Today’s Workout – Rest Day

Total Mileage: 0 miles

Yes, you just read that right – for the first day in almost a month I didn’t run. I tried, but there was too much pain in my hip and I simply couldn’t do it.

I knew I probably could have pushed through the pain and maybe have gotten through a few miles, but there were too many other variables that played into it.

If I had run I could have made it worse OR I could have started altering my form which then could have hurt something else.

I won’t act like I am dealing with this well, there may have been a few tears shed and even a few moments of self pity but I am going to pick myself up and do the best I can.

To some of you I will probably sound like I am crazy, but over the past month or so running has become my biggest stress reliever. It let me let go of all the stress we are going through right now and focus and train myself into what I wanted to be.

I am hoping tomorrow I will be back in the saddle and running again, or at least that is what I tell myself. Today I will focus on resting and recovering the best I can.

We are still trying to determine exactly what it is that is causing me pain but we have narrowed it down to my IT band or piriformis. (I am 95% positive it is the piriformis based on the type of pain and location).

I thought I would share some of the stretches I am currently using to get this under control.

1. Piriformis and IT Band Stretch #1

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Please excuse my photobombing cat in the background.  For this stretch you start out with one leg straight back and the other (the side you are trying to stretch) leg underneath you.  You should feel this stretch in your glute and hip.

2. Piriformis and IT Band Stretch #2

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For this stretch start by bringing one leg up at a 90 degree angle and the other one crossed in front.  This will stretch the hip for the leg that is across on top.

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Grab the knee and ankle and pull it in towards the body until you feel the stretch. Make sure to not pull the knee directly and bring the leg back evenly.

3. IT Band Stretch

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This stretch primarily works your IT band. Cross your legs with one knee placed directly over the other. Don’t strain yourself too much but you should feel the stretch in your IT band almost immediately.

If you have any questions about any of the above stretches, feel free to ask! I will try and get a video together showing these a little more in depth.

Keep your fingers crossed that my hip is in better shape tomorrow and I will be able to get a few miles in!

How often do you take a rest day?

Don’t forget about my CLICK Espresso Protein Drink Mix Giveaway!! You have until Saturday at noon to enter!

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I didn’t forget to drink my CLICK this morning. Even on rest days it is important to take care of your body!

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