Resting for race day

Normally, I'd get a few shorter runs in before I tackle 13.1, but this week my "practice" runs are canceled. I'm having I-T Band issues, so I'm trying to take it easy so I can run on Saturday.

So, what is the I-T Band? Why does it act up for runners?

Well, first of all, the clinical name for it is Iliotibial Band Syndrome. A muscle below the hip, the tensor fascia, is connected by a long band of connective tissue that acts like a tendon going down the outside of the leg. It connects to the shin bone below the outside of the knee. This tendon tries to keep the leg from excess motion. Once it is weakened and continues to be pushed beyond what it can handle, it gives way at the point of the most stress. This is usually just below the knee on the outside of the leg.

I started experiencing slight pain on the outside of my leg just under my knee following my long run last Thursday. A second long run on Sunday pushed it too far. Monday, I couldn't go one mile without walking because of the pain I felt extending my leg - especially going downhill.

So how do you treat I-T Band Syndrome? You rest.

Awesome. 

That's exactly what someone wants to do the week before their last mini marathon of the season. It's the perfect way to kick off a distance running goal of 500 miles, don't you think?

Sorry for my sarcasm but it's hard to be optimistic. I want to run the race, not start out running and end up walking. So, I'm not running this week. I'm icing every night and consuming anti-inflammatory medicine as directed...

... and crossing my fingers.