Don’t get me wrong, I’m still in the process of rehabbing my hamstring, but after a set-back scare a week ago, it was thrilling to leap-frog ahead on the road to recovery this week. I even experienced the incredible lightness of being pain-free from time to time.
View from Thursday’s run
The Incredible Lightness Of Being Pain Free
Anyone who’s rehabbed a running injury knows the frustrating feeling of wondering if you will ever run pain-free again. I’ve been living with a constant nagging pinching/pulling tightness in my left hamstring for months. Usually it sits at a level 3–it’s there, but I can push it out of my mind—but this week I noticed times when it wasn’t there. I didn’t feel anything at all. You don’t realize how much chronic pain has been weighing on you until it’s gone—and then you feel so much lighter without it dragging you down. When I noticed I was walking, sitting, reaching, bending, stretching without feeling anything in my hamstring, I felt like I was floating. I didn’t include running in that list, but I know that day will come—hopefully soon!
Weekly Run Down
Aside from the excitement of knowing I really am getting better, my week was pretty routine. I am trying to hold back to keep making progress without risking another set back. Another thing I noticed this week—I am getting better at those darn Copenhagen planks!
Sunday: Core + PT exercises + 4.3 Tread Miles
My PT wants me doing run/walk intervals, so I am dipping into the Walk + Run classes on the Peloton app. Jess had a new Jock Jams themed class, and it was such a fun playlist!
Monday: PT exercises + Core + UB Strength + 3.15 Tread Miles
We didn’t have Monday off, but since I was working at home I had plenty of time for a long workout. I’ve been enjoying Jess King’s classes lately—she does a lot of EDM classes, which I don’t particularly like, so I check the playlists first.
Tuesday: Corepower Yoga
Wednesday: Core + PT exercises + Upper Body Strength + 40 min Peloton Ride
I did my PT exercises at home, and then headed to my office gym. I did a short upper body class and then hopped on the Peloton bike. I cut it close adding a 10 min Lanebreak ride and 5 min stretch, but made it to my desk at 7:55 for my 8:00 am conference call. Phew.
Thursday: PT + Core + 4.5 Miles
I did my PT exercises at home, and then did a 4.5 mile run from my office. It was still dark when I started running, but not for long.
Friday: Core + LB + UB Strength + 20 min Peloton Ride
I took a break from most of my PT exercises and took some Peloton strength classes, although Rebecca’s class had a lot of PT-like moves.
Saturday: PT exercises + Core + 4.5 Tread miles
I was hoping to take Scooby out for a run, but the weather had other ideas. ☔️ Logan programmed short walk breaks in this 45 min run, but I stuck to a 4:1 pattern on my own. I do love a good rock playlist for a longer treadmill run.
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
Do you notice being pain-free after an injury?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I’m so glad you are running pain free! And love your title, lol–that was a good book. I do love when I have a pain free, feeling light on my feet kind of run. It’s less often than it used to be. The cooler weather definitely helps!
I’m still waiting on a completely pain-free run, but now I have hope that day will come!
That getting to your desk at 7:55 is some impressive speed work!
and yes. yes:
“You don’t realize how much chronic pain has been weighing on you until it’s gone”
When Ihad my first ITB issue it was like an “oh shit” when it finally lifted even though it was my first true running pain. I treasure the days it’s on mute.
I had a sharp eye on the clock!
That constant nagging really does weigh on you, even if you get used to it.
I am so glad you are running pain free again. Hoping I can follow in your literal footsteps soon and return myself. This is the best weather for running!
Hooray! This is very good news- all those PT exercises really do pay off. It’s funny because I had a hamstring injury years ago- it sounds similar to yours. It was right at the top near my butt, and seemed to last forever. But I still remember the day I bent down to pick something up and felt… nothing! After months of living with that nagging pain, it was an exciting moment. Glad you are on the mend!!!
Yes! Exactly!
Being pan free is always a good feeling — I’m glad that you’re feeling it and hope that it continues!
I really love your photos from around the Mall.
Pain-free feeling is the best.
It is shocking after an injury when you realize that it longer hurts and you hope that it’s not a fluke and that you are really healed.
Fingers crossed for more running.
So true about the lightness! You get so used to the slight nagging pain. That’s great you are getting some pain free time – and I hope it continues!!
Beautiful sunrise pic!
I SO MUCH appreciate the pain-free running (or anything, for that matter) also! The thing is, I get so used to those nagging discomforts, that I don’t notice when they stop, until all of a sudden I realize that things are feeling good again. Today’s 13.1 was a classic example of that…it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had a race that felt so good from the start line! I’m glad you’re feeling better, Coco 😉
I’m so glad for you that you’re pain free most of the time! That’s truly an incredible feeling. It’s like something that’s been shouting 24/7 finally goes quiet. I hope your running will soon be pain free too.
Nice job, Coco! Your diligence with your PT exercises is impressive and it’s paying off!
Sometimes I get up from sitting (too) long at the desk and I expect my Achilles to act up… but there’s nothing. It’s such a fabulous feeling!
oh gosh yes, the lightness of being pain free! I hate those tentative runs when you are so hopeful the pain is not going to pop up…when I was dealing with the outer knee/IT pain I didn’t realize how much I just expected it until it was gone.
I’m glad you seem to be on the other side of it!
I know the feeling of being pain-free after injury, but I don’t think I’ll ever experience that again. I’ve been in pain for three years and it’s just become part of my life and running experience. It’s not terrible, but it’s there, and it stinks.
I’m so happy that you are finding your way out of it!
Makes me happy to hear that you’re experiencing some pain-free running! I hope it continues for you!!