IT Band Injury

I have IT Band issues when I over train and from lack of stretching. I need to make stretching just as important as every other part of my training or I am going to continue to have injuries.
I was doing some research for allison1080 and came across some good information that I wanted to share with everyone.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome -

The dull ache initially starts in the beginning of my run and last the entire run. The pain goes away after I am done running. If I continue to run and don't take time off the pain is severe and prevents me from running. At that point downhills and uneven surfaces are the worst.
The IT band tenderness or inflammation is caused by form being off, lack of stretching worn shoes, excessive hill running, uneven surfaces, and/or overtraining.















There is a lot of information out there on self-treatment and medical treatment. My advice would be to stop running if it is severe pain or even mild. There are many times that I don't stop training even when it is mild and it becomes a bigger problem in the end.
I take IBU, ice my knee, use tiger blam cream, stretch, yoga, roll out on foam roller or straight PVC pipe. I am one to give advice on this and need to take it in myself. I am not perfect by all means, but please don't make the same mistakes I have made. It can be painful and takes longer to recover. I can say from personal experience it is so hard to stop running especially in the middle of my training. I have to remind myself that I can still swim and bike.. It is soooo important to take time off when IT Band pain starts to occur! I can't stress it enough!!!
Ice religiously..... stretch stretch stretch.... take something for inflammation.... AND DONT RUN

Who or what inspires you?

I run in honor of Savannah Lee Campbell. Savannah was only 9 years old and had Malignant Brain Tumor.
I met Savannah through her older brother James. James and I were good friends. I knew right away that their family were brave and strong. After meeting and getting to know Savannah she became my inspiration and hope. This young girl knew exactly what was going on with her and stayed strong.
She was a bright young girl who was a fighter. Just a few days ago this little girl passed away. I still will continue to run in honor of her! God bless her and her family.
I share this with you guys to remind you of who or what that inspires you in your life today. I will never forget the impact Savannah and her family had on me.
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."
Below are two pictures. These pictures were taken back in 2008 of Savannah and I.





























She is adorable and a girl I will remember forever. I hope you have something or someone who inspires you in your life too :)