Frustration Again

I'm frustrated...again.  I debated to sharing my woes because I want to be a person that is happy and doesn't whine all the time.  I'm not looking for a lot of comments of sympathy (we'll maybe a little); maybe writing the post will help me feel better.

Yesterday I went out for a 22 mile run.  It was my last long run before beginning my taper for Boston that is 3 weeks away. I have envisioned running Boston strong, getting a PR and having a great race.  As I've had problems in my training, I realize this may not be realistic. On February 20th I strained my left  hamstring during a race and I felt sensations of IT band issues also in my left leg. On March 15th I strained it again. I took a week off after each incident.  This last one I made sure I didn't run more than 3 days in a row and was feeling pretty good.

My run yesterday started out great. It wasn't until mile 18 that out of the blue my IT band on my right leg tightened.  I debated to continue running the 4 miles home or stopping and not pushing it. Knowing the race was more important I stopped and called home. Luckily John was there and came and picked me up.

I'm not sure why the IT band is giving me fits. I have been doing monster walks and clam shells at least 3 times a week and feel that should be enough to keep those butt/hip muscles strong. I have been having lower back discomfort, which means my core isn't real strong but would that affect the IT band?  Maybe because my mileage was in the low 40's and that is just too much?  But it's not greater than 10% of previous weeks. My big worry is that it's going to occur in the race or that I can't even run over the next few weeks. Sitting here typing, there is little discomfort in my right leg (but oddly there is in the left) making me think maybe I dreamed the whole thing up.

I love running more than anything and each time a injury rears it's ugly little head, I have a hard time being optimistic, I become depressed and want to cry (and usually do). I wonder what I've done wrong to have it happen and how I've attracted it.

So what can I do about it? I know I need to try not to worry. Easier said than done. I'll also keep doing my exercises and may go back to the PT since I still have sessions relating to the hamstring. I used the foam roller 3 times yesterday and will keep rolling at least twice a day. I'm also considering changing my shoes. I have about 300 miles on the shoes and was planning on running another 150 miles in them. I know me, if I switch them out with the idea of using them after the race, I won't. I don't want to waste the shoes either but need to feel like I'm doing something.  Any advice on IT band, not worrying or where to buy a magic wand is appreciated.

To make sure this post isn't a total downer, here is a picture collage from Charleston. Charleston is known for it's ironwork, which was hammered by hand prior to the Civil War.  There are beautiful gates and examples throughout the city.  We also went to Folly Beach  to see the light house.