Monday, January 28, 2013

Running in the snow and a pain in the leg

Today was a first for me - I ran in the snow!

Snowy Moms In Motion I am bottom left with white hat/brown jacket
I would've NEVER elected to run in the snow on my own. I mean, that's what my gym membership is for! lol but it was the first day of the new season of the Moms In Motion and I didn't want to wimp out so I sucked it up and went.

It was actually a fun experience and I was surprised by how much I didn't hate it. The only worry was keeping an eye on my footing the white coating made it tougher to know where the pavement was uneven or rocky but I made it thru.

Since getting the calf pain, it was my fastest run too. 3 miles @ an average of 10:30 pace. I think the splits were 11'15, 10'30 and 9'59 or something. I'm happy to have picked up the pace but it's also a funny thing to note how much weight and stuff affects my running. I'm up a good few pounds (I'm guilty of eating too much and having one or two extra glasses of wine or martini) so it's no shocker. But I swear I felt like I was running my little heart out. I would've rated my exertion as a 10'30, 10'00 and 9'30 pace instead. Oh well. I'm counting calories again will peel off the few.

I am unfortunately still dealing with the very strange calf pain. I mean thank God it's not a clot but it's still a mystery.  It's in the middle-ish towards the left of my right calf and almost feels like a mini little charley horse has moved in and it always feels on the verge of getting worse. Maybe it's a nerve thing? Over the weekend I really slowed my running down on Saturday and Sunday to make sure running wouldn't further aggravate it. The good news is it doesn't seem like running isn't making it any better or worse. I guess that's a good thing. Should be interesting trying to go 13.1 this coming Sunday :/ I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm a lot little nervous. I have a super busy week ahead. Maybe I'll try to see a doc on Friday if it's still nagging at me. Just not even sure what kind of doc to see. A PT? A orthopedist? My regular doc? Anyone?

I have been foam rolling which is interesting. I am not sure it's doing anything yet but going to keep rolling - I think practice makes perfect.

And tonight I have another yoga class at a different studio. This should be interesting. Will keep you posted!

Ever have a weird calf or leg pain? Did it 'just go away' like I'm desperately hoping for?

Have you ever run in the snow or rain? Do you love or hate it?

XO
Jen


8 comments:

Frickin' Fabulous at 40 said...

I've never ran in the snow and haven't run in the rain on purpose. I sweat enough liquid that needs to be mopped up, I don't need any help from the heavens! I hope your calf gets better soon!

Starpulp said...

Try googling trigger point analysis with a tennis ball or rolling calf with tennis ball. You can pin point the knot better with a tennis ball than with a foam roller. If you want, I can email you some links. I've suffered from what sounds like the same thing as you are, and this REALLY helped. Most feet/calf/shin issues are due to knots in the calves. I went to a presentation on it here locally. (Too bad you don't live in Jacksonville!) Feel free to email or message me if you want more info.

Colleen said...

Jen- I've had similar pain in the calf where it feels like a charlie horse that won't go away. I foam rolled as well as used a massage stick and a massage ball (or you could use a lacrosse ball or tennis ball) on the area that was really tight. Also I did lots of yoga, long stretching, icing my calves, and ibuprophin. It did eventually go away- I hope yours does, too!

Z@KickingKilos said...

I have never run in snow, rain etc. I use the dreadmill.
I'm really hoping you feel better soon, have you consulted a specialist?

Rachel B said...

I love running in the snow. For me it makes the cold seem worthwhile. My first 5k was in the middle of a downpour from a hurricane and it was my first time running in the rain. I actually liked it at first but then my shoes were basically ruined after. A little drizzle might be nice though, just enough to keep you cooled off but not soaking wet.

Kitty Fantastic said...

I'm scared to run in the snow, I'm terrified I'd slip from the momentum. I do love to hike in the snow tho. Untouched snow is beautiful like a wonderland.

Your calf pain sound different from mine, mine wraps down under my heel. When I sit for long periods of time it gets really stiff and I actually limp.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I foam roll alot, but for problem areas, I suggest trying a tennis ball (baseball, softball, etc) on your calf, it "gets to your muscles more" then your foam roller

Good luck racing this weekend

Unknown said...

Hi! How are you? Looking at your pics, the title really fits your blog. :) I experienced calf pain after wearing shape ups shoes for running (for 2 weeks). I really think that it was a bad idea. I was a painkiller dependent back then until I decided to have a stem cell treatment. The therapy went on for 6 weeks and my ortho surgeon, Dr Joseph Purita, successfully made my left calf back in shape. I swear, I'm not gonna wear shoes of that kind anymore, ever. I mean, I wasn't able to run for months and I gained weight! frustrating... and the pain, irritating. I apologize for ranting.. LOL