I’ve had issues with my hips and knees ever since I was a kid (long story), but running is the one thing that DOESN’T bother them. Of course I’m a little sore after long races, but it usually clears up in a day or two and I’m fine again. During my 1/2 marathon in December I had a LOT of issues with my hip. Horribly painful issues. But within 2 days the pain was gone again. It didn’t come up again until about 2 weeks ago.
A few days after my most recent 1/2 marathon my hip was bothering me. A lot. Like super painful. After a couple days of rest I decided to hit the treadmill – what a mistake. I got about a 1/4 of a mile before I had to call it quits. It just hurt too much. I did a few miles on the bike so it wouldn’t feel like a complete waste and then headed home.
After about a week and a half of not being able to run and the pain getting worse I finally made an appointment with the ortho doctor. I didn’t really want to go, but I wanted answers. By the time my appointment rolled around yesterday I was ready. It didn’t matter if I was standing, sitting, or walking – everything hurt. I just wanted some answers and hopefully some relief.
My x-rays, surprisingly, showed my hips (structurally) in perfect condition. The doctor mentioned that if I hadn’t told him about my previous hip problems that he never would have even known. Well thats good. The problem? Gluteus Tendinitis. The doctor said this is very common in runners and soccer players. When he described the location of the tendon it made perfect sense that this was the problem. All of my pain was right where this sucker was. So what does this mean? Drugs, exercise, and NO RUNNING for the time being. Bummer.
I’m very glad that it isn’t anything worse and that it will eventually clear up on its own. I am NOT happy about having to hold off on the running. This means no Gasparilla 8k on Sunday. It also means that racing Best Damn Race here in Orlando is also up in the air. I think the 1/2 marathon is out regardless. Even if I’m feeling pain free by then, I haven’t run at ALL since the last BDR 1/2 marathon. One good thing is that I have the option to switch to the 5k or 10k. I have a lot of friends running the 5k, so that might work out perfectly. So for now I just have to wait and see.
Thankfully the doctor said that I can still bike or swim. I think once I start feeling better I am gonna head to the gym and do one or both, just so I don’t start getting antsy and end up running before I should. I hate not running but I also want to be able to run for as long as possible. So I really have to be a good Meghan. Let’s hope this nonsense clears up fast and I can get back to pounding the pavement!
