Ouch!

Well the 3rd and 4th miles seemed to have gotten warm muscles in the leg and the tenseness from Wednesday appeared to be something of the past. On Sunday, however, it had returned in spades. The first step after standing up was very tenuous and the thought was that the leg might collapse. Sudden movements counterclockwise to my left leg caused the adductor muscle in the groin to grab in spasm. Tried to stretch but could not get what I needed. By Monday, I knew I needed help. I got a massage from a very good therapist and she was able to get into my ITB muscles for a good stretch and finished with a deep massage into my psoas which I now know runs very deep below the surface. Boy did she push!

I did feel better on Tuesday but decided to give it one more day to rest. Thus I have missed 6 hours so far during the week. On Wednesday, I went to the group run and was still stiff. I started with a fast walk for the first mile and that warmed me enough for a run for the second. I ran the 4/2 pace. I was in a run cycle when I hit the 2 mile mark and turned around to come back. I got one more walk cycle and into the next run cycle when things started to get tired and stiff. After my next walk cycle I tried to run and the hip flexers were not going to allow it. I walked back in to the parking lot. I got 4 miles under my feet but it was very disappointing to have the limitations that I have never had before.

Coach Steve advised that an ice bath might help with the inflammation so I tried that. Ran the tub with just cold water. I was in as it filled so I tolerated that okay but then adding 2 ten pound bags of ice made a really sudden drop in the temp. Boy, that was invigorating. Sorta like swimming in the ocean off the Massachusetts coastline.

I gave up the Thursday run for more recovery and continued my stretching. I will do the same today as this is a rest day anyway. Tomorrow is our combined group run with all 3 counties and a pot luck after the run. We are scheduled for 7 miles so I want to be as ready as I can be.

Tonight I have a fund raiser at the Brandon Mall where I will be selling $5 coupons for 10%-20% discounts at Macy's. Hopefully that will bring in some more money. We get to keep all the proceeds and I will be working the table from 5-7 with one other teammate.

That brings us up to date except for a big thank you to Neighbor Jim for his kind donation to the effort. Your involvement brings me closer to my goal.

Go Team