Pre-race concerns
- I’ve had a slight pain in my right shin since Sunday. It’s bad enough that I skipped my run last night (rode my bike behind Steven while he ran) and am planning on taking a few days off from any physical activity. Yes, and am hoping it feels well enough to run 13.1 miles on Saturday.
- I have a little running issue. Maybe you can pick up on it from the photo below (of me and puppet-man* at the Wisconsin Half Marathon last year):
I wonder what I need to do differently. I only run three days a week. I run slow. I have two pairs of shoes I alternate between. Am I too heavy? Am I not stretching enough? Ugh. What is it? This morning, Steven said maybe my shin hurts because I land on the ball of my feet when I run (he thinks I am a front-foot striker – I think I am more of a mid-foot striker). Who knows.
Dear Shin Entire Body,
Maybe you haven’t been reading my blog (that’s understandable), but if you look over on the right sidebar, you will see I have a few races planned in the upcoming months. Specifically, a half marathon on the 1st, an 8K walk on the 8th, a 10K on the 23rd, and another half marathon on June 13th. Please cooperate with me – I really love to run.
Thanks,
Kim
The issue is in the chest region… the issue is, I nip out like CRAZY when I am running. Hot or cold. Day or night. Ha. This could get really vulgar soon so I will stop.
Any tips? For my last 5K, I wore two bras AND put kleenex in my bra AND wore two layers… yeah, I don’t want to do that again. I intend to wear ONE bra and ONE shirt.
And it’s not that the nipping out bothers ME, I just think it might be offensive to other people… and it really looks bad in photos!
Any pre-race advice for me on these two concerns? Anyone else annoyed that their body is falling apart?
I know I will get a lot of yes answers on that last question, at least! Quite a few of my blogger friends have injuries right now.
*I’m sorry I am re-posting this picture, Steven. It’s just the best example of the nippage. You will look much better at the end of the race this year!
Themocracy
Could this help the nip situation? nipguards.com/
Or maybe these, which my sister actually brought back from NZ to give Mom for Mother’s Day: http://www.silverfernz.com/602-possum-fur-nipple-warmers.htm
Oh my goodness. I hope your mother wore those. Muah ha ha!
That same thing happens to me when I run. I have given up worrying about “nippage” Hope the shin feels better!
I am a front foot striker and I never *knock on wood* get shin splits. Maybe its the type of shoes you run in? Have you had a shoe fitting from a running store? Seriously, doing that solved a lot of problems!
As for the nippage–I do not typically have this issue unless it is freezing. However, if you are willing to get a new sports bra, Under Armour has a bra called the Endurance and its slightly padded, which may help. And its super supportive and holds the girls in place!
Additionally, good luck this weekend!
I have had the shoes I am wearing recommended from a running store that analyzed my gait. I wonder if I need to have that redone though 😉 I am going to have to look for that padded bra! That is how I wear them when I am NOT running. I nip ALL. THE. TIME.
My body seems to crumble after I hit a certain mileage. Every time. I’m really pulling for you and your shin! 🙂 Have you ever had your stride analyzed? I think that’s gonna be my next step this summer when it’s time for a new pair of shoes…
Oh and look for an email for me sometime in the next day or two- got a little question for ya! 🙂
I am worried my body will do that to me too. I really want to run a full, but am worried my body will say “no way, jose!” Can’t wait for the email…
Falling apart tends to be my specialty… no helpful advice to offer, sorry, but I do hope you feel better soon!!
<3 <3
I hope by taking it easy the rest of the week you will be good to go for Saturday. Maybe it’s your body telling you to take it easy. Anyway, I am sure you will feel refreshed and ready to run 13.1 this weekend.
As far as your other issue, I don’t think its a big deal.
I hope to see you on Saturday at the race. Good luck!!!!
What are you wearing to the race? Do you know? I want to spot you! I will (most likely) have an orange nike top on, and black shorts. Are you picking your packet up tomorrow in Libertyville? I will probably be there around 5:45. Hey, if you still have a run left to do, you should bring your gear and run at Independence Grove! It’s nearby 🙂
Whenever I have had shin issues it’s usually due to my shoes. I find if I have a shoe with arches that are too high, my shins pay for it. I also tend to have issues randomly if I take time off. When I got back from Mexico, my shins hurt for my first 3 or so runs. But I was also getting used to wearing real shoes (and not flip flops).
I don’t have any advice on the nips issue. I have the same issue from time to time. I’ll have to check back here for advice from others.
I am surprised your body is sore AFTER rest! Really surprised.
Also- I love the possom fur nipple warmers suggested by Erin! haha.
Regarding nips … stop worrying about it! Bodies do funny things when we make them go to extremes. I mean, seriously, think about all the bodily, errrr, noises and smells that take place during races. I’d pick a little “turkey’s ready” problems over the others. =)
I wish I had advice for you regarding your shins. I hope a little rest does them right by this weekend.
Ha. You’re right. I should focus on not shitting myself instead 😛
(But I must be at an extreme ALL the time because I am always nipping out!)
Kim, you really make me laugh – I never heard the term “nippage”! Don’t worry, alot of us have that problem. Not much we can do except try not to worry about it too much – and as for the photos – photoshop! (Although i will admite one of those expensvie official race photos I ordered arrived with major nippage and I ended up sticking the picture in a shoe box, it made me mad!) And for your shins : Rest, rest, rest, pray, pray, pray… good luck!
I am pretty good in photoshop. It would be nice to order race pics some day though 🙂 What a bummer that you couldn’t use yours!
LOL, i love the topic today. i have the same issue with the nips and it shows up in every picture. I have now resorted to getting extra thick sports bras and that seems to do the trick. i LOVE wearing technical shirts, but it does add to the visual issue in pictures.
That IS the cause – those damn tech tops!!!
My body always feels like its falling apart 🙁 I feel like an 80 year old woman…grr. I hope you feel better by the race!
Don’t sweat the nip issue or else switch bras (Champion Scoop back should do it). By all means do NOT wear extra clothing out of concern for anyone staring at your boobs! We women need to stop worrying about such things (though I admit I am just like you, evidence it’s easier to preach than do – LOL!). About the shin, have you been careful about building up your mileage? How hard are your running surfaces? Make sure you can rule out a stress fracture and stay off it until Saturday for sure. Good luck!
We have been running a lot on crushed limestone in forest preserves. However, we did do some hill work. Well, actually, we have been running on hilly paths. I wonder if that is it? My mileage has stayed the same since the winter, I think!
My right hamstring is a little tight still and I’m bummed out about it. I strained it last year during this half and I don’t want that to happen again. :/
Pasties! I think they also come in sparkly colors! 😉 In all seriousness, they do make little sticker things that go over nips. Dancers use them a lot. You may even be able to find some in Kohls or a place like that ( I don’t think Target carries them but I’m not positive!).
Hmm. Pasties IS a great idea! Your hammie STILL hurts? WTF?!
I think you should be proud of your nippage. If people are offended…screw them! They’re just jealous! Your body is beautiful – you shouldn’t try to hide any part of it!
Now…if the nips start to hurt because of the running, I think vaseline works. We don’t want any bleeding nippage. :O
Ha ha! No blood… yet! 🙂
Awww– I hope everything goes well for you this weekend! I know it’s not funny…but you had me giggling with your nip problem 🙂
I noticed the pictures at the end of my marathon had some, um, pointy things showing through…oops! I’m not sure other people even notice? It’s certainly not what I’m looking at…I’m staring down the medal on my neck and the smile on my face! Some of my sports bras offer a little more, um, protection than others, so that’s my only advice about that…and to be happy that they don’t bleed! 🙂
Yes, very, very unhappy that my body is falling apart. 🙁 I don’t advise it, but I did run Boston with a bum leg, although I think I hurt my foot in the process. Give it a couple days and see how it you feel. Ice, ice baby!
I am thinking good thoughts for you feeling fine for your races. I hate when things happen right before a race. I remember one tri I did I had a fever the day before and was so pissed that I might miss the race that I think I willed it away. Good luck! I am really hoping you are feeling awesome for your race(s).
As for the nip problem, when I read that I remembered that I don’t normally buy plain shirts for running for that very reason. I always look hard for stuff with a pattern on it so it won’t be so obvious. But the fact that we are both sort of stressed about this is crazy. It isn’t like it is something we can help! And I see from reading the comments that it is something all women seem to worry about. Which means no one is paying attention to it in other people because they are worried about their own stuff, right? That is what I will tell myself I guess.
Well, the other women are not paying attention! 😉 Ha. It doesn’t bother me, so if it doesn’t bother others, oh well. DUH. I totally should have purchased a printed shirt!
Yep the older I get the more I seem to fall apart. Yesterday my Dr told me that I need to drink V8 juice once a day because my immune system would benefit as I get older. First-ewww I hate V8 but I did it today and what I am getting older LOL (yep 39 this year I get it)!
I have no racing tips sorry 🙁
Let the nipples fly! Don’t worry about them. Seriously. If someone’s looking and they notice? Well, if it’s a guy, maybe it will give them a little pick me up on the trail.
And I know nothing about injuries except for the fact that after I did my 5K last night, my knee hurts and I want it to stop.
Are you icing that bad boy?
Running nipage happens unfortunately… I think nearly every woman does at races and no one really notices.
As far as the shin did you recently run hills or change up the type of surface you run on repeatedly? Sometimes it’s nothing and the body just likes to freak out before a big race. Be sure to take it easy this week, ice, and elevate. You may also be able to get taped up at the medical tent before the race.
We have been encountering some hills. I think I need to lay off them for awhile!!!
I have no problem with “nippage” because I barely have boobs. Therefore, I am of no help.
Stay off your feet and run this weekend…run how you feel!
I’m hoping your shin is just a pre-big-race niggle. I get all sorts of weird aches leading up to races that pan out to be nothing. But ice/Biofreeze it nevertheless.
As for the nips, I share your pain. But come to think of it, I’ve never noticed another woman with the issue. Probably because couldn’t care less. So neither should we. I wear a bra and a shirt and whatever shows, shows…I don’t love it but whateva! Have a great race! I considered doing that one for about a minute then decided to rest my geriatric, geezer bod!
Hey is your race on 6/13 the 13.1 half? I think I’m doing that!
I wonder if it is more my mind than my body, because it is starting to go away *fingers crossed* I am running the North Shore Half on 6/13 (http://www.northshorehalf.com/) It is the same day as the Chicago half. Which are you doing?
i know when i am tapering i always get weird pains and think things are wrong – i hope its just taperitis for you too!! good luck at your race 🙂
I hope that’s all it is too!
I say don’t worry about the nippage. Focus on your running. If people are offended, they can look away! 🙂
I am always having aches and pains. The days when I don’t have some type of pain are few and far between. It is hard for me to know when I’m really injured and when I’m just sore.
Sorry..no answers here…just commiserating!
Aw, I hope a little R*&R for the shin gets it feeling better and ready to race!
Re: the nips maybe try contacting Title 9 because they’re the experts when it comes to anything sports bra. http://www.titlenine.com
Thanks for the link! I have not heard of them!
Ive never noticed if the nippage thing happens to me or not, but now Im curious. Of course, I have no shame so I dont care either way. If people are bothered they can look away! 🙂
Just rub your boobs before any pictures are taken! lol
As for my body falling apart, yah Ive had enough of that part too.
I try to press them down with my fingers. What is someone got a pic of that?! Ha ha!
I know it sounds too simple but ice is the best cure all I have ever found!
You don’t think it’s taper paranoia? http://lindsaycb.blogspot.com/2008/12/taper-paranoia.html
And I’ve never had that problem, unfortunately. They just don’t show through any bras I wear.
Unfortunately, it was actual pain 🙁 I felt it with every step I took… but I am hopeful it is going away!!!
First of all, sorry to hear about your shins! Unfortunately I know nothing about it though I hope that they will feel better on your race day!
Haha. Nipples. Yes I have that problem too and I don’t even have big boobs (or nipples)! 😉
I’ve always heard that shin pain comes from overstriding. Maybe it’s your running form that’s causing it?
As for the nips, I have a few bras I bought at Target that are slightly padded in the boob area so that seems to keep them from popping out. Of course, I also have like no boobs so maybe that helps, too.
This is the one I like to wear whenever I’m wearing a light, solid colored top and it handles the nip problem. They were having an additional $10 off last week, not sure if they are this week. BTW, I agree 100% with the person who said they wear tops with patterns, words, or ANYTHING. It distracts the eye too. http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_MaximumSupport-Champion/CH6843.aspx
Where do your shins hurt? Up high near your calf? Down low by your ankle? I’m with the person who said that it might be shoes. How many miles do you have on your shoes? I’ve always had shin issues and I’ve found that rest does them wonders…. so don’t stress the race. (further more, if it IS shin splints, they’ll relax after a mile or two and you’ll be good as gold!! (however, you’ll be in crazy pain when you stop)) 🙂
Yeah, I know better than to even comment on the nips. See how good I was there? not.a.word.
It’s down low, more toward the ankle. I have two pairs of shoes I use. I think both maybe have 100 miles on them – probably less.
I was really hoping for a smart ass comment on the nips from you!
You are amazing with all your running and running plans and whatnot!!
I think the nippage issue wouldn’t be so bad if you wore some kind of shirt with big circles on it in all spots and in diff shapes and sizes. Or a big paisley one. Something to detract the eye. 🙂
I hope your shins feel better!
As for the nippage issue – I have a similar problem – it’s less noticeable in some bras, like one I have from Moving Comfort, but ones with only one layer of fabric are huge offenders…or maybe my nipples are the offenders…lol!
Anyways, good luck on Saturday, I can’t wait to hear about how it goes!
Yep. I feel your pain. My body’s falling apart too (I’m way too young for this!). But as for your shins, I feel like I’m pretty much a pro with this now, here are some things to check for:
1. Stride length. Is your stride too long? You want to make sure it’s short enough so you are landing on the midsection of your foot, not the balls or the heals.
2. Running surface. Are you varying your running surface? Some people (aka me) just can’t run on concrete. Try a track, treadmill, trail, or (my favorite) a turf field.
3. The right shoes. How long have you had your shoes? Are they starting to wear down? Do you know if you overpronate?
4. Stretch & Ice. After a run, I always stretch my calves. I stretch my calves like all the time actually, this helps so much! Also icing them right after does wonders : )
Good luck! Hope this was some help at least!
Thanks for the advice!!! I think I am doing good on #1 (short stride) and #2 (run on crushed limestone), and maybe #3 (I would like to get re-fitted, but both pairs I use are fairly new).
It’s #4. I ice, but I need to work on stretching! In fact, my right calf was tight for weeks then the pain arrived… duh! I am hoping to get a foam roller soon 🙂
Can’t really help you with the pain issue…not enough experience. But, for the nippelling thing…which, btw I hadn’t noticed until you pointed it out…I say, the padded running bra sounds like a great idea 🙂
I am quite annoyed that my body is falling apart! This is week 2 not running. 🙁
Everyone is jumping in here!
Good luck with the shins – I found that trying to stick to the softer surface of gravel while my shin was healing really helped. Depending on your race course, you may be able to jump to the side every once and a while to run on grass – but be careful with all the jumping!
I tend to get the same problem as you on cold race mornings. If I know a race is a risky situation I’ll wear this (http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/344881/300284/_/Alexis) and the model for more ‘boobage blessed’ girls would be this (http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/344881/350025/_/Juno). The molded cup hides anything going on underneath!
i have the same problem! for me it’s any exercise – even if it’s in a hot room and i’m sweating, i’m still nipping! i guess i really like to work out, haha 😉 ANYWAY, i also have a lightly padded sports bra – mine’s from lululemon and i LOVE IT.
In regards to the shin pain, it could be due to tight calf muscles, excessive pronation, exaggerated heel strike or maybe not enough cushion in your shoes. If you run with an extended stride on downhills, that could aggrevate it.
Try icing and massage.
If it’s front to middle and not too bad, you can train through it. If it’s front to inside you may not want to run the 13.
If it is mild pain that goes away after about 5 minutes and doesn’t hurt when you walk, you can run with it. If it hurts daily – don’t run. A week off is what my book indicates.
Take care and…about the nip thing: we are all human and those things happen. I bet if you look around others have the same issue or even worse.
Maybe you could wait for the photo for a little longer until “things” have settled.
I think you’ve gotten lots of good advice already! Usually shin issues are a result either of running form that needs to change and needing to make sure you warm up throughly.
I really hope it’s feeling better so you can race
nips happen girl. that’s what they do. i breastfed a child for 3 yrs. we have breasts, we are women. it’s a biological reflex. if someone stares, that’s their problem. don’t ever apologize for your biology, your womanhood. You are woman, hear your roar!
LOL. Thanks Averie, I needed that! Now, I may look for a more padded sports bra when buying one in the future (I could use a little more support) but for now, oh well! 🙂
I’m having a body issue too, I went out for a 10k on Monday only to have my iPod die and my right knee tell me to go to hell at exactly 5k…not good.
As for the nips, rock ’em, who cares? they’re just nipples.
Is your knee feeling better today?
Just catching up on blogs today! Sucks about your shin, but I never heard of forefoot strikers having shin issues — midfoot or heel strikers are more likely, since it makes you sort of point your toes up when you strike. Maybe actually try landing with your forefoot instead?
Also try stretching your shins. Basically stand up and point your toes up, balancing on your heels (does it make sense?). It should help!
As for the nips? Maybe just pin your bib there, so that it won’t show?
Good luck tomorrow!