I’ve been getting IT band flare ups throughout my training which threw me off. I have the race tomorrow - been resting my legs all week, doing stretches and strength exercises to help and I can’t feel it when walking. Haven’t tested it out in a run. Is it worth trying KT tape for the first time tomorrow just to prevent any pain?
I’m due to run Hackney Half in less than two weeks and honestly don’t know whether I’m being sensible or delusional at this point 😅
Training was going really well for a while. I was on track for sub-2 and feeling strong. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before, one with proper training, and one completely on a whim in November after basically one run, so I know I can usually get through them okay.
But over the last few months I’ve been dealing with recurring IT band flare-ups and it’s really interrupted training. I rested it for weeks at one point and focused on other stuff to keep fitness up (strength, yoga, Pilates, core/glute/hip flexor work etc.) and it seemed to improve, but it keeps coming back. Sometimes after longer runs, sometimes after shorter ones. It’s not “can’t walk” level bad anymore, more of an irritation/tightness, but I also haven’t tested it properly on a long run recently.
Last week I did 13k and was meant to do 16k this week, but decided to split it into two 9ks to be safer. I’ve just done the first 9k very easy and it’s flared up again.
I also realised my running shoes were over 2 years old, so I’ve literally just replaced them and this run was my first in the new pair (Adizero Boston 13s). Before this year I’d genuinely never had running issues/injuries.
So I guess I’m asking:
- Is there realistically anything I can do in the next 10 days to help get through the race?
- Has anyone managed to run a half with IT band issues without making it dramatically worse?
- Or is this one of those situations where the smart answer is just don’t do it?
Would really appreciate any advice/experiences because I genuinely can’t tell if I’m overthinking it or ignoring obvious warning signs.