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PF from NOT running?

jhpiiijhpiii
in General Training Discussions

 My A race was a HIM in early September. Since then I have run one time (about 4 miles) and swam once. And I have never been so sore. Everything aches- my hips, my groin muscles, and now I think I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot (never had that before). WTF?? Is it possible that my body is going through "detox" from not working out for the 3 weeks? Is this period of rest a good thing or bad thing? Thanks 

Comments

  • jhbinscjhbinsc
    I took a couple weeks off and when I started back I was so horribly sore after running 3 whole miles (at a pathetic pace too!) I thought I was going to die. I got a massage and stretched and finally decided to just run every day until my body accepted it. It took several ice baths and some pre run doses of Tylenol but after a week I feel almost back to normal. I thought I had piriformis syndrome after one 3 mile run and my adductors ACHED. Hang in there as it does get better!
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Just my opinion, but I think extended downtime (more than a week) is bad for you and it gets worse as you get older. Consistency is king and becomes even more important as you age. I'm not saying maintain the same frequency/intensity, but going from 60 to 0 for 2 or 3 weeks is not good IMO. During my running decades one of my annual metrics on consistency was tracking days not run. I never streaked, but for most years I kept it under 10 days off with a best of 4 days missed. Rest periods simply mean less at less intensity instead of complete time off. I know some disagree but I stand by this advice.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I took a couple of weeks off after IMLou and had those same bad aches and pains after my first easy run. I could barely walk the next day because my back and hips hurt so bad. I did some running and biking and developed a knee issue (bursitis maybe, still awaiting the MRI results). I thout it was crazy that I could train like crazy and do an IM relatively pain free, then have issues a month later after taking time off... I remember when I used to think 35 was old... Now I know why... Glad to hear I'm not alone, but plan to be more "consistent" from now on...
  • afrostafrost
    Oh my goodness! You are describing my life at the moment. I have run twice since IM Canada. Both with pain. My back, my hip flexors, my knee. I am a mess! Now after reading this, maybe I should just get back out there. I am with John W. here - how could I train for months injury free and then come out hobbling after taking time off?? This has never happened before. OK, I guess I really am old. . . So much for that "aging gracefully" crap I try to feed those around me . . . :-)

    Thanks all, for the insight.

    ---Ann.

  • jhpiiijhpiii
    Obviously, I never want anyone to feel pain but it is reassuring to hear others experiencing the same thing. I am only 37, but the body definitely doesn't respond likeitused to. I like the idea of just getting back out there more consistently. This is the longest I have taken off in 5 years (new baby) and I will not do it again. Thanks for the responses.
  • Kevin WalterKevin Walter
    I am in this boat too. I've spent the better part of the last year intermittently taking time off to heal, but I never seemed to feel any better. I committed to just saying WTF over the last 5-weeks and have only missed 3-days out of 38 now and feel better than I have all year. Lots of shorter runs, most of my intensity on the bike.
  • afrostafrost
    @Kevin, I took the HTFU approach this morning too and just got out on the road again. Yeah, it wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. And I don't feel any worse for wear during the day. I am thinking I like your idea of lots of frequency to get this going again. Not worrying about intensity yet at all.

    Thanks all! Really appreciate hearing from you all about this.

    ---Ann.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    My first thought is always- did you stop stretching, foam rolling? These are good for your circulation even if you're not training.

    As we get older, consistency is important. While on vacation last month, one of the old guys on the boat with us was 75 and still racing (wore an Alcatraz shirt everyday). He switched to aqua bike after knee surgery but that is an aside. The point is that he was out of training for 2 weeks and I took 3 weeks off. He told me that it would take him 2 months(!!) to recover from such a long rest period. I scoffed. Now home for 2 weeks, I am still struggling to get back to where I was. He was right. I won't take such a long break again- unless forced.
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