Ouch!!!

While on the path towards completing my new years resolution, to run a marathon, I have had my fair share of bumps along the way and have learned a few valuable lessons.....
October of last year I started getting in shape with the hopes of completing my very first marathon. I had always loved running and had eventually wanted to run a marathon. By new years I was 100% dedicated to completing my goal.

Failure #1- I signed up for my first half marathon in March. By February I had my first taste of what it feels like to be a runner injured. I started pushing it too hard too early on and wound up injuring my right knee. It became so painful that I couldn't run more than a couple miles. Went in to see a physio (physical therapist) and was told that my knee was running off track and that the cartilage was rubbing against the bone.... The physio tried tapping my knee to see if that would help to stabilize my knee cap. I was also told that I needed to strengthen my glut muscles to help take pressure off of my knees. Sigh. So I was out from running for a good couple months.

So I decided to postpone the race. However, I signed up to do the full marathon on June 19th. I even bought new running shoes, as I was told this is the number one thing that causes injuries.

Failure #2 In May, once again I injured my right knee. Same part of my knee, but this time it was far worse. The pain had tripled! Went to see a different physio this time and was told that I had injured my IT band which is a very common problem for runners. The physio was convinced that my right leg was longer than my left, which was causing my right knee to jet out to compensate for the length difference. I was told I need orthotics for the left side to even out the height difference (yes I'm a freak!). He put some extra padding in my shoe for the time being and had me test it out. On top of seeing a physio therapist I tried acupuncture and remedial massage. It seemed to help for awhile but the pain would gradually creep it's way back creating havoic.

A couple weeks later I signed up to do the HBF 14 km run for a reason. Which brings me to Failure #3... I am quite embarrassed to say this but I had to walk, literally walk, a good portion of the race because my knee hurt so bad. At this point there is no way to describe what I was feeling other than pure disappointment and discouragement. Physically, mentally I was there 100% but my knee was holding me back. Failure #4 I had to drop out of the marathon on June 19th

It's been nearly 6 months since I was first injured and 9 months since I started training. Despite the failures I am trying to stay positive and am still determined to one day accomplish my goal. I have been trying to rest my knee and have been focusing on exercises that are easier on the knees such as spinning and swimming. Which I really enjoy. I recently read a book called 'Ultramarathon Man, confessions of an all night runner.' That book seriously inspired me. I have never felt so pumped and motivated about running before. I highly recommend it to anyone! I couldn't put it down. Dean Karnaze is my hero!!!!

I've also come to the conclusion that my new running shoes have been a huge source of the problem. I had bought my new running shoes a week before my second injury struck...Hence the reason my second injury came on so much quicker and was so much worse. My new running shoes had extra padding to help cushion my feet while running... sounds like a good option right? However, I think it actually changed my running position, putting even more strain on my knee. So I have resorted back to using my old running shoes, that are nice and worn down, meaning no extra padding. My knee still isn't 100% but it is getting better.

The new Saucony womens running shoes. Very pretty.

My trusty adidas shoes purchased from Costco. Not so pretty.

I have been reading a lot on barefoot running... which is considered a huge debate in the running world. Summed up, the theory behind this is that human bodies were physically designed to run. By getting the spiffy, extra cushiony shoes you are actually altering the way your body normally runs... leading to most injuries. Having witnessed this first hand with my new shoes, I must admit it makes sense to me. I won't bore you to death with details from the debate. Here is the website if you would like to learn more about it. The idea is that people need to go back to the basics and teach their bodies how to run naturally. Of course most people can't go running around barefoot, so the next closest thing are vibrams, also known as the five finger shoes. Yes I will admit they look ridiculous. But I have met numerous people who completely swear by them and since buying them have become injury free. And at this point after buying new shoes, having my knee tapped, getting orthotics, having needles jabbed into my leg and getting weekly treatments of remedial massage, I'm willing to look a little 'silly' and try something new. What have I got to lose!

Valuable lessons I have learned:

1. Do not let failure hold you back from something you truly love
2. New doesn't always mean better
3. Sometimes you have to try new things before you find the right fit
4. ITB injury=a runners worst nightmare
5. Costco is the best
6. Running is a highly addictive, invigorating, frustrating, exhilarating, liberating sport!!!!