Uh-oh: injured

Go, Carrie! Your post yesterday rocked!

I, however, have not so good news and am not sure what to do. I will be hopping on a plane to fly back to Boston shortly,but in the meantime, I need to get caught up on my posts here.

On Wed the 9th, I arrived down here and did my run as soon as I got off the plane. I iced everything and felt great all day...

That evening, pain in my right hip and in both shins kept me up all night. I tried running the next day (Thurs, the 10th) but the pain was too great. The shin splints I have run through before, but the hip thing involves (or feels like it involves) my hip joint popping in and out of the socket. Not fun.

On Friday the 11th (after another night of pain), I took the day off from running and swam and did yoga and various stretches.

On Saturday, the 12th, I forced myself to run 3 miles on the beach and walk 1. That evening, again, severe pain that kept me up all night and continued into the day, despite icing and ibuprofen.

On Sunday, I did yoga and swimming and walking.

Yesterday, Monday, I ran 2.5 miles on the elliptical trainer at about 6mph, and then ran 2.25 and walked .25 for a total of 5 miles (my long run). I thought lessening the impact would lessen the pain, so I was hoping the elliptical would help.

In spite of icing, stretching, and ibuprofen, the pain kept me up all night last night - again primarily the hips, but both shins are now aggravated and in pain even when I'm not in motion.

I talked to a doctor friend who told me to take a few weeks off and start slower when I start again. If I follow this advice, I will not be ready for October 12th.

Needless to say, I'm frustrated today. I don't know if I should try to find another 1/2 marathon for a month later, or if I should still sign up tomorrow when this one opens and just do what I can. I've made an appointment with my primary care to get a 2nd opinion. I don't want to injure myself beyond repair, and I DO want to keep going. But, with the time being so tight, there is no time for me to recover.

Runners out there, what say ye?

Kel