Greetings and happy Monday!
I'm only 5 weeks in, but training is going really well so far. I'm feeling healthy and my long runs are going well - which is such a confidence booster. This isn't my first marathon, so I know I have tough runs ahead of me, as they are an inevitable part of training, but I am enjoying these strong runs while they last.
Besides PR'ing, another goal of mine for this marathon training session is to stay healthy. Obviously, that is a goal we all want to achieve, but I am trying some new things to help me accomplish this goal. First, I am really focusing on cross training and strength training. The other thing I am doing is seeing a chiro for ART (active release technique) therapy. Amber recommended it to me as she did ART to help with some of the tightness in her calves. In my case, I struggle with knee pain caused by patella femoral, and after doing some research, I found that ART can help.
So what is ART? Well, to dumb it down, it's a massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. I had my initial assessment about a month ago and was happy that this chiro came up with the same conclusion as the PT I saw 2 years ago for my knee pain: weak hips and a weak right glute. I won't bore you with the details of it, but long story short, the chiro finds areas of tightness and massages them. It's a pretty intense type of massage - sort of akin to the pain of foam rolling, but times 10, I'd say. It's a 'hurt so good' type of feeling, though, and I noticed a difference right away. Luckily it is covered by insurance and since I met my out of pocket maximum already, I don't even have to pay a co-pay. So that is nice. I saw him a couple of times before my trip and now I will go to him on an as needed basis when I start to feel some tightening/knee pain. The nice thing is that you notice a difference immediately. I am so glad I looked into this type of therapy!
Here is how the training week broke out!
Monday: Hills in the heat, 6.35 miles @ 10:43 pace. This run was VERY difficult as it was 97 and very humid. I was so tired at the end, I could barely talk. Our coaches kept a close eye on us and got us popsicle for after the run, which helps lower your core temperate. This is probably the hardest/worst run of this training cycle.
Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:25 pace. Another hot, humid run.
Wednesday: 7.7 miles on the stationary bike before work.
Thursday: 4 miles @ 9:10 pace. I started running at 5 so was able to beat the heat. I felt great on this run!
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 15 miles @ 9:47 pace. It down poured for much of this run - and there was some thunder and lightening, so it was a bit nerve wracking, but I had a great run despite the elements. The rain actually kept me cool so I did not feel fatigued at the end!
Sunday: 1 hour and 45 minutes of kayaking. It was my first time, and I LOVED it. A friend from run club took me and we had a blast and saw 4 lakes (Cedar, Isles, Calhoun, and Brownie)!! It was a great arm workout and a peaceful way to end a great weekend.
Training tally:
Week 5: 30 miles
Training to Date: 135 miles
Have you have been to a chiropractor or had ART therapy?
18 comments:
ART therapy sounds really interesting and I'm glad it's helping. (And wahoo for the surgery coming back as a helping thing - nice to not have a co-pay!)
I've never gone to a chiropractor but I'm actually thinking of trying acupuncture later this year to help with fertility - people RAVE about it.
Wow it sounds to me like you're totally going to rock this training cycle and marathon! I've never done ART therapy but now I'm intrigued. I did start getting massages while training for my last half and it made a bit difference so I can only imagine what ART therapy can do!
Oooh! That hill work out sounds intense. You can think about how you survived that when you need a mental boost during the marathon.
I had better luck with Graston technique than with ART with my ITB problems in the fall, but the chiro (and some time off to heal) are what got me back in my running shoes!
Hmm, I'd be interested in looking into ART, especially if my insurance would cover it (I always assumed it wouldn't so thats why I didn't look into it when Amber did it). I've been foam rolling like crazy this summer so hopefully that is keeping my knee in check. Glad you are having a great start to marathon training!
Wow, I am impressed! The heat and humidity have been awful and I know it has to be grueling out there! Glad the ART therapy helps and that you don't have to make payments! Sweet!
I love kayaking...sounds like another great week of training!
I love kayaking! I think that is one of the best ways to cross train; you get to work out your arms and back, PLUS it's beautiful and on the water! I have been looking into buying one but, phew they are expensive. I am hoping to find a good deal on Craigslist!
Great week of training! I can't believe you are already up to 15 miles! I feel for you regarding the heat though; I think I seriously run about a minute per mile slower when it's hot. It just zaps my energy! Funny you mention Popsicle; I bought a mold and have been making my own and they are delicious! Such a great way to cool down.
ART therapy sounds intriguing! I know my #1 problem with running is that I don't stretch enough so I bought a foam roller & I'm hoping that will help my issues. Hopefully, it will help you stay loose & injury free this training cycle.
I looked into ART once and never pursued it. Very interesting stuff.
Getting the 15 miler in already? You're going for some serious mileage this cycle. Good call! Sounds like it's going really well.
ART - very interesting. I have had some ongoing pain in my foot and my massage therapist recommended I speak with the chiropractor about it. I'm totally intrigued with ART, so now I'm going to see whether he offers that sort of treatment ... anything to be rid of this pain!
Love love Loooove ART. I am going again tomorrow!
So glad that ART is working for you, it's seriously been a godsend for me! Glad training is going so well for you :)
I had been going to a chiropractor this spring to try to help with the hip, but I stopped because it just felt like he was hurting me (during and after). I'm wondering if maybe it was just this particular chiropractor or it just wasn't good for my particular injury?
Glad it's working for you though!
we always talk about kayaking and still haven't. which is just absurd since we both grew up on water and most of our families own kayaks.
Lisa, catching up with your blog after seeing you yesterday! I am such a bad blogger and reader of late! I will catch up. :-)
Glad you are taking extra time to take care of your body! It is so important, for injuries are torture!!
ART therapy sounds awesome. I love deep tissue massage. Only have had it once, but it was awesome. Love chiropractors too. You are so fortunate that your insurance covers that!
That is so cool you got to kayak yesterday. Such a fun sport. Wish we had water here, so I could do it!
Yay Lisa!!! For both your training AND passing the CFA part II!!! I was going to run saturday but we were moving that day and I woke up late and then it started storming...ugh. I ran Sunday instead and did 12 and felt pretty good. Hills still kill me at the end of my run.
I have been to a chiropractor and I was really impressed with the results.
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