Before I get into my latest favorites, I figured I’d share a little update on my IT Band Syndrome recovery. I’ve posted on social media a couple times over the past couple weeks, so now I’m bringing it to the blog for more of an in-depth update.
So how’s it going? Well, the answer to that question is constantly changing. To be honest, I felt extremely discouraged last week because I had one of my worst runs yet (cut short at 1.48 miles due to knee pain). Then on Wednesday, I got up to 3.15 miles and – since I didn’t have my GPS watch on me – I decided to stop, knowing I had gone at least 3 miles (my record so far). I’m hanging onto that run mentally because it gives me hope. The moment before I go on any run, though, I become a bubble of anxiety and excitement. I never know if it’ll be awesome or completely terrible. All I can do is just keep moving forward and take it one run at a time.
I’m still working every single day to get back to running. Even though I had my last physical therapy appointment a month ago, I’m still doing the PT stretches daily, foam rolling regularly (I’ve gotten some pretty impressive bruises from this), and doing my PT leg exercises a couple times a week. Tomorrow, I go back for a sort of follow-up visit, so here’s hoping that goes well! I’m also planning to run tonight, so keep your finger’s crossed that I get near the 3-mile mark. Bonus if I decide to stop, not because pain is causing me to.
Okay, that’s enough about my problems. Haha. Keep reading for some of the goodness I’ve been loving lately!
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
The Best Podcasts for Runners – In Monday’s post, I mentioned podcasts as a way to get inspired for a productive week. This list seems like a super helpful resource if you want to listen to running-related topics! I, personally, could talk about running and listen to people talking about it for hours.
Love Your Body – Just a little reminder that this is possible.
Ophelia by The Lumineers – Oh, that piano! It’s what draws me into this song.
Spontaneous Magazine Subscriptions – Sooo…upon checking the mail last night, Matt and I discovered we were both sent the first of 11 free issues of Runner’s World Magazine. Apparently we get them because we’re still in the LA Marathon’s system or something. I don’t really understand, but I’m so okay with this. I never buy magazines, so this is a treat!
Overnight Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Oats – This recipe is everything I need in life. Cheesecake is my all-time favorite dessert ever, so the thought of the flavor in a blueberry lemon overnight oats concoction? Oh yes, I will most definitely be trying this soon.
LOL to the magazines. I get Runner’s World, Parents and All Recipes all for free. I don’t remember subscribing to any of them but whatever. I’ll take ’em!
It sounds like your IT band has just not decided it’s going to get better. It must be full of emotions and have good days and bad days. It stinks that injuries don’t just get better and better and better until they’re done! I’ve had lower back pain since pregnancy. Some days it’s non existent. Other days I’m like, I can’t walk I’m going to die.
Haha noooo. Back problems are the WORST. And yep, I have a feeling for as long as I want to run, I’m going to have to do a lot of extra work to keep my IT Band happy. At this point, I think it’s worth it. Guess we’ll see how things go in the future.
Also, I love that you have a bunch of free magazine subscriptions. Haha. Such a weird yet amazing “problem.”