HU HM training update

[Skiddle1]

Hi everyone. Just thought I'd send a quick update on training for the HU HM. I'm kind of adding a KM to my 'longer run' each week and hoping to achieve HM distance by the date of the HU HM. Currently I am at 12K, however, I keep hitting this knee pain on my left side around 9K, despite a warm up before hand. I'm not sure if it's because my speed increases and I need to go slower or if maybe I'm hitting too many inclines on the trail I'm using. I had an IT band injury last year but I'm sure if was my right side then.. it took me out of running completely for 3 months whilst I had physio so I'm really apprehensive this will happen again. Last year the pain was like a dagger through the side of my knee cap and I really want to avoid that this year. I don't want to stop the training... any advice from anyone? I have good running trainers specially fitted following a gait analysis so it isn't the footwear. Any tips would be appreciated.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

This is so frustrating for you. Perhaps you should go back to the physio and nip it in the bud early.

The same thing happened to me when I was training for my first HM. A series of strengthening and stretching exercises helped but it was only when I focused on lots of glutes exercises that I seemed to fix the issue.

Your physio will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and a recover programme. Are you using a foam roller? Tight quads and hamstrings can cause tightness around the knee.

I hope you get it sorted soon.

[Skiddle1 Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Hi, I don't have a foam roller. Last time I had the issue the physio said I needed to strengthen glutes and stretch out the IT band. I've been doing quite a bit of lower body body combat so surely that should be strengthening something! I'll see what this week's longer run brings. Thanks for the reply.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Skiddle1]

The other thing you could consider is a regular sports massage. It really helps with those tight spots.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Ahh Skiddle that’s annoying. A visit to the physio is probably the way to go; you don’t want to aggravate it further. My HUHM has been scuppered by a chest infection which has now gone, but it sorely affected my training as I didn’t run for 6 weeks. I’m going to run/walk the HM this time. Maybe something for you to consider?

Good luck. ☘️

[Skiddle1 Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Awww bless you. It is annoying isn't it when you really want to achieve something. Good luck with yours and yes I will slow to a walk if I have to. I'll do it one way or the other. 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

As already mentioned, a preventative trip to the physio may pay dividends before anything gets too aggravated. Like IP, I am a big fan of a regular sports massage. I believe it reduces my niggles and injuries enormously - so long as I go regularly to keep everything loosened up. Good luck, I hope you find a solution.