8 Weeks Until the Paris Marathon

8 weeks until the Paris marathon..maybe??

After two 60 mile weeks in a row (and before that, an intense week of snowboarding in Switzerland), I shouldn’t be surprised that my body revolted a bit and an injury popped up. Repetitive or overuse injuries are bound to happen eventually. They are frustrating for sure, but they are also a good reminder that we have to be kind to our bodies- marathon training is a lot! Even though I regularly do pilates, I probably wasn’t doing a lot of the other maintenance things that I should be (sports massage, yoga, stretching…rest.) High mileage isn’t abnormal for me, but I’m getting older not younger…I’m hopeful that I can rehab this injury in time to still safely train for Paris, but worst case scenario, I tag along and cheer for Dustin (and my sister Erin who is also coming overseas to run Paris!)

This week was all about rehabbing while doing what I can to try to maintain a bit of fitness…

Monday: I woke up to a very sore achilles; I am calling it an achilles injury but it isn’t really my achilles, it’s the insertion point on the outside of the ankle; it was quite angry with me. I opted for rest from running; 45 minute strength class at Psycle after work with modifications on the lower body moves.

Tuesday: I had hoped that a rest day the day before had miraculously cured the inflammation, so I went out for a run. I was optimistic that it would loosen up as I ran, but it didn’t. In fact, it only got worse. Surprse surprise. This is a real injury, not just a niggle.

I called off the workout I was meant to do (1km repeats), messaged my coach, and suggested an easy run. He said “only if running isn’t making it worse.” Well, it was too painful for an easy run, so I called that off as well.

I hobbled to the nearest tube station and took the train home. (I think that was the first time that has happened to me- probably won’t be the last, ha!…)

I was able to make a same-day appointment with a physio I had been to before that is close to my office (Laura at Nordic Balance). She diagnosed me with a strained soleus muscle, a calf muscle that connects to the achilles. She did some soft tissue work, some dry needling, gave me a few exercises to do, and told me not to run for a week.

She said I could cycle, walk, swim, do pilates with modifications and strength train with modifications.

Wednesday: Still feeling the pain. I took a Heartcore pilates class after work and just modified any moves that didn’t feel right.

Thursday: 45 minute spin class at Psycle, Heartcore pilates after work. Less pain except when going down stairs. (Going up stairs is fine.)

Friday: Total rest. My coach recommended that I book an appointment with a masseuse he goes to; she was really more of a physio, (Katie Scott.) I walked to her clinic in Primrose Hill for a 60 minute appointment. It was probably one of the BEST most thorough sports massages I have ever had; even after I finish rehabbing this injury, I think I will try to see her every other week or so, because she was intense but so good. She did some dry needling as well. Booked her again for next Friday!

That evening, Dustin and I went to one of my favourite London restaurants, The Barbary. So good.

Saturday: Up early to head to Oxford street for a morning 45 minute spin class at Psycle followed by a 45 minute strength class there. I know that runners have a tendency to overdo it when they are injured and it might seem that way to read that I doubled up on classes. But 45 min of cardio + 45 min of strength doesn’t feel like too much to me on a Saturday when I’m normally running for 2-3 hours!

In the afternoon, we walked with Ruth to the Heath to spectate the National cross country championships. There were races for “juniors” (i.e. high school age) and adults. It was a muddy disaster but so fun to watch!

Sunday: Another 45 minute spin class followed by a gentle yoga class at Psycle.

Though I don’t have a normal gym membership here, I am glad I can just buy class packages at Psycle while I am out of running; they offer yoga, barre. strength. spin, and pilates all in one place.

Summary: No running all week, except for Tuesday’s aborted attempt. 2 pilates classes. 3 spin classes, 1 yoga class, 2 strength classes. Trying to keep up some fitness so I can get back into Paris training when this is healed (another week? more? TBD!)

That’s a wrap! I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner; check out their blogs to connect with other fitness bloggers for workout ideas and inspiration!