It’s frustrating having an injury that stops you doing what you love.
In the past two years I have made a niche for being a 5k and 10k runner, with my times gradually improving throughout the years.
My favourite shot of myself taken during a race
Round July I was a bit broken down – my legs ached, I had twisted my ankle on the left foot and on the right foot I had a dull reoccurring pain that would not go away on the flat of my foot.
Take a month off running
I decided to take a month off running and so my legs and ankle soon felt better. But the main in the flat of my foot remained – it was not that it was particularly painful, more of an annoyance that had the potential to get worse if pushed.
Because of this reoccuring problem I decided to make it a goal to get it sorted – so I said I would seek professional help and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of future injury.
It turned out I had plantar fascia. Which according to my doctor goes with time. As a keen runner that is not what I wanted to hear. But I listened to what he said and took some time off.
When it did not heal up two months later I was getting a bit anxious, especially as I had a race at the end of February. So I went back. The Doctor sighed, printed off some exercises and referred me to podiatrist.
Getting back outside
I did some half-assed runs, managing a 5k in just under 25 minutes (my personal best is 19 minutes 27 seconds).
As the appoint approached my foot was gradually feeling better. Rather than cancelling I decided to go ahead with it.
To put it politely it was a waste of time. I had done so much desktop research that the podiatrist agreed with what I said and was impressed that I was taking action to protect the injury.
Future action:
To insure my foot injury does not return I will:
- Take preventative measures such as streteching
- Roll a frozen bottle of what on my foot if pain returns
- Slowly build my running distance and make sure to rest
- Do more cardio on my bike
Current training
Over the last two weeks I have been doing some duathlon style training sessions (run/bike/run) and having days were I just cycle.
And it has been such a relief to feel my fitness improving each time I go out.
On Sunday I went my hardest doing a 3 mile run – 8 mile bike – 1 mile run combination.
As I reached the final stretch, I went the hardest I have ever done since July. My legs were still wobbly from the bike ride and burned like mad; I gasped for air, as a load of snot dribbled out of my nose.
As I approached home I had a final sprint crossing the ‘finish line’, where I collapsed on the floor smiling.
I love pushing how hard I can push my body and as I picked myself up off the floor I thought
“I’m back!”
Now I can really go full force on my fitness goals.
Manifesto of Perfection – Goal Setting Month
Other run inspired posts:
Go for a reservoir run – Hey ho! Let’s go insane at Badass Mudder – Don’t Quit
Perfect Manifesto 
Thanks for liking a few of my posts and following my blog. I used to run, but gave up nearly a decade ago due to a cartilage injury. I found that cutting back on running from three or four times a week to just once a week meant that I lost my fitness and it just became a slog and ceased to be enjoyable.
I am in my late 40’s now so fair enough. In my early 30’s, I could run five miles in 32 mins or thereabout. I’ve done a 10-mile or so bike ride this morning, 25 miles or so is as far as I can cycle in day without feeling a twinge in that knee. I think that it is good enough for me at my age. Additionally, I live near enough to my base work location – only two miles – that when I am there (most days) I cycle.
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It was no problem – when browsing your blog I found many posts that appeal to my interests and found your writing thought provoking.
Thanks for the comment, from my own experience from the past six months I have also found running not as enjoyable due to running less. I am currently at a point in my life where I struggle to maintain time into fitness activities due to the increase in other commitments in my life.
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