It’s not always the big, dramatic injuries that trip you up. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones. The ones that sneak up after a race. The ones that remind you: “You’re not invincible.”
After our last 5k race 2 weeks ago, I notice some heal pain. At first, it was just background noise. Then it got louder, and by that evening, I could not step on my foot. I iced it, stretched, but could not run the next day. I could bike because I was not putting any pressure on my heal. It was jut not letting up. I thought I had a stress fracture. Several days later, and an xray later, it showed it was not. It would get a little better after getting through the first few minutes of stepping on it. Plantar Fasciitis! My nemesis! Once again. Sarah and I have a Half Marathon coming up in the Hills in about 3 weeks. I don’t know at this point if I am going to be able to run it. The Crazy Horse Half Marathon. I can bike. I can be on the elliptical. I ran once last week. I will try again this Sunday. Will just have to see how it feels.
It is a mental tug-of-war. Not the injury itself, but the decisions that come with it. Push through and risk making it worse? Pull back and feel like you’re giving up? There’s no clear answer. Just a gut check. A little wisdom. And a lot of patience. Maybe I will run the Half. Maybe I’ll just jog part of it and walk the rest. Maybe I’ll cheer Sarah on from the trail’s edge and save my energy, and my foot, for hiking the rest of the week when we are gone. But whatever happens, I’m not stopping. My streak will keep going. I can do other activities, and I have been doing other activities at home.
I have an elliptical exercise machine. I have a recumbent bike. I can stay in shape with these while I let my foot heal. And I have been. I have been faithful with my inserts too.
My power step pulse inserts have been a part of me for years. My only issue is maybe I hang on to them too long. Some of my shoes may be older and more worn than I like to think. None of these are cheap, and so I am trying to get everything out of them as I can. But foot pain is another issue. Nothing is worth that. I need to start keeping a closer log of how long I am using them. How many miles I put on them, whether running or walking, or just hours with them.
My Oofa recovery sandals are by the door. My walking shoes are by the door. My running shoes are by the door. When they start losing their cushion I need to get rid of them. If I want to stay on the road, and run, or walk, I need to take extra care of my feet.
Sarah and I will be doing a lot of hiking as well. It is one of the most beautiful times of the year to be in the Hills. I will be hiking. I just may not be able to do the Half Marathon when we get out there. Will see. 3 weeks is still time yet. If I am ready, I will. If not, plan B. Don’t exactly know what plan B will be yet but will know more as each day goes by. Take care of your feet. They are the only ones we get! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 564