 2) using an ultrasound machine on my knee and some soft tissue work. I got on the treadmill on Monday and ran for about a mile at a 10 min pace. It actually felt pretty good too. There wasn't really any pain during the run. We sat down after and reviewed the tape to see if something in my run was actually affecting my knee. Overall my PT told me I had a pretty great form. Wasn't bouncing too much, striking the ground in a good way, legs looked strong. Only problem was when we got a look from the back. Seems like I'm doing some kind of slight swing kick out with my left foot which could be causing my pain. Only thing is trying to figure out WHY my foot does that.

We also tested my leg strength to see if maybe I'm over compensating some where. After doing some strength tests she said my outer quads and hamstrings are really nice and strong. But I could use a little work on strengthening the inner quads as well as the butt...GREAT. Isn't that what EVERY girl wants to hear? But at least its getting closer to pinpointing what the heck I really need to do to FIX this versus just NOT running. So she gave me a couple more exercises to specifically target my problem areas, and she'll be working with another one of the physical therapists while looking at my video to try and identify what is happening with that left foot.

Other things to note from my PT sessions....looks like overall my hips are aligned evenly, my right leg is actually slightly longer than my left, but only by about a centimeter so nothing crazy to worry about. The shoes I bought at RoadRunner Sports seem to be good for my running form, but I may need to look at better shoes for normal day to day wear (e.g. less high heels and more shoes with good arch support - damn it).

But other than that they seem to keep telling me that I did all the things I should've done right. (because that makes this so much LESS frustrating....riiiiight). But we seem to be honing in on what I need to do to get going, but in all honesty I feel like once again the answer is not going to be an easy fix. Its going to mean me going to the gym and actively working on weak areas, etc. Which, hey it'll be a process...but you gotta put in the time for the things you love right? Because I COULD just say screw it. I'll just stop running, the pain will go away and then we wouldn't be having these conversations right? But I DO love it, and I'm NOT willing to give it up, or take the easy road.

I've got two more weeks of physical therapy and then it will be a meeting between my normal physician and the PT to decide a course of action from there. But one way or another we're going to figure out a course of action. And one way or another I'm crossing that finish line in Vegas. For the half marathon course you have 4 hours to complete it, which is roughly an 18 minute and 19 second pace. More than doable, especially if I am able to run at least portions of the course. It may not be the way I originally envisioned completing my first half, but I also have the Cleveland Half in May to think about too. And by then I should be kicking ass and taking names!!!

My 30 Day Bikram Challenge

I was only about a week into my true "No Run" ruling by my doc, and about 2-3 weeks into my seriously cut back running schedule when I hit a breaking point. Although I'd started to hit up the gym and do more weights and other types of training, my mind and body were both feeling a little less than happy. I wasn't getting nearly the workout I wanted, or was used to at this point. These days I'm used to getting home and running at least 4 miles, or going out and doing the bike, hitting up yoga class, or SOMETHING. And while I've been hitting up the bike and elliptical at the gym, it just wasn't the same because I didn't have those 3-4 times a week where I was able to get out and run.

Running has become a huge cathartic activity for me. It allows me to get out and workout my frustrations with the road, to feel challenged, to have a goal to strive for. And lets face it....if you know me you know that I'm goal driven. That I do best when I have something to aim for. Because I'm a very determined person. I don't like failing. And we saw what happened after college when I all of a sudden did not have a clear set goal path in front of me. I became lazy, I put on weight and became a generally unhappy person. 

Well I'm determined not to let that happen again. Now, let me just say first off that I KNOW I may be a little overworried at this point. REALISTICALLY I know that having to stay off my running schedule for a few more weeks won't kill me and won't dredge me back to the horrible place I was a few years ago. I really DO know this. Especially since I have been keeping up my good eating habits, and my other workouts. BUT, I also know the difference between how I feel when I'm really happy and when I'm not, and how thats affected by the amount of activity I'm getting on a daily basis. 

SO I was in search of something that might give me a new goal for the time being while I heal my knee, and rehab myself into better running shape. Low and behold I already had my answer. I'd received it at the beginning of my training by a good friend of mine (Miss Bulgatz). Bulgatz and I had started talking about training activities for my half way back at the beginning of my training in July. She'd done a couple half marathons before and told me how much easier her second training had gone when she'd added Bikram yoga to the mix, and that was after she'd just finished a 30 day Bikram challenge (doing 30 classes in 30 days - no days off).

Now I'd already been doing bikram/hot yoga on and off throughout my training. I mean you all should know considering HOW MANY times I'm pretty sure I've told you that I LOVE hot yoga. That WAS me right? I said that? I'm not just pretending I'd written that somewhere? Or am I?

Well, 4 months later we come full circle and I started talking to her about it again. And I thought more and more about it. It really made sense. 30 days of going to a class that is fully focused on stretching and strengthening your entire body (and mind might I add). It seemed like JUST what I needed. A brand NEW focus to keep me going and challenged, as well as something that will help strengthen me toward my end goal of doing my half marathon. BINGO! Ding ding ding ding ding! We have a winner. 

So today I sit here on day 6 of my Bikram challenge. Yes I've almost completed the entire first week successfully (woohoo)! And I won't lie to you its been challenging. And I know it will only continue to be challenging as I go on. BUT in the 5 classes I've taken so far I feel happier on a daily basis, I feel more focused, I feel stronger, and my flexibility has already improved dramatically from day 1. The 30 days ends on Tuesday, November 29th. This little plan takes me directly through Thanksgiving (which I think is a complete blessing!). Not only will it keep me focused/balanced, it will help me survive the first of the holidays this season without going overboard. 

I can't wait to see what the rest of the challenge brings my way, and how I feel at the end given how I feel after just this first week.