As you may remember, I took the entire month of March off from running in hopes that I could help heal whatever knee/leg problems that have been bothering me during January and February. I have to say that even though I hadn't been running, I was feeling completely exhausted all month.At first I thought the exhaustion from the Goofy Challenge and the Glass Slipper Challenge (plus the 5K) was catching up with me. But then I realized a few other factors that may have contributed to my exhaustion.
Not running may have been one of them. Ya know how when you are less active, you are more tired? I think not being as active as I should have was one of my problems. Sure I did all my stretches that I should have, but I can't say they really got my heart rate up. Another Factor that has contributed to my exhaustion lately has been my husband's dog. He's getting older, has a hard time getting around, and doesn't sleep through the night. Every night like clockwork he wakes me up at 3 am (or there abouts). I've also noticed that I haven't exactly been eating that healthy. Scott travels during the week so I am usually left on my own for dinners. I hate to cook meals just for one person so I end up eating stuff like rice cakes, cheese and crackers, or nothing at all.
But now I'm trying to make a change for April. Even with taking the month of March off, I knew that I wanted to start running again in April. Since yesterday was April 1st, I kept my word and did a little run. I am certainly not healed. I have decided that I will make an appointment to go back to Physical Therapy. Yes, I should have thought about that a month ago, but I really did think that I could just do all the stretches that I previously learned at PT, at home, for free. The good news is that I am having less pain in my IT band but now more pain in the knee area. Almost like Runners Knee. As far as the nutrition factor, I bought multivitamins and even went out and bought myself a meal last night, instead of just snacking on things I had around the house. Now, about that dog. I'm starting to give him Melatonin. It's okay, I asked the vet. I'm hoping for some restful nights in my future and to really feel rejuvenated this month.
What will you be doing differently this month? -M
Hope your knee continues to heal! I know it must be frustrating to not have the problem go away on its own. Hopefully, with a little extra help you'll be back to normal!
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel more tired when i don't work out at all. I did a week of no cardio at all and I felt awful. Thats what prompted me to start swimming. I hope that you can find someone to help with your knee! I have found that sometimes its worth switching providers if you're not seeing results.
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I hope you are feeling better and the PT is able to help you find some answers.
ReplyDeleteIn April, I plan to be more consistent with my cross training. It's something I ignore far too much.
I hope your knee improves! I will be getting back to a more regular running schedule in April. I wish I was a better sleeper!
ReplyDeleteConsistency makes you stronger. When I started Dopey training, I started running 6 days/week and I felt way more energized after long runs than when I had been running only 3 days/week. Hope your knee feels better!
ReplyDeleteThat week in Florida really messed up my diet! I know it's ok, but I'm working to get back on track. Nothing new otherwise. Still training for another half in 4 weeks. I sure hope you figure out the knee issue. Hang in there! I'll be taking a couple weeks off in May...
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the dog thing. My dogs turn 15 this month and one of them gets up repeatedly overnight. It's like having a newborn except this phase has gone on almost a year. Sorry your injury is still nagging. Frustrating.
ReplyDeleteOur dog is 15 as well. it is very hard and I agree it is like having an infant!
DeleteMy goal for my change in April will to try and get out on the bike now that the weather is warmer. While I'll still run, I have nothing longer then a 10k on my calendar this month. I'm excited to get out on the bike and put some miles on it.
ReplyDelete@heatherlas
I'm starting today off my going to my chiropractor. As I'm running more, I want to make sure my spine and hips are in alignment and my legs feel good. I haven't been since November (oops!).
ReplyDeletePoor old doggies. My Bruno wakes us up like clock work too - mainly because he can't jump off the bed & then we get him off, he goes out potty & then he wakes us up to be put back ON the bed. Spoiled dogs :)
ReplyDeleteGlad your knee is doing better. You're so smart taking the time off!
Oh, this particular dog doesn't even come upstairs with us anymore. That may be half the reason he barks so much!
DeleteHope the knee improves with PT visits Meranda. It is tough to be injured and miss out on something you love to do. As for the poor dog, it happens to humans too, the need to get up during the night!
ReplyDeletePossibly to depending on how far you ran. You may need to break back into it, even more gradual, even maybe just running like a lap on a track one day, wait a day see how things feel try it again... Then the 2nd week try adding a lap and a half every other day or 2 laps...
ReplyDeleteWhen I had to take a long time off, granted it was a year. But the PT and Specialist made me get back into it annoyingly gradual, so that the muscles could slowly build and the work injury wouldn't feel large amounts of stress as the muscles re-built around it.
But I think its a good idea to go back, you can tell them what you did, and how far and they can advise you on what to do going forward.
I really need to take your lead, I have not been eating the best. I have been better, but I am still struggling letting go of my Pepsi, although I have dropped to one a day, I'd really like to get to just 1 a week, LOL
I definitely will be taking things slow!
DeleteI often just do the exercises I learn at PT and rest. So don't beat yourself up for that! Copays can get expensive and I know sometimes PT can be frustrating because they have you do the same stuff there you could do at home. But of course I'm not trying to knock PT completely because they can give you some really good info and exercises/stretches to do. Just wanted you to know I definitely understand trying to rehab things on your own. :)
ReplyDeleteI really thought I could just do the same exercises at home ya know? I just don't see the progress I was hoping for though. I'm not excited about going to PT but it might be worth a few sessions.
DeleteIt sounds like this month has been a bit of a struggle for you...I really hope you can slowly get back into running and your knee issues have subsided for the most part. Keep taking care of yourself! Thinking of anyone skipping dinner makes me want to cry ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't think my knee problems are gone but I'm hoping it isn't as serious anymore.
DeleteI hope things get better with both you and your dog soon! Be sure to keep giving yourself rest if you still need it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer!
DeleteI see a sports med chiro who practices ART and he has been live saving. You may want to look into that.
ReplyDeleteThat has been suggested to me before from other runners and I would LOVE to see a dr that does ART. There isn't any in my area though.
DeleteUgh, I'm so sorry that your knee is still giving you trouble! I really had a lot of success with my hip problem last year from going to the chiropractor, but it's so hard to find just the right one. It is so easy to slip into skipping meals when your family is out of town, so great job recognizing that! I hope the melatonin works for the pup! :)
ReplyDeletei agree-i definitely feel more tired too when I don't work out! I just got over being sick and the laying around doing nothing had me so tired and my old injuries were starting to flare up! Ive been working on core strength this week and trying to come up with a routine that I can do daily to strengthen my core and hips and hopefully everything else will fall into place!
ReplyDeleteI hope your rest pays off, and you see improvements on your knee. Listen to your body as you ease back into running, and if it says to take a few extra days off, do it!
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