Thursday, December 03, 2009

Everybody Hurts

...sometimes.

Last night was the last group workout for the RU Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon/Half Marathon event. We retested our pull-ups, push-ups and med ball tosses. I was able to improve on everything. After that we did some fun group exercises. With about 10 minutes left, I was feeling pretty good, no major aches, I didn't push myself, and having a grand ol' time, until something in my left calf suddenly and unexpectedly popped.

Insert your favorite cuss word here_________.

If I didn't say it, I was thinking it.

Pain, pain, pain, PAIN.

I yelled over to our fearless leader, Justin, and I hopped on one foot, the right foot - the one with PF, to the stretching cage, just to have something to hold onto. Justin had one of the assistants ask me about what hurt and had me attempt a simple calf stretch.

Insert another favorite cuss word here_________.

On a pain scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the worst, it was a 9.

Once the class was over Justin came over and asked me all the standard questions, had me attempt a few more simple stretches then massaged my calf and leg a bit. I'm glad I've remembered all of those Lamaze childbirth class breathing techniques from 20 something years ago *cough*, because I really needed to focus my attention off my calf. Once that was done I was at least able to walk, then I iced the calf and went home.

First thing this morning I went back into RU and Justin worked on my calf. There was immediate relief and it wasn't as painful as it was last night, yet it's still sore. It's now about a 4 or 5 on the pain scale, which is a major improvement. We can't figure out, exactly, what caused my calf to cramp/spasm so badly. Stuff like that just happens, and any athlete is bound to have some sort of injury. I'm just surprised that I wasn't doing anything strenuous when the cramp/spasm occurred. He thought the compression calf sleeves would be a good idea, so after my RU visit, I trekked out to Road Runner Sports and bought a pair of blue Zensahs. These things rock. The relief was immediate and I wished I had a pair ages ago. Ah well.

I think I have about 4 hours in which to finish the half marathon. No need for speed and I think I can finish it in just under 3 hours. I had a good HM time at Silver Strand just a couple of weeks ago. I can cruise LV and do things like take pictures and actually stop at the hydration stations. I'm looking forward to it! My husband may actually come in ahead of me for a change.

Tuesday's song:
I'm OK - Christina Aguilera - Katiefeldmom

PEACE

THIS JUST IN... GARMIN OWNER FOUND! SHE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE GARMIN BY HER PERSONAL INFO EXACTLY! SHE WAS SO HAPPY AND GAVE ME A HUGE HUG!

13 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

R.E.M.

Oh no on the calf!!! Good luck and hope all is ok for the HM, i'm like you, no need for the speed, just go out there and enjoy/do it! Looking forward to pics and a race report!

Pat said...

take care of yourself. Of course, it would be good to let hubby win every once in a while.

You should take a coin with you and play one slot during the race.

Good luck!

Unknown said...

i'm really sorry to hear about that calf issue. :-(

really? you were thinking my favorite "cuss words"?

Golly Neds!! What the FONT?!?!

;-p

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

I have a different pair of compression socks, but regardless, I LOVE THEM! My calf pain post runs has been pretty much eliminated! I'm glad they are working for you!

IronWaddler said...

I love my Zensah!! I did my entire Iron with them on!!

Unknown said...

I believe in these compression sleeves! I love anything compression actually! Have fun at the marathon, stay very warm!

Aka Alice said...

Yay! I was hoping to get another pair of Zenzahs before LV...one to wear during the race, and one for the plane ride home...but it's 8pm and I'm still home...

You can sooooo run with me :-)

Aka Alice said...

So lame...I just realized it was REM, and rushed back, but Mel beat me to it... GAH!

Anne said...

Very cute play on the R.E.M. song title and lyrics. Getting older just seems to bring on more pain and injury, no matter how healthy and fit we feel. I'm sure you'll still enjoy your tromp around Las Vegas this weekend.

Pining for Pinterest said...

Good luck this weekend! I hope that your calf is feeling better and it does not give you any problems!

KatieFeldmom said...

No frickin way. What a pain in the *insert cuss word here*. I'm so sorry but it sounds like the compression sleeves are helping. Hope you have a great time at the race!!! I'll be thinking of you!!!

Miss Rachel said...

I hope you and Lucy (!) have a great race!

Pink Granite said...

Yowza! I'm glad the pain has improved.
And congratulations on the Garmin return.
You are an angel!
;o)
- Lee