Monday, March 12, 2012

Time is on my side.... except when it's not.

I hit the ground running toward my 100 miles in one month goal... and then stopped.

I didn't stop, I just kind of had to work instead, and then that damn foot started screaming at me and I knew that I shouldn't try to run and work this weekend.

Not that the web should be where I get all of my medical information from, but it seems there are only two things one can do for my issue, plantar fasciitis: Manage the pain and/or stop running. The latter isn't going to happen, so that leaves pain management, and I'm thisclose to seeing if my insurance will cover a cortisone shot. The problem is I don't think my left foot is the start or the end of my running issues, as my entire left leg tends to experience more pain and tension overall. My left IT band is far angrier than my right after a long run, my left hip is much tighter, and I've sprained my left ankle 3 times compared to just once on the right.

Am I gimpy? Leg length discrepancy? Am I just a weakling?

Wah :(

All I know is that I'm about to do some research and see what my insurance will cover. I'd hate to go the route of needing to go to a sports doctor but this isn't just about winning some Gu by running a bunch of miles; it's about being able to launch into a training plan whenever the mood suites me without having to tape, ice, and walk gingerly after a five-mile run. As much as I embrace being nearly 30, the reality of age is starting to hit me. Things are going to hurt more than they did 15 years ago. Tissue will break down and take longer to rebuild. Eventually, I will start to lose muscle.

*grumble grumble*

We don't really have a say in the matter, do we?

So I suppose it would be within my best interest to see someone who specializes in athletic and overuse injuries in order to preserve the fitness and stamina I have. Because when time takes over, it doesn't stop, and our bodies were not designed to keep going forever. I would just like to keep it as strong as possible until I turn 85, and then smoke, eat and drink whatever the hell I want.

1 comment:

Amanda N. said...

While I'm no marathon runner, I can certainly empathize.

I would recommend seeing a really good PT if you can find one that comes recommended. They were so helpful for me, even though my IT band issues are incredibly stubborn and my knee might as well be held together with duct tape and hope.

I did recently have to try cortisone, and while it helped the pain and let me get back to my regimen, I don't know that I'd recommend it. I experienced quite a few undesirable side-effects... I guess it's all a trade-off though. Once the shot wears off, you may be better, or you may be right back where you started.