Sunday 1 March 2015

Pain management

Over the years of blogging I've often been told that the honesty in my writing is refreshing.  I don't try and make myself out to be more than I am and I've never considered myself an athlete because I see athlete's all the time and they are faster and fitter so I'd only be kidding myself on.  I'm proud of my achievements over the years and have put in long hours to get across the finish line so I'm not detracting from any of that, but I'm realistic.  I'm fitter than your average 53 year old but I'm not happy with my current level of fitness which is mainly down to injuries.
This week I've had 2 good swimming sessions and as my injury doesn't affect swimming, I've enjoyed the sessions.  Swimming always pushes me and despite it only being "the warm up" in a triathlon, I can see me swimming for a long time.  Yoga on Tuesday helped my aching legs after the half marathon on Sunday but I was limping because of my foot.  If you've ever had Plantar Fasciitis you'll appreciate the pain in the inside arch of your foot.  It's so tight that every night I use a rolling pin to ease the tension and I've now bought a specific roller to help.  Add to this I have pain across the top of my foot which usually hurts after running and it's fair to say I am in pain management mode - the cyclists would quote me "rule 5" which is man the f up!  I visited my podiatrist on Thursday and he has adjusted my orthotics as the angle of my calf was slightly out when my foot struck the ground.  This hopefully will work but he wants me to see a foot specialist as he is  concerned I might cause long term damage and wants it checked.  The adjustment will change my running which will give me a few aches and pains in my legs.  So on Friday I ran 10k, Saturday 16k which I found very tough and today another 16k which wasn't much easier.  Add to the altered orthotics and new set of shoes and my legs are wondering what's going on.  My PF is bloody sore but the top of my foot feels ok.
Until I see the foot specialist I will keep building up the running slowly and try and stay injury (more) free.  I'm not thinking about June 18/19 as there is no short cut to increasing the miles without the increased risk of injury and I'm hurting enough.  So I thought I'd bring you up to speed on my journey.  No BS or false positive stuff, just an honest assessment.  If I am going to achieve my goals this year it will happen because I'm being sensible and managing the pain best I can.  Thanks to my fellow runners for their constant encouragement when I am out with them.