Doc, I don’t get it, I’m not a farmer, I have what? Oh, is that something you get off the shower floor at the gym? Really, there is no real cure just a variety of treatments? And you are not really sure where it comes from? or why now?
Well, I’ve failed to avoid the dreaded mid-season injury. In the four years that I have been training and competing in endurance sports, last year was the only year that did not produce an injury that interfered with my ability to train and race. Over the years it has been a variety of things but all associated to overuse. By far this has to be the most challenging aspect of endurance sports.
The latest is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition that affects nearly 2 million Americans each year and can be responsible for mild to even debilitating pain. In my case it started out as mild pain, an inconvenience, and has progressed over the last 6/8 weeks to something much worse. I have good days and bad, lately though, mostly bad. Last week, I had enough and went to see a podiatrist.
We have taken a four prong approach to treatment. First, a cortisone shot…ouch! If you have a fear of needles, this is not for you. The doc says, this is going to hurt a little… as he is twisting and pushing the needle into the side of my foot, spreading the Cortisone/Novocaine solution around the inflamed ligament. Sorry doc but you may need to go to confession after telling that little white lie. The second is Meloxicam, a little yellow highly effective anti-inflammatory. The third is custom orthotics and the final treatment is exercise therapy.
This is Grandma’s Marathon week, and I’m planning on arriving at the starting line, but honestly I’m not sure what will happen. I had high hopes and at times was actually thinking that I might have a shot at a Boston Qualifying Time. (Probably a pipe dream) Well this is one of those times where adjusting ones goals is wise. Just finishing might be in order, actually I’m seriously considering withdrawing altogether.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been replacing rides for runs. I did complete all of my long runs, including the 20 miler three weeks ago. Actually my last two long runs were 19.5 and 19.9. But last week I hobbled through a 7-miler and this weekend could barely complete a couple of 5K+ runs.
The cortisone shot was on Thursday and the doc said that it could take 10 – 14 days before I see any real relief. He also said that it might actually feel worse during that time. On the other hand he said that I would most likely not make it any worse. He said that he advises his patients that if they can withstand the pain, go ahead and run. The biggest issue is that the pain makes me change my gait. This can lead to hurting something else, my ankle, knee, etc.
So, I’ll see how the week goes. I’ll probably make my way to Duluth Friday and get to the starting line but from there, I guess we will all just have to wait and see.
