Bits and pieces

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I spent most of the weekend with sore legs. It actually started earlier last week. I was getting sore on a 5 mile run last Monday and then on Tuesday I could barely get in a 2 mile walk/run with my Labrador!
The pain is mostly on the sides and backs of my knees. I've been stretching and foam rolling like crazy but I still feel pain in places that I can't quite get with the foam roller. I tried using the tennis ball massage method but every time I put the ball in my hand Baylee thought I wanted to play and would try to get the ball!

After taking 2 rest days, I did a 10 mile walk/run with my mom. I felt like I needed this and it really helped me stretch my leg muscles out. I felt good during the run/walk but I was very sore afterwards.   I spent some quality time with this massager after this. This really does wonders for the calf muscles. Love it!

 
Also this weekend I received a package from Energy Bits. I have been hearing a lot about these bits lately and was excited when Energy Bits sent me a sample tin to try.
 
These must be some intense bits. Look at all the literature that comes with it.

 You can bet that I will be reading all of it before I try them. I'll want to know exactly what I am eating/ swallowing, especially when it is made from algae! That's right, the energy bits are made from algae (and they do not smell very good either) but I will give them a try and let you all know what I think.

I'm gonna try to take a few more rest days to see how my legs feel. I heard it's suppose to be colder a few days this week, so I don't mind not getting out there to run and I'm gonna try to stay off the treadmill too. I'm wondering if that may have caused my pain to begin with. Anyway, I think I'll just spend a few more days with the massager!

Have you ever had debilitating pain in your legs? What did you do?
What do you think about Energy Bits?

~M

P.S Don't forget to enter our fabulous Giveaway!

24 comments:

  1. Ah, sorry to hear about the knees, we are twins right now! I'm resting as well, taking a whole week off. I do have to walk a dog today (2 miles) but other than that, just trying to get this worked out before the PHM! I'm pretty sure mine is runners knee, so rest is the best medicine. I laughed out loud at Baylee trying to get the ball! LOL. I had a sample of Energybits sent to me and tried them twice. Sad to say I noticed nothing different or magical about my runs like others have reported??? *shrugs*

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    1. Yikes! I hope your knee pain goes away soon too. Runner's knee is usually contributed to weak quad muscles. You should do some leg strengthening exercises!

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    2. Yep, that's the plan! I wanted to make sure they weren't hurting too much before I start doing that (b/c then my quads will be sore and I'll be putting more strain on the knees) but I am definitely going to be doing some leg cross training.

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  2. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the energy bits. I have to admit I've always been a bit skeptical and never had any major issues with fuel so haven't really considered them. Hope you're feeling better soon! -C

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    1. I don't have issues with fuel either so I often think "if it ain't broken..." Maybe i'll give them to Lacey to try!

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  3. I think what helps me the most when I have pain is to take some rest days. And lots of patience!

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  4. Rest up and feel better! I tried EnergyBits last year and liked them. My advice is swallow about 10 at a time with a bunch of water. They taste just as bad as they smell.

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    1. Oh no! Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to hold my nose like a little kid as I swallow them!

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  5. I'm currently resting up after the WDW half, but am itching to start strength training again. I did go out with a friend last night during the football games to catch American Hustle. It's the only best picture nominee I wanted to see, and I thought it was really good. I hope your legs feel better!

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    1. Thanks Lesley. I'm hoping all I need is a few rest days!

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  6. I had pain a couple months ago in my legs and had to take about 5 or so days off of running and doing lots of foam rolling before I could run pain free again. I tried Energy Bits and I thought they smelled like fish food. They seemed to help, but I don't think I can honestly say that they made a huge difference in my training.

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    1. Haha, Fish food! I am curious to find out how they work!

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  7. I hope your legs are better soon! We runners are terrible with pain ;-)

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  8. Good luck with the legs! I have been using ENERGYbits for some time now and I love them...even became an ambassador just to keep getting them at a good price. Need a discount code? Email me for 30% off if you decide to purchase. I use them before I do morning strength workouts or runs, and also when eating is just not appropriate. Always have some in my bag.

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    1. Thank you for the offer! Glad you are liking the Energy bits! I'll let you know how they work for me!

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  9. I think you are being very smart to take a couple of days off, listening to your body. Generally pain behind the back of the knee is the first sign of a hamstring pull, it starts in the back of the knee and will climb up if it gets worse (I've pulled mine a couple of times). Hopefully, a few days rest will keep whatever is happening at bay and you can get back to normal soon!!!
    I've never tried energy bits, but I hear so much about them. Look forward to hearing what you think about them!

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    1. Thank you for the advice about the Hamstring pull. Because it is the same pain on both sides, I figured it was nothing serious and just soreness. I am hopeful that a few days rest will cure it. Thank you!

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  10. Oh no, feel better. :) I suffered shin splints (very painful) a few years ago and it was super frustrating because when I thought they were better, I'd run and feel even more pain. :S Rest up and maybe try an Epsom salt bath and/or massage.

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    1. Yes, I tried an Epsom Salt bath. Not sure it made a difference though, but then I only did it once.

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  11. I haven't heard of energy bits, they sound a little weird. I have a hard time with things that smell funny (including multivitamins) but I'm curious to know how they work out for you!

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  12. I haven't been taking care of my legs, so stretching and foam rolling is super painful, but it's my own fault. I hope you start feeling better soon!

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  13. Pain, pain, go away!! I hope you feel better soon.

    I've heard a lot of chatter (good things) about the energy bits. I'm curious on your thoughts too! That is quite a bit of reading for them lol

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