Houston marathon, anyone?

I am doing the full as well - funny you mention the IT band, I am in the same boat - my IT band was out of control and I had to cut back training for most of December - I am not sure if you are looking for suggestions, but I did Arrosti treatments along with foam rolling, ice, etc, and it seems to be in better shape. To ramp back up, I simply ran until it gave any sign of hurting and then stopped.  I think the reduction in training/inflammation along with the stretching is key. Good luck.

What is the Arrosti Treatment?  I've never heard of that one.  Foam Rolling and Ice have seemed to work this time, but I would be interested in any altenatives.

Essentially the Dr/Chiro gives a deep tissue like massage at focused points related to the injury.  For example, the Dr used his thumbs to massage the IT band directly at the knee and up through the thigh.  It is decently painful while they do it, but quick - a bit more intense than when you roll and hit the spots that really hurt. My wife went through it for Plantar's and had success so I tried it for the IT band and was happy with it.  My overall impression is it may be similar to rolling but  a bit more intense and, thus, maybe a bit quicker path to relief.  The Dr told me they expected the pain to be gone in two treatments ( 1/week) - mine took about 3-4, but I continued to run through the treatment. Before I went I was to the point where I could not finish runs and had trouble making it back to the car - I had a hard time walking after runs and could not go up or down stairs - so it was pretty bad and I did not think the 3 weeks or so was too bad of a recovery time.

http://www.airrosti.com/index.php

On another note, I heard a bad rumor on the radio, that talk of cancelation is in the air.  Say it ain't so!  Does anyone have any inside track on this?

I will be there, on kid duty! Wifey and her dad are running the half. I ran the half here in 06 or 07 and it was a lot of fun. Great race.

ETA: Good luck to those running and listen to your body. For those with injuries, if it hurts, dial it back a bit. Don't jack yourself up anymore, it's not even tri season yet!

Hey, weather forecast is looking up - current one calls for only a 30% chance of showers Sunday (it was 70% this a.m.).

Thanks to those of you volunteering, cheering, or otherwise supporting the process.  And again, best of luck to everyone running.

I should be wearing a blue "Team Toast" shirt, with matching turquoise blue shoes.  Come say "hi" if you see me.

Cheers,

Eric