Monday, April 30, 2012

Countdown: Day 7, Solving Problems

What do you do when there are only 7 short days until your marathon and something hurts? The solution is obvious really: tape it baby. Tape it.

I mean duct tape was good enough to get MacGyver through 139 life threatening situations, so it should be good enough to cure some insignificant little pain before a marathon. Obviously. (Anyone else ever watch MacGyver? I loved that show!) Getting back to the cure all tape, I once saw an episode of King of the Hill, where Peggy Hill used duct tape to both tape up her butt and make her feet smaller! Poor Peggy Hill you were beautiful before the duct tape! Also, I've heard that duct tape can remove warts...Interesting. What's the lesson here?  Tape can solve your problem...

Okay, maybe tape can't solve your problem, but I have had good luck using something called KT tape in the past. I've used it during a time when I was having some Achilles tendinitis issues, during times when my IT band was irritated, and now for my arch. Does it cure all my issues? Not really, but it has helped (along with doing the normal the rest, ice, compress, elevate stuff). Will I run the marathon with KT tape? No. I did run with KT tape last year on my knee, which worked out fine, but the risk of the tape coming loose in my shoe and causing blisters is too great with a taped arch. Mostly I'm using it to provide some extra support and rest this week leading up the big day.

With 7 days left, it's time to start stalking the weather. Today's prediction for race day? High of 62 with chance of showers. Now for those of you who were unfortunate enough to run Boston in like 90 degree heat, don't worry 7 days is still a long time. There's plenty of time for the weather to go awry.  ;)

5 comments:

Karen said...

I hope your body heals up and the weather cooperates for your big day!

Unknown said...

For IT Band issues, I wonder if KT tape or compression tights are better? Do you have any opinions on this?

Good luck and I hope things feel good on Sunday!

Katie said...

@Karen: Thanks!

@Portia: I would prefer real compression tights over KT tape for IT band issues, but with the weather being warmer I opted for the tape last year. Also, real compression tights are expensive (often over $100), whereas the KT tape is fairly cheap...

Unknown said...

Thanks for weighing in Katie. I've been feeling like compression tights are the way to go too. And even though I am on a budget, my first marathon is giving me an excuse to make lots of exceptions. :)

Raina said...

Boy Katie- I know all the mysterious taper pains will disappear for race day! I am not experienced with tape, but whatever it takes!!