Coach put a 35 minute easy run on my schedule for yesterday and that turned out to be 4.4 miles.
Right towards the end of the run the taper phantom pain manifested itself. My left hip started to yell at me out of nowhere. You’d think that this sort of pain would happen during a speed workout, not an easy run but the taper ALWAYS does this to me. Always.
Yep, I think I most definitely have a physical and psychological dependency on running:
“Thing is, if you know what to expect as you back off your training, you’ll be better equipped to survive your taper and arrive at the marathon starting line feeling rested and ready to run.” (source)
If this happens to you—> stay on top of it just in case it is a real injury, understand that the taper phantom pains happen to most marathoners and to stop stressing out. My mind was racing for the next 10 minutes after finishing my run non-stop (WHAT IF MY HIP IS BROKEN AND ALL OF MY GOALS ARE GOING DOWN THE DRAIN!?!?!) but I decided to redirect my thoughts to everything OTHER than running. A bit later and I had forgotten all about the whole thing until I sat down to write this post and saw the picture of me pointing at my hip and had to remember why I took it;) It feels fine now.
Yes, marathons make you crazy.
————————————————————————————
Runner’s PSA:
Be careful when you are running on the same side of the road all of the time! I don’t know if our roads in Utah are extra slanted on the sides because of all the snow or something but in some areas the roads are especially cambered. Be careful because this can cause you IT Band problems, hip issues (hmmmm), to change your stride, excessive pronation etc.
What to do if you think that running on the side of the road is causing your body some problems—> run on even surfaces like a bike trail as much as possible, run on dirt trails and stay on the sidewalk (watch out for those darn cracks).
A few things from the last few days:
-We were on our way to Chick-Fil-A when a Japanese restaurant popped out and sounded even better. Brown rice, chicken, steak and veggies (the butternut squash was ridiculously good).
-Seesawing during the sunset is pretty great.
-Girlfriend can run really fast in those boots of hers.
-The largest box of Mike and Ike’s that I have ever seen… we didn’t end up taking it home but it sure looked awesome.
-Why we feel a million times better on race day compared to our training runs——> HERE!
-My mom always knows what to say. I am trusting her on this one and smiling every time I think about the marathon.
————————————————————————————–
What surface do you run on the most? Dirt, roads, paved trails, sidewalks, tracks?
If you have had recent injuries—> what do you think caused them?
Do you ever have the taper phantom pains? What do you think causes these?
What last made you smile?
76 comments
Meghan @ getoffyourbuttandrun
I run on a lot of roads and limestone paths. I try to find the flatest part of the curb to run on to avoid the slant!
The last thing(s) that made me smile are my dogs!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Major phantom pains during taper! I imagine different parts of my body hurt and then totally put all my focus on them. I just go plain nuts when I taper, it’s comical.
Flower
I got the phantom hip pains so many times, I just started to expect them and then I didn’t stress about them.
I love your mom’s text message. You should make it a point to go give her a big hug at some point today. I said so! :)
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I primarily run on the treadmill and roads. Not alot of unpaved paths around here. Actually, none that I can think of.
Phantom pains happen to me every time. You’d think after 36 marathons that they wouldn’t happen anymore, but they do. That or I feel like I’m getting sick. I don’t think I’ve even had so much as a cold in the last three years or so, but during taper time, I always think I’m getting sick.
I was laughing like crazy last night while my husband and I were talking. He always makes me smile. And laugh.
Maddie @ Dixie Runs
I’m coming off of an IT band injury and have been running on the opposite side of the road and trying to run on even surfaces as much as possible… I had no idea that was a contributing factor before I got hurt and researched every fact about the IT band that the internet has to offer
Kristina Running
Awwwww your mom! What a sweet text and such good advice!
My allergies have been acting up really bad but my taper brain keeps thinking “what if this is a cold or the flu and it lasts for three weeks and I can’t breathe during Chicago?!” Oy!
Monica
The last thing that made me smile is Brooke with that ginormous box of Mike and Ikes! Her smile is awesome!
Your mom is the best. :)
Natalie
I actually prefer running on cement most of the time, but I want to start trails once a week for softer surface.
The last thing that made me smile was something one of the SportsCenter anchors said this morning. I love those guys :)
Heather
I run on sidewalks mostly. I feel safe on them. The last thing that made me smile was looking at Brookes smile with those Mike and Ike’s. Our mind is our biggest challenge when running. Have a great day
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I actually don’t go too crazy with my taper….I think usually I am so ready for a break that I am grateful to be running less! I really try to make sure I’m not running on roads with slant too much, but I also get nervous about the sidewalk because of those cracks! I think my last injury (SI joint/piriformis issues) was caused by hip muscle imbalances. I always have to do a lot of work to keep my hips happy!
Jennife @ JenChoosesJoy
I run on sidewalks most.
I always get phantom taper issues!
LOVE your striped tank!
I just ran 10 miles with my friends. They made me smile the whole run! ?
Jamie
I run on the sidewalks a lot – mainly because city streets are too busy but those darn cracks really have gotten me once or twice!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I run on bike trails and switch which side I run on. I usually don’t get too crazy during the taper—I like the cutback after such hard training, but I also do a short taper.
I love that advice from your mom!
Katie
Interesting! I’ve never had phantom taper pains. For me, when I’m tapering I can never believe how HARD the easy workouts feel, and then I’m certain I’m in terrible shape and won’t do well in my race. I’m learning to trust my training, but it’s hard!
Gretchen | Gretchruns
I LOVE that message from your mom. What a great way to mentally prepare for a race. I’m going to steal that idea if you don’t mind ;)
I definitely agree about slanted roads messing you up. There’s a popular running loop near Pittsburgh that everyone trains on. It’s 5 miles around and slanted pretty badly..after two laps my one leg is always killing me! It’s so important for me to run opposite ways if I do more than one lap to avoid getting injured!
Kelly M
I generally run on sidewalks or the bike path. I did a race last weekend and we were on the road. It was so slanted in some places that my ankles were more sore than normal.
Amanda
Can you please give your mom my number? I need some serious motivation for my half marathon coming up.
Jen@milesandblessings
Roads, definitely roads. I have a trail that I like to go on for longer runs…but it 35 minutes away and I have been having a hard time wanting to tag on another 1hr+ to an already long run.
I think everyone gets phantom pains during the taper :).
Knock on wood…but I haven’t had an injury in a very long time. I try to be proactive about it.
Angie @ Pace With Grace
I have been trying to switch up the side of the road I run on for those very reasons! My knees have been sore after longer runs so I was wondering if this could be part of it along with needed to strengthen my hips. The sidewalks are more even here but there are a lot of cracks so you have to watch out!
I love your mom’s text! Great advice!
A client told an incredibly moving story of a “God moment” she had yesterday so that made me smile big!
Have a great day, Janae!!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I just love the pic of Brooke running :) She’s clearly a natural!
I am about 50/50 between dirt and sidewalks. When I run with my team, it’s 95% dirt and when I run on my own it’s 95% sidewalk, because the sidewalks are along my bathroom route ;)
The last thing that made me smile was a student who wrote a simile about me: Mrs. M’s calves are as solid as a rock. Hahaha.
Michelle
I LOVE that your student came up with that! That would make me smile too!
Jenny
I usually run in the road or side walk. If my shins start acting like they are going to start giving me problems I go to the grass or the road because they are both slightly softer than the sidewalk to run on.
My last injury was four years ago I pulled my hip flexor some how. It sucked because I couldn’t even lift my leg up to go up the stairs. But lucky for me, my brother is a dr (DO) and helped me with some stretches over face time and he fixed it super fast.
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
I run on roads most often. But, I totally get what you are saying about the slanted areas. Ouch! I feel my IT Band whining almost immediately.
The last thing that made me smile was getting an email from my friend who just got back from a two week European vacation! I cannot wait to hear all about it!
Annie R
I run on pavement the most, which I totally want to change. I want to get more into trail running ASAP. Maybe even dabble in the ultra world next year? With my bum foot I may be getting ahead of myself…
I definitely know what caused my most recent injury (a reckless bike rider)
I ALWAYS get phantom pains in the taper, and the head cold. It’s honestly my least favorite time in training.
Last thing that made me smile–> our dog is completely obsessed with my boyfriend (well he’s really my boyfriend’s dog… I just live with him too) But he’s so obsessed with him that he won’t even leave him alone when he showers. He sat in the bathroom today while my bf was in there and kept sticking his head in the shower and I’d hear my boyfriend laughing and talking to him from the other room. It’s pretty dang cute.
Melynda
Your Momma is a smart lady. That text is the last thing that made me smile.
What a blessing to have a Mom like that.
Hayley C
I needed this today! Most recent injury (tendonitis) was caused by switching to a lighter shoe– brooks pure flows which do NOT work with the way I run unfortunately! This was also combined with increasing speed workouts and running on the pavement constantly in NYC which does not make my legs happy :) I think I would do much better in the cadences, but for the next 3 weeks before the marathon I need to stick to a stability shoe :(
Jenni
Your mom rocks! What a great message.
Gabby @ gogabbith
I mainly run on sidewalks because that is what is available but I prefer trails. I haven’t had any injuries but my calves/shins have been hurting. I run in a very hilly area and I think I pushed myself too hard!
Arthi
I’m so glad phantom pain is a real thing. I always have issues in my feet and knees the few weeks before the marathon. I panic. Get a massage. Then marathon day turns out fine.
Your mom is the best! That text made me smile too!
Suzy
TOTALLY phantom taper pains every. single. time.
Ali
I love your Mom. I could use some motivational texts too-Mama Jacobs, can I give you my number? :)
Nina
I tend to run on sidewalks, paved paths and roads. (My husband ran track and told me to make sure to switch sides of the road so I even out).
I have an imbalance in my hip and I think it caused most of my injuries. I do best when I work the small muscles during marathon training. (more barre and hip work rather than squats and lunges, although I do those too).
My mother-in-law trying to distract me while my husband is in surgery made me smile. As did the friend who is cooking some for my husband.
Kelli
I mostly run on pavement or the sidewalk. Unless it is winter in Boston than its the treadmill (womp womp)
Your mom is so sweet!
Danielle
Great advice from mom! They are the best.
Rebecca@Runningfoodbaby
I remember getting lots of phantom taper pains last year a couple of weeks before NYC – I thought I had a stress fracture again…I didn’t!
I’m just coming back to running after taking most of the summer off. Most of my running injuries are muscle imbalance related.
Rachel P
Your mom should do a motivational post!!
Jane @ 50statecanuck
The last thing that made me smile, like break out into a huge grin? Your mom’s text. I just love her!!
Joy
Reading that sweet and supportive message your mom wrote to you is the last thing that made me smile. :)
Jill
Your parents are phenomenal!
I got a stress fracture in my Talus (upper foot bone, part of ankle) partly from running on slanted streets. Now I focus my running on flat roads and trails.
Just keep smiling, just keep smiling
Lindsay W
What a sweet message from your mom! I’ll have to remember that.
I have fallen 3 times in the 2 weeks on sidewalk cracks that I missed because it was so dark (even though I had a headlamp and a flashlight). So frustrating at 4 weeks out from my marathon since now my knees are torn to shreds and bruised, but I am trusting the training I’ve put in and doing what I can.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Very interesting on the tapering phantom pains. I wonder if phantom pains are true during injury recovery too?
becca
You’re mother is pretty awesome. Just sayin…
Jess W. @ Run Life Co.
Such great advice from your mom! I’m going to practice that, too! :)
I’ve definitely noticed different pains and strains from running on slanted surfaces. Since I run in the city now and not on country roads, it’s definitely a lot better – definitely miss the country views, though!
Janice
You Mom’s is awesome. Mom’s are the best for inspiration and believing in you when you forget to believe in yourself.
Clark
I’m also dealing with pop-up injuries. Sore shoulder, trick knee, and inner hip/groin. All right before my 20 miler on Sun….which incorporates a Half race in the middle. Sigh.
Your Mom is pretty cool. Mine keeps saying helpful things like “Well you can always try again next year.” Wait, what? That’s not at all helpful.
I’m really sick of hearing how, “Running destroys your knees/body/feet/back/intestines/cochlea/cockles of the heart/sub-cockles etc.” Also not helpful.
I love running the local rail-to-trail trail. Flat, soft and an almost indiscernible 3% upward grade that makes for a great negative split. It’s almost too easy compared to the hard asphalt or worse concrete.
I have a 3 month old boy who is a bag of smiles. A chubby, cooing, bag o smiles.
tess
I don’t have taper issues but I started running with a friend and she really wanted to run at a local park. It goes in a circle and I’m sure you can guess…I definitely got injured and I blame that at least partially. I’m still down (missing Chicago) and haven’t run in a month. So wrong.
I attempted to convince her to run somewhere else but she’s a hard sell. She’ll be running by herself if she doesn’t change her mind because I’m not doing that anymore (said with love for my friend but more love for my running).
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I run on the roads most of the time – convenience!
I love your mom’s advice, I’m going to try to smile whenever I think about my marathon too! :)
The last thing that made me smile was thinking about my guy and what I’m going to get him for his birthday next week.
Maureen
Your mom is the absolute cutest. I told my mom I was running a marathon in a few months and she asked if I really thought I could survive something like that, talk about support, ha!
Last injury I had was tendonitis in my feet and caused by a combo of a medication I was taking causing me to retain water in my ankles which changed my stride, and the fact that I switched to a zero drop shoe very abruptly. Lesson learned!
erin
YOUR MOM IS AWESOME!!!
Kim B
This video last made me smile, and reminded me of you always in your running clothes! Haha
http://youtu.be/CYRENWT8lz8
Cathy
The timing of your post is great – just starting my taper for Chicago. I love your mom’s advice – I second the suggestion above to have your mom do a motivational post! I’ve been having phantom pains and panics throughout this entire training cycle. It’s my first marathon, and I am absolutely shocked by how much of the process is mental versus physical. It is very different than training for a half marathon, at least it has been for me. I don’t know how you made it out of Costco without buying every single one of those Mike & Ike boxes!
I mostly try and run on pavement that has minimal potholes / broken sidewalks but sometimes in Chicago that can be difficult. I am pretty accident prone, so anything I can do to reduce my chances of falling or tripping is important.
Jacklyn
Awww YOUR MOM :) I don’t think that strategy would have ever occurred to me but I can so see it being effective. And that picture of Brooke with the Mike and Ike’s… cutest thing!!
Kate @ socalrunnergal.com
Your mom is the BEST. How sweet was that text? I think I’ll take her advice too!
Maybe since all of us St George marathon people are going taper crazy you can write a post about tips and tricks for the course? I could really use it because I don’t really know what to expect. I think I might cry because of how beautiful it will be. I’ve never been to Utah and I’m sure I’ll be in complete awe.
Beth
Check this article out–http://www.clifbar.com/article/the-st-george-marathon-course-preview. I thought it was a helpful course preview.
I am also super excited about the beauty of the St. George course. I’ve been to Utah but never to SG. Janae and others have me sold on this race being amazing. I am totally counting on the scenery to get me through to a PR! Good luck, Kate!
Natalie
I can only run on trails and grass right now.
Last injury – my knee! Not sure what caused it… doc said the injury had been there for a while (although I had zero pain and no symptoms until after the marathon)
I don’t get phantom pains during taper, but I get anxious!!
I LOVE your Mom’s text. She is the BEST. You are so blessed to have her!!!
Have an amazing day!!! :)
PS: My last smile – when my son ran out of bed this morning and immediately gave me the biggest hug!!! Totally made my whole morning…
Laureen @peachylau
It’s not called Maranoia for nothing ;)
Sandra
Your mom’s text is soo sweet! And please do what she says!
Katie
what a sweet mama you have! sounds like an amazing women! Also I nominated you for the cover of the women’s running magazine & it said you should be receiving an email soon so hopefully you did!!!
Pam and Christine
I also run on roads that have a slant and yes, I was at the chiropractor yesterday for a check to see why I was experiencing lower back pain. He put a lift in my left running shoe and today I ran totally pain free and enjoyed it. It was clear from my xrays that my hip on the left was lower than the right due to the roads I have been running on the last 5 years. Today I changed it up and kept switching sides of the street when it was safe to do so.
Elizabeth
I run mostly on roads and the track with the occasional bike path.
Not really an injury, but I’m trying out some new shoes and it’s taking a little while for my body to get used to them. I just figured that out today :)
That pic of the Brookster with Mike and Ike is PRICELESS! They should pay you for it!!
Your Mom is AWESOME. Please tell her and give her a big hug. Happy Tapering!!!
Meg Radunich
i really love this advice from your mom. i’m going to try it. GOOD LUCK JANAE!! you are physically and mentally strong. you got this :)
Mindy
Your mom is awesome. The End ;)
Maggie
Your mom’s advice is great! I can’t wait for you to run the marathon in a little over a week! You’re going to rock it, and it’s been so much fun following your journey!
I always run on the lakefront trail (I live in Chicago). I’m currently coming back from a femoral neck stress fx. My doctor is fantastic — she’s a sports doctor that works with a ton of runners so it was really important to her to determine the cause of the fx. We ended up deciding that it was from the new marathon schedule I had been following. The schedule was just a slightly higher intensity than previous marathon schedules, and the week it happened I had done speedwork, hills, and the highest mileage of the program. It healed quickly though, and even though I am not allowed to do a marathon for the rest of 2016, I’ve got a half marathon in November and marathon in MN May 2016. :D
I’ve not had phantom taper pains, but I’ve definitely had taper mood swings!
Last thing to make me smile was finding ghost shaped Peeps for Halloween!
Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I always get taper phantom pains! I think it’s because our minds are no longer so focused on killing it in training runs, so the extra energy needs to be funneled somewhere… :)
Krista
Can I just say your mom is the stinkin’ CUTEST!!!!
Kate
Your mom is awesome! What would we do without amazing moms in our corner?!?
Amy @ fitnessmeetsfrosting
I. Love. Your. Mom.
claire
I have never heard of phantom pains during a taper but I Definitely for one over the weekend, the night before a big race. I was literally limping around the house all evening.
I was FINE during the race.
Guess I am a legit runner now. :)
Kym
I am a week from taper and my mind is already starting to go crazy. My current fixation is on my running bra. The ones I have been using have been chafing me – no matter how far I run. I am under SEVERE pressure to find one that is comfy and doesn’t hurt – and doesn’t rub against any part of me that is already red raw!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!
Steffi
Hi sweetie! Wanted to let you know that your blog feed is not updating on Bloglovin since Monday :( I was already worried about you, good thing I sneaked a looked right here. Hope this issue with the following will get fixed soon, it’s such a bummer! Wishing you sunshine and nerves of steel for the big race!
Losing Lindy
I love your mom
Tedi @ Running With Infertility
That is great advice! I think I’ll do that for the next 1.25 days :)
Grant
(I’ve been a reader for several months but this is my first comment, so that’s why my name is unfamiliar!)
I’m training for my first marathon and got a random, maybe phantom? pain in my inner thigh on Tuesday. It isn’t too painful, so it hasn’t really kept me from running the past few days, but it’s definitely made me slow down, and over the past 48 hours it’s migrated from my inner thigh to my outer thigh to my hamstring, and now it’s just below my hip… anyone ever experience a migrating pain like this?
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
Oh man thanks for the ah ha moment! I always run on the left side of the street and my left hip always hurts! Why have I never thought of this before!
Amanda
Your mom is absolutely incredible, wise beyond words. Love it!
Kay
Haha Brooke’s face with the candy is great!