Back in February and March I was training for the Tipp Hill 4 Miler and the Shamrock Half Marathon. The week before the Tipp Hill run, I was so sore and tight in my leg and had some dull pain in my foot, that I couldn't complete my last training run on the course the week before the race. The next week, at the actual race, I felt absolutely fine and ran it five minutes faster than last year. The following few days, the pain all lingered back. So, after the half, I took two weeks off from running. The calf muscles started behaving, but that pesky foot pain lingered.
I have to wonder what caused this pain. One Saturday, I did way more mileage than I should have, and on hill to boot. On one run, I noticed that my laces were over-tightened. Did that give me tendonitis? Did I sprint faster than I should have? Did I lengthen my stride inadvertently? Did something else cause the pain? Is it going to go away?
Fourth month later, the day of the Utica Boilermaker 15K, I decide it is time to have my off season. At the 10K mark, I was ready to be done with this race. It wasn't just the foot pain, I was mentally exhausted. So, I waited a week and then made an appointment with my GP. They, in turn ordered the x-ray, which came back negative for a stress fracture. They now want me to go to an orthopedic specialist and get an MRI. In the meantime, two weeks have passed and it feels better. Thursday, I mailed 3 pairs of shoes (including my work shoes) to someone who can analyze the inside and outside of my shoes to see if they can help assess the situation.
So, the plan is to take a total of six weeks off. In that time, I will still ride the magnetic resistance bike in the basement, work on stretching more and doing core work. I will do some reading on running of great variety. I'm starting with Running With the Kenyans. I'll proceed to Dean Karnazes book, then read Daniel's Running Formula. After that, maybe some running in literature books.
It just amazes me that it took me so long to take care of the situation. What if it had been a stress fracture and I made the situation worse by waiting so long? How long should you wait before you stop running? The first thing to look at is a possible shoe issue. After that, my opinion is that if it doesn't get better within two weeks, try some R(rest) I (ice) C(compression) and E(elevation). After two weeks, if it doesn't start to feel better, seek medical advice.
Let's go back to my plan for a minute. My hope is that by building my core and stretching and building flexibility, I may be able to prevent injury. I'll start by stretching my feet, ankles and legs. Then, I'll gradually work the rest of the body in. I never thought stretching extensively did any good. I also never would have thought to stretch my ankles. Spending 20 minutes, 3 times a week is a lot better than not running at all.
Good luck and stay healthy!!!!!
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