So can I run yet?

Very sadly, that would be a NO. The ortho told me last week that I could run as long as I don't have "sharp" pain. So being the diligent patient that I am, I wrote out a little training plan for myself with a gradual run/walk progression that would have me run/walking a whopping 7 miles total this week. And I've been doing the stretches my dr gave me in addition to some light core and upper body work.

Monday I walked 2 minutes and ran (12 m/m pace) 5 minutes for 1 mile.
Tuesday I biked 7 miles (6m/m)
Wednesday I walked/ran (2:5) for 2 miles (again 12 m/m pace)

and Thursday my leg hurt like crazy and I was limping like a peg-legged pirate again.

On both of my runs, my leg hurt - and I say leg because I have pain in my hip flexor, my thigh and my buttular region now - but not what I would call a sharp pain. After a couple of minutes it seemed to calm down a bit and the pain was there but definitely bearable.

I've been chatting online with a licensed massage therapist and he pegged my problem as my TFL and one of my glutes. When I told him my ortho diagnosed me with ITBS, he said that makes sense since the IT band is anchored by the TFL and the gluteus medius. I guess I'm comforted by the fact that I'm not a medical oddity and my pain makes sense.

So now what??? I'm glad you asked. 

~ I have reserved a book on Chi Running from the library and am waiting for it to come in. I just finished Born to Run and while I'm not completely ready to toss my shoes in the trash, I'm definitely open to considering barefoot/minimalist running....because really, I just wanna run and if I needed to be naked to be pain free then so be it - though the neighbors might complain.

~ I am calling my ortho today to get physical therapy pre-approved on my insurance so I can get that started. Since I have a trio of issues, I need/want a professional to walk me through the stretching and strengthening I need to do. ***> PT appt scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. happiness

~ This shoe store has gait analysis and injury clinics twice a week. I was hoping to go last night but we got home a little late from our field trip. So I'll go next week. ***> They aren't having their Thurs night clinic so they can prepare for their Friday night seminar so I'm going to the Tuesday morning clinic. more happiness

~ Additionally, the same store is sponsoring a natural running seminar next Friday, and I'll try not to be too geeky by arriving several hours early to score a front row seat, but I will be there with pencil and paper!

I have to remind myself - so I apologize if you're tired of hearing it - that my objective is to be a crusty 80 year old woman jogging her happy butt down the road each morning so 'pushing through the pain' isn't the wise thing to do. I obviously have some biomechanical issues that need to be sorted out and I'd rather do it now than end up a former runner due to injury.

I'm so not technical, and it took me a ridiculous amount of time to create this sad little photo so enjoy and laugh!

And that's what's happening on the not running front here. I hope you're enjoying a much more productive week than I! And I hope I have better news to share sooner rather than later.

Not to end on a total downer, I'm so very grateful that I have a trainer for my bike because I can't imagine riding in the insanely cold and windy weather we've been having. :-D