If “hamstring helloween” sounds dramatic, it is. If it sounds too dramatic, you obviously haven’t experienced the trauma of being an injured runner. The incredible lightness of having a pain-free hamstring was short-lived. Now I am back in the abyss of wondering if it will ever @$(%*&^ be better.
Hamstring Helloween
As I runfessed, my physical therapist cut me loose for a few weeks because of the progress I’ve been making. But she did so with a warning that I likely would experience the pain coming and going, and advised me to adjust my PT exercises and activities accordingly. It’s a frustrating process when I just want to get better. Adding to the frustration is not knowing what aggravates it.
- Is it the harder PT exercises—where feeling the strain is part of the point?
- The limited running I’ve been doing—since I do feel it nagging a bit?
- The cycling—even though it is completely silent while I’m riding?
- Sitting at my computer for hours at a time—I do feel stiff once I get up?
- All of the above?
For now, I am going to dial back all of the above for a few days and see if I can get back to that incredible lightness of being pain-free when I am walking Scooby.
Weekly Run Down
Sharing my weekly workouts after whining about my hamstring is an exercise in honesty! My Corepower Yoga studio was closed for deep cleaning, so I did cardio every day—until my hamstring scared me on Friday and I dialed it way back.
Sunday: PT exercises + 4.75 Scooby Miles + 60 min Strength
I took Scooby on another 4:1 run/walk—he’s still confused by the walking breaks. Later in the morning I took Andy’s 60 min strength class for my 2300th!
I didn’t really need the long sleeves …
I didn’t get a shout-out but I enjoyed the class.
Monday: PT + Core + 30 min Peloton Ride + 20 min Upper Body Strength
I did my PT exercises and a core class at home, and then headed to my office gym. When I got there @ 6:30 the trainer was working with a client in the free weights area, so I hopped on the bike first, and did my upper body class afterwards.
Tuesday: PT + Core + 3.25 Tread miles
I added my own walking breaks to Jess King’s Halloween Run. She was dressed in a nautical outfit and narrated the class as a run to catch the ferry—fun!
Wednesday: PT + Core + 15 min Upper Body Strength + 30 min Peloton Ride
Another day splitting my workout between home and the office gym.
Matt Wilper’s dressed up as Olivia!
Thursday: PT exercises + Core + 3.25 Tread miles
Friday: Core + ~5 Chicago Lakefront Miles
I had a quick trip to Chicago and had to get in a run (+walk) along the Lakefront trail. It was freakishly warm—in the mid 60s at 6 am—but the breeze made it pleasant. I waited as late as I could to head out, but it was too dark for photos during most of my run.
Lake Michigan — Chicago Riverwalk
I admittedly did not follow a 4:1 pattern, although I did take a 1 min walk break every 6-7 minutes. My hamstring was nagging a bit during my run, but what concerned me was the lingering and escalating nagging I experienced afterward. ~sigh~
Saturday: PT + Core + Barre + ALW
After a lot of introspection on my flight home, I committed to keeping things light for a few days—reverting to my original set of PT exercises (mostly isometrics) and not running or riding.
As usual, I spent half of this 45 min walk class walking Scooby
and the other half doign my PT exerices
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
What’s your least favorite Halloween candy?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I’m so sorry to hear that your hamstring is being a jerk! It looks like you still got some nice runs in. I wish I could join you on one of your Chicago trips for a run–it’s tough to get into the city in the morning, tho!
Not a fan of candy corn. Not at all.
I know, my trips to Chicago are usually quick and jam-packed. Maybe one day I could plan for a weekend stay.
I hate this. How frustrating.
I doubt you can do nothing and see if it heals.
If you run, is it getting worse?
I guess I gave no advice.
Fingers crossed that something works.
Yeah, I almost didn’t post, but I felt being honest was important (to myself).
Arg. Hamstrings can be so tricky. Is it way up high, near your butt? That area just doesn’t get a lot of blood flow so it takes a while to heal. Anyway, it’s frustrating. I’m glad you got your Chicago run in- it looks beautiful.
Hmm, least favorite Halloween candy? Well, when I was a kid I ate anything with sugar, even the things I didn’t really like. But I always thought skittles had a really weird taste, and like most people, I think candy corn tastes kind of like wax. On a podcast I recently listened to, they tasted and rated a bunch of Halloween candy, and they put Whoppers and Milk Duds way down by the bottom- but I always liked those!
Yes, it’s a high hamstring issue. ~sigh~
I don’t like Whoppers or Milk Duds — that malted flavor isn’t my favorite.
OMG, that Matt Wilpers ride! I’m gonna find that and schedule it 😉 Hilarious!!!! Ugh, so sorry for all the Helloween issues with the hammy. I know, first hand (unfortunately) just how frustrating those hammies can be, and how stubborn. I hope things feel better soon <3
I feel you!!
I’m starting to think that my Achilles injury was easier because there was no guessing game.
I think you are safe with cycling. Maybe interrupt long sitting sessions with a stretch every 45 minutes or so?
I’m sure you are doing the right thing by reducing the running for a few days!
I need to focus on my work habits. We even have standing desks and I’ve never used mine to stand!
I feel you on the injuries. It is so frustrating when you think you are doing everything “right” and then ouch. I am also wondering if the PT exercises are helping or making it worse. At least you can still run. Hope we both figure it out soon
I can still run—but should I? I am going to bench myself for a few days at least!
Happy 2300!
Boo on the hamstring. I think the sitting does us no favors even if it officially doesn’t make it worse.
Oh no, I’m so sorry about your increased pain! I agree with what others have said… use your standing work desk.. sitting is a curse. I hope taking a rest from running, and keeping those PT exercises, will help. How frustrating.
I think it was just the right amount of dramatic.
I wish the hamstring would give you a break, and I hate all the nagging around it. That’s just awful and I hope it gives you some peace, soon.
As always, tell Scooby I said hi.
My husband has dealt with high hamstring issues…I have seen how frustrating it can be and I’m sorry you’re dealing with it. He did just run Dublin in 3:13 pain free…he took two weeks off entirely when it was at its worst (mid July, when we were in the U.S.) and continued with PT /exercises and didn’t really add any speed back for a long time. That was his most recent experience and I know everyone is different! My running friend Katy here has been doing shockwave therapy on hers and said its helping. I hope you figure out the best path back to pain free running!