A Recovering Woman Runner's Best Friend : The Stability Ball

Tomorrow officially marks exactly one month since my last run and the onset of the injury that has kept me off the road. This is the longest period of time I have not run in about 4 years and in this month alone, despite my best efforts, I have gained 2 pounds.

I purposely left my Ironman chrono setting on my watch exactly as it was one month ago...my last run of 9 miles that took me 1:11 to complete because I had to hobble the last 3 miles back to the car in pain.

Despite the setback that this is (and my trepidation about what it is going to be like getting back to my previous fitness level), I consider this time to be the universe's way of telling me something very important - several things, actually:

1) Every run is a gift.  Remember to say "thank you."

2) Read the signs.  Persistent soreness while running in a fit individual means something is amiss.  Don't ignore it.  Minor adjustments in form, mileage increases and rest days can go a long way towards the prevention of a major injury.  

3) Cross-training is not an option.  Cross-training is a must.  Running is great exercise, no question.  However, like any activity, it uses very specific sets of muscles while allowing others to go unworked.  A totally fit body requires all-over support and attention.  Cross-training works muscles not used in running and provides propers support and strength for those that are. Using stretches, maintaining core muscles and developing upper body strength are the key to running long, strong and injury free for years.

OK universe, you got my attention.

Today I am getting my own stability ball so that I can do my core work at least 3-times a week - whether I can get to the gym or not (no excuses).  I found this quickie set of moves by Ivana Bisaro  of Carmichael Training Systems on Runners World that can be performed in 15-minutes (again, no excuses) two sets of 15 for each move.  The rest of the work will be mental.

Tomorrow, I go back to the gym...and to the treadmill for a test of my ITB.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.  Wish me luck!

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