The Second Wind Group - CLOSED (Page 3)

In my journey to my first half marathon I have a few questions for the running gurus:

1.  I understand what conversational pace means but since I run alone how do I know that I am accomplishing it?  I can tell you that 95% of my runs are done with nose breathing only.

2.  What does ITBS feel like?  In the last few weeks I have developed a mild burning pain in my  right hip.  The pain centers right at the joint.  Honestly it is not so bad that I can't train or function, but I know it is there. 

3.  There is an awlful hill on my HM course that is brutal.  I have run/walked it a few times and feel confident that once I get passed it (miles 3-5) I will be OK.  Should I continue to try to train on it or just train for my mileage elsewhere?

Have a great day

Court

I have not read that book.  I would be interested to hear if anyone else has. 

Court, I guess you could always try and talk to yourself.  I know what you mean.  It is the same for me as I am running alone on my training runs too.  An idea for you is if you run with music, you can always say the words to the songs as if you are carrying on a conversation.  That would be a way to simulate conversing with someone else. 

I will defer to others in the group that may be able to describe ITBS. 

Hill work is always good to add into your training plan.  By the time your HM arrives, you will be able to conquer that hill.  I would say to continue some of your hill work on that specific hill and also on other hills for a change in terrain.

Court,

ITBS pain is a little different for everyone but most commonly I have had and seen others have pain that originates in the hip area and wraps around the outer leg toward the inside of the knee. 

One of the best things I have found to help work through ITBS is using s tennis ball under the hip and rolling around on it.  Another good option is the foam roller but for me that didn't seem to get in deep enough so I mainly focused on the ball.

My Dr. (who is a runner) told me that I was fine to train with it if I could but to work the roller or the tennis ball after runs.  I know many Dr."s have different opinions so you may want to ask yours if it gets worse.

Good luck.

Court,

Not sure where exactly your pain radiates to, but I definitely second Scott's opinion on the Tennis Ball. It does work wonders, so does the foam roller if you can get to the spots.

If it's along the leg a good old broomstick (old gymnastics trick, works wonders on shin splints as well) or a fancy version like "The Stick" (http://www.thestick.com) will let you roll out any knots in your legs that might be causing pain.

Also try a 10 minute soak in Epsom Salt.

Markus

What they said! The IT band runs from the hip, down the outside of your leg, over the outside of the knee joint and connects to your tibia(hence the name). The most common inflamation is on the outside of the knee where it passes over the bony process of the knee. Think of a rubber band rubbing back and forth as the joint moves. It also manifests itself in the hip, but this is not as common. Stretching and rollers, foam or ball, are great treatments and preventatives. Many people (myself included) have found themselves sidelined by trying to run through the pain. In my case I ran a race i knew I shouldnt have  because of inflammation and ended up not being able to run for about 6 weeks after. Many others are not afflicted so severely and are able to train through it. There is lots and lots of info available online.....Google and take it for what its worth. P.S.....the most common cause of itbs is ramping up miles or pace too quickly.

Dan

Yes, the group is still open.  Glad you have found us.  Feel free to share your story with the group.

Ironman Florida looks like it is a good event to target for 2013.  Your sprint triathlon in April, which one?  Looks like you almost have all of the basics for that first tri.  From what you pointed out, sounds like a tri top and bottom may be all you are missing.  Looks like you have what you need for swimming (goggles and cap), cycling and running.  For what to wear, you can wear a tri top and bottom for all 3 elements of the triathlon.  I found a tri top and bottom on clearance from onetri.com. 

It is good that you are starting in the pool now.  This will give you the time to build a base and get comfortable in the water.  You have plenty of time to be ready.  When I started into cycling last year, I was so new to it.  It took a little time, but the sprint distance was perfect for getting acclimated to racing.  My first sprint was in April last year and the bike portion was 10 miles.  I was so new to cycling that I rode the entire distance with the chain on my small ring.  I never changed it to the large ring.  I had no idea I could.

Good luck in your training and have fun getting back in the pool.

Brrrrr.....11 degrees when I started my run tonight. Was sweating through my hat and it was freezing on the outside. Gotta love Indiana in January. Had a good run nonetheless. Will bike on the trainer tomorrow and we are expecting some snow tomorrow night (havent had much so far this year). That means Saturday is CC ski day!!!! HAppy training all.

Dan

Hello - Is the group still open?

Name - Cam

Story - New to the sport.  Began running last year (never really ran before that) and really enjoyed the sport and the events.  I've played ice hockey for years and running provided a fun outlet during the summer offseason.  I did several events this past year including three 1/2 marathons and a full marathon.  There is something about finishing a race that just makes you want to come back for more.  One of the organizers locally that has put on events that I participated in also coordinates several Triathlons, so it peak my interest.

Family Status:  Married 13.5 yrs with two daughters (8yr & 1.5months)

Current Training:  I'm currently taking a short breather, just finished training for the Run Disney Goofy event Jan 7/8.  Plan to begin training in a couple of weeks.

This Year's Races:  I'm not current signed up for a race yet, but I am eyeing a Sprint Tri at the end of June as my first, with a couple of more to follow this year.  I like the idea of building up to at least a 1/2 iron man, not sure I want to commit to the amount of training necessary for the full iron man.

Looking very much forward to this summer's season.

Cam  

Hello Cam and welcome to the group.  You can now be called Goofy!  Great experience, huh!  I went Goofy in 2010. 

You are right about finishing a race and how you get the bug to want to finish another one.

Look forward to helping you in reaching your goals and finishing your first sprint tri.

I'm planning on taking the bike for a spin later. 77°F at the moment here with a slight breeze. Should be nice....just need to manage to get out of work before it gets dark.

On that note. Do any of you ride your bike in the dark and if yes what extra equipment do you put on to

a) see yourself

b) be seen

Markus

I do ride in the dark, or more accurately finish my rides in the dark some evenings.  It is not usually planned that way but an unavoidable outcome sometimes.  

For equipment I have a clip on LED light for the bars that has a strobe option.  I ride mostly on the river trail away from traffic so I use the light on a steady beam for seeing ahead of me.  When I exit the trail to to head for home I go to the strobe for visibility to cars.  The streets are lit well enough for me to see.  I also have a clip on red LED for the rear under the seat.   Again to be seen.

Bottom line, I try to avoid riding after dark but the items I have are light and easy to use in case I get caught in the dark.