Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Knowing When To Say When

This is probably the biggest challenge for runners especially when it comes to injury.  Ever since MiniE was born I've been battling one particular injury.  It's not fun, it's not glamorous but it's there. Quite frankly it's a pain in the butt. I hadn't had any issues recently until after Sunday's long run.  Then Monday it was back.  It's frustrating and it's threatening my half marathon on Sunday.


I don't want this to be a "woe is me" post but damn..I really hate to be injured.

For three days now I've been thinking about my options:
1. Don't run - yes this would be the reasonable thing to do but I wouldn't be a true runner if I didn't think about the other, less responsible options. 
2. Ignore the injury - the polar opposite of option 1 but you know I had to consider it.
3. Race but take it easy - this might mean walking 99% of the race and that is just as hard to swallow as option 1.

There has only been one other time that I didn't complete a race I signed up for and it still stings thinking about it.  Oddly enough it was this exact race two years ago. Turns out October is just not a good month for me.  The picture above was taken 4 years ago as I sat on the table at physical therapy.

I know what I should do but it's still hard to deal with.    So I just want to know, what do you tell yourself to make not racing "ok"?  
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22 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 23, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    everyone needs woe is me days. I just missed the same 1/2 marathon for the second year in a row due to my second pelvic fracture. Hopefully you decide to let the injury heal, you'll be back sooner than if you try to push it. Hope tomorrow is better!

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  2. ChristineOctober 23, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    Oh no! Injuries are the worse. I've definitely had my fair share! I hope that you can give yourself and your body some rest and time to heal. I know it's hard and frustrating but I try to remind myself that I would rather be out a few weeks than for a longer period of time. Hope you're feeling better!

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  3. MILF RunnerOctober 23, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    When I know what I need to do I have no need for that talk. Not racing because you're hurt is more than okay...it's SMART.

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:47 PM

      I need to learn a lesson from you. I like your attitude! Thank you!!

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  4. AnonymousOctober 24, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    I've been lucky and haven't been injured going into a race sothat I had to make that decision, however, I'd say remember the long term goals. You know you won't run your best race so go into it knowing and accepting that, or pull out because you want to save what you've got to repair yourself and get ready for your next big idea.

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  5. Madeline @ Food Fitness and FamilyOctober 24, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Injuries are frustrating but racing all out could just make it THAT much worse and make your recovery way longer. Hoping you feel better soon!

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:48 PM

      Thanks Maddie! I most likely will not be running as much as I hate to say that.

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  6. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    This is a tough one! And I've been there. I ended up with a horrible IT Band issue ONE WEEK before my first marathon. It ended with a big, fat DNS and months of PT. It was the right decision not to run, but it was absolutely heart breaking. I hope you can run this weekend, but just remember that one race is not worth it if it will sideline you for months. Good luck!!

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:50 PM

      Heart breaking is a good way to explain it. It just sucks. :)

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  7. Erin@gosupermamagoOctober 24, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    I haven't had to opt out of a race because of an injury, so I can only just imagine how frustrating that can be. However, it sounds like an issue you have battling off and on for a little while and I think that not racing and trying to get to the bottom of your injury would probably be your best option. I know I can't speak from experience, but what I would tell myself if it did happen is that there are plenty of other races. There will always be races, there is just no sense to risk a miserable race or worsening your injury just for one of them. I hope you heal up fast and are back out there racing quickly!

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:52 PM

      You're right. I made a doctor's appointment for next thursday because I need to be done with this. Thank you!

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  8. misszippyOctober 24, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    It's a sucky scenario, to be sure. I think I'd weigh it like this: If you run, how far would it set you back? If you think you can run decently and not be put completely on the DL for it, then go for it. If, however, it would set you really far back, one day isn't worth it. Good luck with the decision.

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:52 PM

      Thats a great way to think about it. I think I know what the answer is. :(

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  9. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    My philosophy is don't run. Cheer on others instead. I'd rather sit one out, then sit out FOREVER because I caused irreversible damage. My 2 cents!

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    1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 8:53 PM

      I think that's a good approach. I can't tell you the last time I cheered on racers. This might be it!

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  10. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    Katie - sorry to hear you aren't feeling 100%. I try to remind myself to be as kind to myself as I would someone else. I tell myself "now is the time for self care" and "live to race another race". Better to skip one or a few than all. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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  11. Cupcake KellyOctober 24, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    This is tough, it's totally okay to be down about it. Hopefully the pain goes away soon.

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