No pain, no gain

Last Monday was my last long run before tapering off for the race. I've been plagued by a recurring injury, but through lots of physio and stretching, I've been able to finish all my workouts...except for this one.

All last week, I've been fighting with myself. For the first time in ages, it was struggle to lace up those running shoes - usually I'm raring to go. My body is so tired from all the training and I felt burnt out, and those niggling doubts started to creep into my head. Mentally, I was not in a good place for that last long run, and sure enough as soon as the pain started, I psyched myself out and I quit. Even though my coach was right beside me cheering me on, as soon I stopped and started walking, that negative voice started telling me that there was no way I was going to finish this run. I was so mad and disappointed at myself for quitting, and of course all that negativity started to snowball. Instead of concentrating on all the runs I finished, I focused on the one I couldn't.

I've heard about active release therapy (ART) from my coach and a couple of other fellow runners, but physio was working for me, so I never bothered to check it out. However, after that disastrous run, I was ready to try anything, so I had my first appointment yesterday. It is super painful - sometimes you can hear people screaming as you're waiting outside - so naturally I approached the table with trepidation.

It was definitely as painful as I had expected. I didn't cry or scream though...only a few yelps of pain. Basically the chiropractor sticks his finger/knuckle/elbow into those sore spots, digs in, and moves your joint. It's as excrutiating as it sounds. The idea is to separate the scar tissue from the bone and move it around, making it looser. Obviously this guy is used to hurting people - he's known for going really deep - because he didn't really seem to concerned about my pain. (His job is quite similar to a dentist's in that the patients dread their appointments!)

In the middle of the night, I got up to use the washroom, and I felt this tingling in my hip. It was like I could feel it repairing itself! And there was no pain! Incredible. Of course, the real test is on the road, so this morning I hit the treadmill. Obviously he's not going to cure me with just one treatment, but aside from some soreness that subsided as I kept running, I was able to finish the workout, no problem. I joke that if I finish this marathon, I'm naming my firstborn child after my coach and physiotherapist. Looks like I'm going to have to include my chiropractor too. Keep your fingers crossed...two weeks left!