I haven't run in 69 days. Not that i'm counting or anything. So if you do the math, the last time I ran was in the Philadelphia Marathon. That shooting pain that I felt in my left ankle at mile 10 and kept running on for another 16 miles turned out to be a bit more serious than I anticipated. About a week after the marathon, I went to a podiatrist, got x-rays and an MRI, and was diagnosed with tendonitis in my posterior tibial tendon. I'm very fortunate that it was only inflammed, not torn. But I would be on a slow road to recovery.
So, for the past 10 weeks, I started out in a walking boot to immobilize my foot and ankle. Just after the New Year I was downgraded to an ankle brace. My joint got very tight and stiff in the boot and my calf and foot muscles atrophied, so I began physical therapy 3 weeks ago. It's been painful and frustrating. I wanted to run in a half-marathon in Virginia Beach with Lee on St. Patty's Day - but I won't be ready by then. So i've been inactive - no running, no cardio whatsoever, no strength training - for the majority of the last 10 weeks. And i've been eating - I got injured just in time for the holidays. I've been depressed - I found a sublet for my apartment who just 2 weeks after signing the lease wanted to back out. Nothing seemed to be going my way - I started gaining weight. So much so that I feel ugly, unattractive - which does not put me in the best frame of mind to date. So i've been living in my own personal hell.
But now, there's hope. I got custom made orthotics this week, which is somewhat uncomfortable but seems to be helping. My last PT appointment, I did an exercise that generally causes so much pain I have to use my good foot to take some pressure off of my bad foot - this time, I did the entire exercise without the aide of my good foot and was in relatively less pain. Progress is being made - and we are going to try to run on the treadmill next week! Just in time for me to start my triathlon training on February 4th. I have friends that tell me I have to be patient - that even though i'm not where I want to be, i'm on the right track - and i'll get there. I know they're right. It's just been a struggle. Some days I want to give up. It's cruel to be on such a high like I was during the marathon - only to come crashing down and be in a funk for months. Thanks to everyone for sticking by me. I still have a long road ahead - but i'm not giving up.
1 comment:
well, if it makes you feel any better, i haven't run since the philly marathon either - and i have no injury! (unless you count law school - which i'd be happy to do!)
i went back to gym just this week actually and it was painful, but in a good way. i hope you start experiencing that soon. slow and steady with the therapy, then into your tri training- you'll do great, i know it. you've got your eye on the prize.
oh, and ummm, yeah, i get you on the feeling like a blob thing. we'll snap out of it, don't worry. winter is for putting on weight to keep warm and hibernating!! :P
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