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6 Replies Last post: Nov 17, 2006 1:15 PM by coov82  
Click to view CinciMom's profile Rookie
CinciMom
3 posts since
Nov 5, 2006
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Nov 16, 2006 9:34 AM

Should I do my 16 miler?

I'm training for Disney, this is my first marathon. I need some suggestions. Here's the situation:

During my last long run, the top of my foot started to bother me, I went to the podiatrist, I have bunions interfering with the mechanics of my foot, she gave me inserts to lift my arch at little, relaced my shoes and that helped a lot, with that pain. She took my heel cups out and said the insert should be fine. After running two short runs, I now have a shin splint in my right leg and my achilles is acting up again on my left leg. I put the heel cups in the shoes on top of the insert, that helped my achilles, but the shin splint is still bothering me. I have been icing 3 times a day and streching. I called the podiatrist, but she's not in til Monday.

Should I try to run my 16 miles on Saturday? Do you think the insert is causing the shin splint? Do you think it's not a good idea to put the heel cups on top of the insert? I don't know what to do.... physical therapy, podiatrist, massage, sports medicine dr???

Also, I'm doing IT band streches on the foam roller, I wonder if all these aches and pains are connected to my shoes, arch and whatnot.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
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sdewan
53 posts since
Oct 16, 2007
1. Nov 16, 2006 11:40 AM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
Save the pain for race day. You'll probably serve your training better by letting your injuries heal than aggravating them further. Besides you have 7 weeks left to train.

(I too am training for Disney as my first marathon. And I am faced with the same decision you are due to some annoying aches and pains.)
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CinciMom
3 posts since
Nov 5, 2006
2. Nov 16, 2006 11:54 AM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
You're right, I was just thinking about that. I hope I can get back on the wagon soon enough. I don't think it would be a huge jump from 14 miles to 18 miles, if I miss the 16 miles. I'm planning on running a 10K on Thanksgiving Day, maybe just rest until then.

My podiatrist called me back, she said to get some meatier shoes with more support and if that doesn't help, I need custom inserts. So I'm headed off to the running store. I knew I'd need to buy another pair shoes, but wasn't planning on it for another month.

In my fundraising letter for Team in Training I joked that I would run, walk or crawl across the finish line, I guess that's how it's going to be :-) The 7 hour time limit stinks if something goes wrong.
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marunr
162 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Nov 16, 2006 2:00 PM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
quote:<HR>Originally posted by CinciMom:

I joked that I would run, walk or crawl across the finish line, I guess that's how it's going to be :-) <HR>


I hope that's not the case because trust me, It's not funny at all if it happens!

I once had shin splints pop up when I tried a new arch support, and I've never really had shin splint problems. Custom inserts (orthotics) can be very helpful, but it can be a disaster to try something that drastic this far in to a marathon training program. I would try a different shoe, and go back to what worked before as far as what goes in them. I hope that works for you.

I'm wondering, since you're with Team in Training and this is your first marathon, are you a new runner? It sounds like you're experiencing the kinds of things people run in to when they jump straight in to a marathon with no running base under them. It's done a lot these days, but I think it's a mistake. I always advocate at least a years worth of running before doing marathon training. Sorry if that's presumptuous! You're already here now, so I know you're just trying to make the best of it. I wish you the best of luck!
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CinciMom
3 posts since
Nov 5, 2006
4. Nov 16, 2006 3:09 PM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
I'm not new to running, just new to running longer distances. Up until this summer I'd really just did High Intensity Interval Training 3 times a week along with a weight training program for well over a year. Then I did slowly build up my running. I think my problems are a combination of factors, not just the increased miles. I had to miss some training the end of September, beginning of October due to the death of my father. I didn't run for 2 weeks and then jumped in to my 10 miler which is when the problems started.

Anyhow, I just went to the running store, I bought some new shoes, they are 'neutral' shoes with extra cushioning...Saucony's. They gave me shoes 1 whole size bigger than my current shoes and said the ones I have are too small. I'm not going to run the 16 miles this saturday, but I'm going to do my 10K and the 8 miles next Saturday and hopefully that will help me get a grip on what's going on.

Thanks for the advice.
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marunr
162 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
5. Nov 17, 2006 7:24 AM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
quote:<HR>Originally posted by CinciMom:
I had to miss some training the end of September, beginning of October due to the death of my father. I didn't run for 2 weeks and then jumped in to my 10 miler which is when the problems started.
<HR>


Sorry for your loss. That break likely contributed to your problems...I've done the same thing. Jumping right back in full force can cause those overuse injuries. Also, that kind of stress can cause problems due to not getting the proper rest, being tense all the time, etc. I think if you back off a little, and do what you're doing as far as shoes, return to the old heel cups, and just going with what has worked in the past, you'll pull out of it. Good luck!
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Click to view coov82's profile Amateur
coov82
38 posts since
Feb 27, 2006
6. Nov 17, 2006 1:15 PM in response to: CinciMom
Re: Should I do my 16 miler?
Last year I had shin problems that turned into a stress fracture. I was training for Jan marathon and I did my 15 and 16 milers. Then I couldn't run for over two weeks! I had to skip the 18 miler. When coming off my lay off I did 6, then 12, then 20, then tapered. I got through the marathon in 5:18, then ended up with a stress fracture a week after. It was weird that it didn't hurt during the marathon and snuck up on me.

My recommendations would be: you won't miss out that much skipping the 16-er. But you could cause the problem to get way worse, especially with trying new inserts, shoes, etc.

Caution!
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