Hello April!

It would be an understatement to say that March was a crazy month for me – it came in like a lion and pretty much stayed that way. So this week I was more than ready to turn the page and say “hello April!” I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down – here’s a quick look at my week in fitness.

Week 14 – Ready to Turn the Page

Monday — 20 minutes run/walk intervals
Tuesday — Long cummute and day in office = rest day
Wednesday — Lower Body Strength & Core
Thursday — Upper Body Strength & Core
Friday — 20 minutes run/walk intervals & Yoga
Saturday — Full Body Strength
Sunday — 3.2 mile walk & college re-visit day (And too much time in a car!)

If you caught my March Runfessions then you know that I have been feeling pretty down about my cortisone shot – I’ve just not been feeling the relief I had so hoped for. So on Wednesday I had my 3 week follow-up with my sport doc. My hip range of motion (without pain) seems to have improved, but the pain radiating down my leg is still making running extremely difficult. Gluteal tendinopathy could be the cause so my doc has ordered another MRI to get a better look at my hip/pelvis since the last MRI I had done focused more on my right femur (the original pain point).

In the meantime, I’m to focus on a range of PT exercises along with cycling, walking and run/walk intervals. Basically, I’m going to keep moving and doing what I can – movement is medicine!

How was your March? What do you have planned for April?

“It will come” – that was my mantra during today’s run/walk intervals. A gentle reminder that this return to running will be slower than I want (a lot slower!), but eventually I will get there. Where is “there” you ask? I’d love to get back to 5 mile runs – 5 miles has often been a sweet spot for me so that seems as good a “there” as any.

In the meantime, week 10 was another week of doing what I can — strength training, hip mobility work & my PT exercises, some time on the Peloton bike, a little yoga, and lots of walking. I had hit the pause button again on my run attempts because my hip/quad had turned especially cranky about a week ago. Things have been feeling better the past few days so I decided to join my son at the track this morning as he’s gearing up for Lacrosse season. 30 minutes of run/walk intervals completed!

My sports ortho and I have agreed to try a cortisone shot so I have that scheduled for Wednesday morning. Fingers crossed!

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

How was your week? Have you ever had a long break from running?

Grounded – that’s how I saw a runner on Instagram describe being injured. And that sadly resonated with me because I too am injured.

My last few runs have not felt good…in fact, anything beyond 3 miles has been difficult and my quad has started to be cranky all the time whether I’m running, walking, sitting….you get the idea. My last run was early Wednesday morning – I saw my doc later that day and she grounded me. No running until we can confirm what’s going on (a partial tear is suspected) – so with just 2 weeks until race day, running the TC 10 Miler is off the table and I’m waiting on an MRI.

Sigh.

I had myself a good old pity party! But, I’m not one to wallow. So I’ll focus on what I can do and hope that I can be back out on the road soon. Fall running is my favorite and I don’t want to miss out! Wish me luck!

I linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

How do you pass the time when you’re injured?

My mini run break is over so this week was about easing back into running.

Weekly Run Down – Week 33

Monday — 3.4-mile run, Lower Body Strength, Core, and Stretch. It was a glorious 62 degrees when I headed out for my morning run! While there were still some niggles, overall the hip area felt pretty good – throw in a great playlist thanks to Matty’s Aretha Franklin run and I was a pretty happy camper! I was pressed for time due to an early work start so I did my strength workout and stretch later in the day. Today’s core kicked off Week 3 of Matty’s Summer Crush core challenge.

Tuesday — Strength for Runners, Core, 30 min. Aretha Franklin ride plus cool down, and Stretch. After Monday’s Aretha run, it was a given that the ride would be next – I mean can you ever really have enough Aretha Franklin music?! And, I earned a new ride PR!

Wednesday — Unplanned rest day. I slept terribly the night before (no real reason), so an early workout was out of the question. I had planned to work out after work, but when the opportunity to catch up with an old friend came up I took a pass on the workout.

Thursday — 30 min. Low Impact Ride, Core, and Stretch. This class was a reminder that I really need to check out more of Sam’s classes! He always has such a great playlist – this time it was a mix of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and the like. There were a series of long climbs so it was nice to challenge my legs differently.

Friday — 1-mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Saturday — 5-mile run and hip mobility work. With 96% humidity, I’m not sure if this should be called a run or a swim!

Sunday — Henri has arrived as a tropical storm so it will a wet and windy ride here today. Right now I’m all about my coffee, but there will be a Ride or Bike Bootcamp later.

I’m happy to say that my hip pain was non-existent during my runs, even on hills! It can still get pretty cranky at times, especially if I sit for too long. I went for an x-ray on Friday, which just re-confirmed that there is some arthritis but no other issues. So, now it’s just the wait to get in to see the sports doc and see what my options are. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my runs short and easy.

In case you missed it:

Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening Your Core

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!

I wish there was a “hooray” at the end of that title, but sadly no. Just when I thought I might have this cranky right hip under control, it let me know that it was in no mood to play nice (especially if there are hills involved). Sigh…

Nonetheless, there was fitness to be had…here’s how my workouts played out.

Weekly Run Down – Week 31

Monday — Lower Body Strength, Core, and Hip Stretch. I kicked off Matty’s Summer Crunch Core Challenge along with Kim, Coco, Cari, and Deborah – always nice to work out with friends!

Tuesday — Low Impact Ride, Full-Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Wednesday –– 4-mile birthday run and Core.

Hello 55!

Thursday — Bike Bootcamp (live class), Core, and Stretch. This was only my second bootcamp class and the first time I tried 45 mins. Not gonna lie this class was challenging, but it was fun to get a high five from Kim at the start. I definitely needed some extra recovery time on the mat!

Friday — Yoga and Core.

Saturday — 4 miles, Core, and Stretch. My plan called for 6 miles, but my hip wanted no part of it. Throw in some oh-so steamy weather and I just didn’t see any point in pushing it.

A beautiful view to distract me from my cranky hip

Sunday — 10K Scenic Ride, Core, and Stretch. Initially, I had thought about trying a short run, but given the way my hip was feeling I was pretty sure it would tolerate the pounding. Thankfully, time on the Peloton bike doesn’t seem to bother my hip, so I decided to mix things up a bit and tried one of the scenic rides. I did the 10K Aguirre Spring (New Mexico) ride – the scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed the playlist.

On Monday, I saw my doctor, who happens to be a runner too 🙂 She’s put in a referral with a sports doc, so I’m just waiting to get the appointment set up. In the meantime, for the week ahead, there will be PT exercises and lots of stretching. As for running, I’ll take it a day at a time but may consider sticking to the bike only.

Tell me something about your week.

In case you missed it:

Five things over August Coffee

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.