Taping and Running

Earlier in the week, I put a feeler out on my blog Facebook page to see if anyone has used KT Tape. Upon browsing YouTube, I stumbled on the KT Tape instructional video channel. HOLY CRAP... there is a taping method for every ache out there. Also, I was pretty impressed by the breadth of their online resources. When I happened upon a video for hamstring tendon pain... I decided to give this tape a shot. I picked up a roll of the Orange KT Tape Pro from We Run. $19.99 for 20 pre-cut sheets.

Of course, since I purchased the tape, my hamstring tightness seemed to dissipate, but I had been having some intermittent issues with the top of my foot. The hinge joint there just seemed kind of stiff and while it always loosens up after I've logged a few miles... the tenderness does come back occasionally during the run.

Is there a KT Tape method for that? You bet your ass.

So, I did my own taping job and I think it came out swell.

Still taped strong after 8 miles. 8 miles in a sock and shoe, not my Target flip flops.

Verdict? Badass. I kept rambling about how good my foot felt taped up that Lisa, my running bud, went to Dick's and bought herself a roll for her aching hip.

The tape doesn't feel tight like an ace bandage and since it is stretchy there was no restriction of movement. I hardly noticed it was there and it didn't make my foot feel fat in my shoe.

VICTORY!

Now I wouldn't just use the tape for any little workout or twinge of pain because it is pricey (it took 3 strips to properly tape the top of my foot), but if you've got an ache or a race or a daunting long run ahead.... SO WORTH IT!

Now, for the true test... the shower...

Yep, I wear old man slippers and yep that it my kitchen linoleum... my house was built in 1955 after all.

Stayed on. The edge where I began my application is curling a tad, but if I am honest... I touched that part of the tape when I was trying to apply it. DOH!

Did you notice... is it also REFLECTIVE. Baam

Okay, the moral of this post... buy some KT Tape if you have aching parts.

On to the run... Flaherty and I had to take it easy because her hip was killing her. Oh and I don't mind a nice slow, easy run on a Sunday... or ever for that matter.

This was at the end of the 1st of 2, 4 mile loops on the Nature Trail.

I have just recently become a fan of doing a couple laps instead of a straight out and back. Why? It affords me a minute to stretch, hit the bano and NOT CARRY water or fuel. Only downside... you have to muster the gusto to get your ass back out there when you could easily get in your car and speed off.

It really was a great run and I found myself with quite a bit of fuel in the tank, so I opened it up a bit the last mile and finished quicker than originally intended. NO ipod, so I just focused on my breathing and turn over as I ended the run on a MAJOR HIGH NOTE.

Illinois Half Marathon Saturday and I-Challenge Friday night 5k... here we come and I am really excited to finally have a race coming up!

BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad... you complete me.

Post 8 miles we dined at Panera and picked up some "essentials" at Dick's. By essentials, I mean that Lisa needed a cute, new racing outfit and I needed a clearance shirt and more tech socks... of course.

What was the highlight of your weekend?
What's your next race?

xoxo,
falon

p.s: KT Tape didn't send me any products or ask me to review squat... why? No clue- don't they read my blog?? ha ha I reviewed their product because I had a GREAT experience and I love to share the good stuff with ya'll.