Thursday, May 1, 2014

These hips are not swinging.

The aftermath of the half marathon was a whole lot of sore!  I waited 5 days and until the soreness was gone and decided to go for a slow run.  Two steps in and my hip was screaming.  Really?  It had to wait to scream until I changed into my running clothes and drove to my favorite park?  I couldn't just take a few steps and walk away.  I stretched it out and then ran for 2 miles, stopping to stretch it every 5 minutes or so.  
Big mistake.  It's almost a week later and it's just starting to feel better.  I know exactly what it is.

Piriformis Syndrome!

All things Runners World:
Piriformis syndrome is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve and tightening of the piriformis muscle, which lies deep behind the gluteals and is responsible for the external rotation of the hip joint. When the muscle becomes too tight, it can impinge on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which supplies the lower extremities with motor and sensory function. The resulting pain often radiates from the buttocks, down the thigh, and up into the spine. This is what makes it tricky to diagnose: Piriformis syndrome is often confused for a herniated disc, sciatica, or another back issue. Sufferers don't always feel discomfort while running, but they usually find sitting, climbing stairs, and squatting painful.
I can't hardly even stretch it!  I've been rolling and stretching and it is still so tight.  My friend Jen Q. and I decided to do a Bikram (hot) Yoga class to help loosen us up from the race.  
The aftermath
There really isn't a picture good enough or enough filters to really describe what it feels like after completely sweating your "balls" off - as my socially appropriate friend Jen would say.
We went again on Tuesday AM.  
I felt like a total doofus.  My arms, neck, back and hips are so tight.  Don't even talk about my hammies, they deserve no attention whatsoever.  Uptight..that's what they are.  So again with the Bikram to try and loosen things up.  I also looked up a bunch of exercises.



Hoping for loose hips soon! :0

What cross training do you do to stay strong and loose?

Do you like Bikram Yoga?

Blog on....................


3 comments:

  1. I've done Bikram and really liked it. But the last couple times I went, I was kind of meh. I think I'm over it. So many other things that I enjoy more.
    So, I've been adding in 2 classes at the gym (I just joined a gym) they are both a type of sculpting class with the most incredibly buff women I've seen in years. They are energetic and make us all lift weights like crazy people. I'm still sore from Tuesday's class!! So, I'm running 2-3 days, long hike (10-12 miles) one day a week and the sculpting classes. I'm feeling good, feeling are feeling good and I feel like I'm building some muscle. Now that the weather is better, I'm going to find some cycling time too. Love the bike in the summer.

    I know that was a loooooong answer, but you asked!! haha

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  2. I love Bikram yoga but not the whole "culture" of it. I once tried to do 100 classes in 100 days. I made it to 93.

    Loose hips sink ships.

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  3. Oh hips! They are my problem area as well and glutes! I usually get a sports massage and it really helps. During marathon training, I actually get a massage once a month. It hurts but it feels so good :)

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