We’ve heard the saying that “insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.” I’m losing my mind as it is without being able to run, so this week I started trying something new in the hopes of a different reaction from my hamstring.
Trying Something Different
Any optimism about my hamstring you might have gleaned from last week’s post had vanished before I could reply to your comments. My hamstring wasn’t happy with my run—I know I did too much too soon—and then I overdid it with another workout that didn’t bother my hamstring at all, but did aggravate another muscle in that same leg—Argh!
I’ve shared that I don’t feel my hamstring at all when I ride. That’s not the case when I run, but my PT and my orthopedist both said it’s OK to run as long as the pain isn’t acute. That’s what I’ve been doing, but I’m getting tired of the constant aching. I don’t want to ride everyday, but I do have another piece of equipment between my bike and my tread—a hardy Precor elliptical.
I dusted it off and plugged it in, and was pleased when I didn’t feel my hamstring at all using it. So, I’m trying something different and using it with short Peloton tread classes. Honestly, it’s fine, but it’s hard not to look longingly at my tread when I’m on it. 😉
When I told my orthopedist about the roller coaster ride my hamstring took me on, she said she wasn’t pessimistic about my possible outcome. She explained that my experience is normal, and it can take 6-8 weeks to see the full effect. I have one more shockwave treatment next week, and then will have to wait and see after that. 🤞
Weekly Wrap
After that run with Scooby last weekend, I cut way back on lower body workouts—or so I thought. I kept up with the Breakthrough Crew’s Jacked January Challenge that keeps me focused on upper body strength workouts.
I ended the week on the verge of my 500th Peloton ride, so I might take Cliff’s live class today for that milestone.
I appreciated this warning!
Sunday: I tried a variety of different classes from instructors I don’t usually pick. I had never taken a class with Benny because he mostly teaches in German, He taught this one in English, and said he had just learned “jelly jar”—is it so different in German?
Monday: I had to work (at home) but still took advantage of the holiday and got in a long workout. I think Tunde’s class is the one that did me in. I did a lot of sumo squats that don’t recruit my hamstring, but whatever muscle they did recruit complained later.
Tuesday: Our first snow day in two years! It was in the teens, so I let Scooby romp in the back yard instead of taking him for a walk. I took Hannah’s hip hop run on my elliptical, hoping the playlist would make it more fun.
Wednesday: Since my leg was bothering me and my arms needed a day off, I kept my workout short and easy. Andy’s bodyweight class has a lot of balance and PT-style exercises I should do more regularly.
Thursday: I am in a Peloton app testing group and was asked to provide feedback on yoga and meditation classes. I chose a core-focused yoga class that moved much more quickly than I’m used to, but otherwise I liked the moves. I did some PT exercises while I listened to the meditations—true meditating is just not for me!.
Friday: Another snow day! It was in the low 30s when I got up, so I bundled up and took Scooby out. I braved Hannah Corbin’s new barre class—a new glute-activating favorite!—and took Jess’s tread class on the elliptical.
Saturday: The temperatures plummeted back to the teens, so no morning walk. I took Mariana’s run on the tread, but kept my running intervals short and easy. I’ll let you know how my hamstring reacts.
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
Do you have fitness equipment you haven’t used in a while?
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Ha, yes, “jelly jar” is “Marmeladenglas” in German (all jam is called marmalade for some reason). Come to think of it, “jelly jar” is a very cool word.
Yay for the elliptical! I think that is a great idea, Coco! Stay away from running just for a week or two and let the shockwave therapy do its magic. You will be back in no time!
Thanks! I knew you’d have insight on jell jar. 😉
I also have a nice elliptical that I don’t use anymore. However, it’s a great piece of equipment to use for cardio and does mimic the moves of running more than a bike. Injuries take more time than we would like to heal but sounds like you are on the right road to get there
Yeah, after a long day of sitting, sitting on the bike isn’t that appealing!
It’s good to hear that your hamstring doesn’t hurt during or after using the elliptical. I hope your ortho is correct and it’s just a matter of time before you feel the results of the shockwave therapy.
Me too!
I have been using my elliptical a bit lately! Without a dog for me to walk I don’t have a reason to get outside and walk so it’s elliptical and Netflix for me 🙂
I hope your hammies are happy with this past week’s efforts.
What a long journey you’re having with your hamstring but it’s good that you have support and that your ortho is positive about it. It sounds great with another training option! Although I understand you keep looking at the treadmill.
I’m a bit dramatic, I know!
Congrats on #500. Very impressive.
Sorry to hear that you are struggling with your hamstring.
You are way more patient than I am. I just started to run on my ankle… and it’s not worse and mentally I feel better LOL.
Well, considering I’ve been coping with this off and on (and mostly on) since last April, I’m not sure who’s worse!
Injuries can be so frustrating when you love being active! I am well versed in this… unfortunately. I think I also create imbalances in other areas when I am injured. The whole process is just frustrating! I am sorry you are having to deal with this but also impressed with all that you are still doing! You are not the first person I have seen mention that Hannah’s EW&F barre class is a good one! I may have to try that out this week.
It sounds like you are doing all you can to heal your hamstring. It will happen!! But I know sometimes during the process it doesn’t seem like it!
I think the elliptical is a great idea. But I know what you mean- whenever I’m on any other piece of cardio equipment at the gym, i’m looking longingly at the treadmill. I know you’re supposedly able to run through the shockwave treatments (that’s what my guy told me) but if it’s not working for you, it’s smart to try something else. It probably feels like this is never going to heal, but it will. At least this is all happening in the dead of winter- by spring you should be back to running pain-free again.
Thanks. I think their position is that running shouldn’t make the underling problem worse, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make my current level of discomfort worse. Hopefully both will be better soon!
Wonderful that you have the elliptical! I did that a lot when coming back from different injuries including my broken leg. Give that shockwave therapy some times to kick in- I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
It had been a while since I’d been on my stationary bike . . .
I’m glad the PT told you that what you’re experiencing is normal, but I’m sure that it’s not a lot of fun even so.
Having two different cardio machines to go back & forth on is nice. I only have room for my tread & stationary bike, but that’s okay, since I’m actually trying to rest my foot a lot.
Sometimes you have to rest your whole body! I hoep your foot is better soon.
I’m sorry that your hammy got aggravated with your run! I echo what others said–just give it a little more time. The elliptical sounds like a great option.
Congrats on #500!
I’ve gotten back into a regimen of using the elliptical at least once a week (twice last week). I find it’s a great substitute for walking/running, and the cardio is pretty legit as well.
I’m afraid to go too hard on it, but I can at least get my HR up into a cardio zone.
Wouldn’t it be nice if recovery was linear? I’m sorry your hammy is still giving you trouble. Nice to be able to add the elliptical to the mix. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that the next shockwave treatment does the trick.
Good for you for dusting off that elliptical and giving it a go! I seem to use all of my equipment (not the Bosu lately) but I’ve been thinking about getting a step mill. I really enjoyed using it when we had a gym membership.
Look at Scooby! What a good boy! Is there anything he doesn’t like doing?
Ugh, I’m sorry that hamstring is still being finicky. I’m glad you have the elliptical and it’s working, but you have to be so frustrated.
I have zero fitness equipment, unused or otherwise. I don’t know that I owuld use it (hence why I don’t have any).
I’m sorry to hear about your hamstring, but I’m glad to hear that the elliptical may be helping! It was nice to have some snow days even though it kept me cooped up inside. I should have took advantage of the Peloton app – I gotta check out all of your recommendations!