All taped up and no where to go
Just when things were plugging along so beautifully, I have hit a little bump in the road. My Achilles started complaining to me on Thurs. afternoon, post run. When I tried to ride the bike trainer on Friday, it was pretty painful. So I did the smart thing (for once!) and got off after just 15 minutes.
I went in to see my massage therapist at noon and he did some work on the area, including some kinesio tape. When I told him I had 18 on my schedule for the next morning, he warned against it. I immediately started shuffling things around in my head. “Ok, if I can’t do 18 tomorrow, I’ll just do 10 on Sunday.” By the end of the massage, I had talked myself off the ledge, though, and decided to rest it until at least Tuesday.
Saturday I did nothing. Ugh, that’s hard for me! Saturday morning is my favorite time of the week, my long run with friends. A little wine on Saturday might have helped the sting a bit (thank you, friends).
Sunday I decided to hit the bike trainer to check things out. It felt good, but I stayed on for only 30 minutes, just enough to take the edge off my mood but not do any damage. However, by last night, it was pretty tender again. I was hoping to run tomorrow, but now I’m thinking a few more days are probably in order. I just don’t want to mess with an Achilles.
I think I can pretty much trace this back to my hill repeats on Tuesday. Remember I told you how badly I was sucking wind? Clear indicator my fitness was not there for the repeats yet. And those are the indicators we all need to give some credence. Sometimes we can get away with it, but sometimes not (especially when you’re a master’s runner like me).
I’m pretty bummed to have my training derailed, but also hopeful that, since I stopped everything as soon as I had an issue, it will be a minor derailment. Wish me luck tomorrow!
For any of you who have had Achilles issues, what do you find helps the most?
Get better!!!! Good luck tomorrow!
Holly recently posted..New LARABAR Winner
Good luck… I feek your pain of Achilles, my wife is down to running onle 5km every 2nd day, my friend Eddie has just had ops on both of his, and mine are tight, and take a couple of km in the morning before I can really get running.
I find that lying in bed helps!!! I should just stop there, but I need to say more: so before I get up in the morning I ly on my stumic and hang my feet over the end of the bed and then pull my toes towards me useing the matrus as resistance… I find that loosens them up.
Good luck, hope other people have other ideas, because I will be useing them….
Coach Dion recently posted..RED HILL
Hope this works out for you – so glad you did the sensible thing and took the time off. Love your mental process where you were shifting things around – don’t we ALL do that? – but you were right, this is crazy.
Keep us posted!
Petra recently posted..BHAGs.
I hear you Amanda. Bumps in the road are no fun but good for you for being smart early on! I’m getting passed my bumps for now and thankful for stopping and going slower when I didn’t want to. Thinking of you.
Sorry about the Achilles. Hope your rest will help. My Achilles suffered because of tight hamstring muscles. Some dynamic stretches before a run help.
You are so good for stopping. Proud of you girl.
Ewa recently posted..Can’t think of a title
For my Achilles, the keys have been minimal shoes, using the massage stick on my calves and lots of yoga – the good hard kind with lots of warrior 1, 2, lunges and balancing. I would like to say the balancing exercises the Speed Clinic gave me, but I can’t motivate to do that, hence the yoga. And resting when things get “chatty”. I know how hard it is to take a day off. Good job listening to your body!!
I hope your have a successful test run tomorrow and mostly you find peace in the rest.
HUGS and thoughts of healing.
xo
MizFit recently posted..The secret to my success.
So sorry to hear about this bump. I had achilles issues pre-Boston 2010. Roll, ice, tape, graston, and lots of pool running got me through it. Strong healing thoughts coming your way!
Teamarcia recently posted..3 x a Charm: Final Trop50 Spa Giveaway
Hmmm…from a psychological (and my own exp) standpoint-accept that it happened, get really mad if you have to, then channel that into productive healing-knowing everything you are doing: resting, icing, and XT when you’re ready are part of the big picture of getting back out there.
When I messed up my achilles last year, that was my way of dealing too. Once you can stretch it without pain, things progressed pretty quickly.
gah, the achilles is such a thorn! you are definitely doing the best thing by resting it!! maybe you could aqua jog w a belt in the deep end?
Kristy (@KrisRunTri) recently posted..Week 17 Focusing On Training Smart
I think it’s smart to take a few days off and get this thing nipped in the bud quickly and hopefully before it really derails your training. Sending you lots of healing vibes and good luck!
Raquelita recently posted..Upcoming Travels and Budgetary Sacrifices
oh no, hope you heal quickly so you can get back out running!
On a more positive note, at least the doctor did not have to amputate!
I can commiserate! I am back off my feet too. Bummer for you as I know how important this is. But, keep up the good attitude it serves you well!
Jennifer recently posted..So Behind and No Plans for Catching Up
ASTYM by a physical therapist and lots of calf raises/stretching.
I was back running/walking in a couple weeks.
oh, and back in non-minimalist shoes!
oh no… smart for listening to your body!
Christina recently posted..This little light of mine…
Hang in there…it is just a little bump and sounds like you caught it early and stopped doing any more damage. I have a bump myself – strained glute – and am having to be really sensible, which I don’t enjoy! Get better soon.
Racingtales – Alison Gittelman recently posted..Men in Tights
It was my achilles that took me out of the game for over a year
When I finally found the help I was needing it was with a chiropractor. She had me doing lots of ankle exercises – 30 foot circles out, 30 foot circles inward and 30 toe points for each foot. I would then do a shin stretch 3 x 30 seconds.
Then I move on to 30 second static stretches – 3 each of a regular calf stretch against the wall and 3 each of a low calf stretch followed up by all my other leg stretches for hammies and quads and then psoas. She also moved me to my Nike Frees from Asics. I can’t handle the higher/stiffer achilles support in running shoes anymore. Well…I haven’t tried in awhile because I’m so happy with my Frees, but for some time, just trying on shoes with a stiff support would hurt…let alone running in them
Julie recently posted..Monday Morning Dance Party
Great comment! I am going to keep this in my back pocket for prevention and recovery.
Vieve recently posted..Week in Review #3
dang it ! yes, I did the shift and pushed to hard this weekend (post crud). I was smart on Sat. and canceled my 20 miler, but couldn’t manage 2 days of smart in a row, so Sunday, I went for 16. I survived, but it was HARD, and too much, and dumb. Thankfully, I think I “got away with it”. This is why we tend to always push the limits because sometimes we do get away with it. I’m glad you are being smart. Stay Smart my friend!
ginny recently posted.."America’s Toughest Road Marathon"
here’s to quick healing…I only have issues with ankles so not much help to you
Tara Burner recently posted..What is HGH & the benefits of using it
Keep up the smartness and you’ll recover before you know it! Hill repeats always do me in too – i’m always trying to do too much too soon with them and then something ends up cranky for a week or two.
Jen recently posted..Training week 2 recap, and what I learned this week
Sorry to hear that. Smart recovery, though.
Gracie recently posted..How I train: Q and A
Listening to your body means that you will get back on your feet that much faster. Good luck!
Oh NO!
What a bummer. I hope that it heals quickly and you’re back to your run very soon. I can’t think of anything more upsetting than being sidelined by injury. Will send healing vibes your way!
Jen recently posted..Confessions of a Running Sinner
oh i’m so sorry to hear this!! the damn achilles is horrible! i’m trying to nip some heel pain in the bud right now myself. rest up and be smart, it will get you back out there faster!
Denise recently posted..Rough Start
shoot! I hope it settles down soon!
Good for you listening to your body and stepping back immediately. And yes, a glass of wine makes everything feel better. Thank goodness for good friends!
Tracy recently posted..Freeze Your Thorns Off Virtual Race
Funny, my achilles are giving me prbs too.
I run hills a lot.. I need to find a different route.
Mamarunsbarefoot recently posted..I Had Track For Lunch
Sorry to hear about your achilles. You’ve slipped back into your running so naturally in the past few months, one little bump isn’t so bad right? Great attitude about it, and good luk out there tomorrow!
runblondie26 recently posted..Ragnar Florida Keys Part 4: Bringing it Home
Smart girl – way to shut it down before you hurt yourself. That is a hard thing to do!
I can think of something that could really help with achillies issues? This something might be incredibly ugly and one seen be worn by Neil Armstrong (-:
Jeff Irvin recently posted..Running is Perplexing …
Rest up lady! Maybe some weight training will help you keep your sanity when you can’t run.
Holly recently posted..Winter Walk
ugh, so sorry about this, but you’re being really smart about it. I hope it clears up ASAP!!!
Molly recently posted..A New Age Group
This really sucks but I’m sure it will be gone very soon. You definitely stopped and cut back soon enough. Take care!
Johann recently posted..Thank you and thank you and main 2012 goal
ugh…that is frustrating! But I am EXTREMELY proud of you for backing off. You won’t regret it! Good luck with the recovery. Keep up posted!
I hope you heal fast. Stay patient. Cheers!
Viper recently posted..Missed Opportunity or Weather Delay?
I have my fingers crossed for you!! I had a friend who had an Achilles problem and he had to take a week off. I had a bit of it too when I was running hills in my barefoot shoes. It was tender!
Love the Rock Tape! Boy if I had a nickel for each time I ran in that!
Resting is hard. I get it, I completely get it.
Coy recently posted..Planet Adventure Winter Trail Half Marathon
I think you’re doing the right thing by resting. Take the time off now to get back to 100%!! Your fitness will be there when you get back on the roads!
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) recently posted..What More Could I Ask For…
Hope you feel better soon! Injuries suck! Great post over on fitfluential!!
Bess @ Bess Be Fit recently posted..Mac & Cheese Mashup + Full Body Burnout
Best of luck! You are being VERY smart.
Terzah recently posted..The Spring of Speed!
You did the smart thing — good for you! I struggle with that, so bravo!
I hope this goes away with rest and you return to running soon. Heal up!
(I am planning on doing some hill repeats outside this week — any tips to avoid achilles issues?)
Kate @ Run with Kate recently posted..Boo Ya, Hills!
Wishing you a super fast recovery!
SassyModernMom recently posted..Impulse Purchases equals . . . Granny Panties?
NOOOOOO I am so so sorry that you are dealing with your achilles problem and hoping you are back to running in no time. Good for you to stop immediately and I bet that will shorten the recovery time big time!
Hope the ankle heals up quickly for you!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..My Typical Long Run Day Eating Habits
It’s never any fun to be forced to take time off for illness or injury. It’s even worse when you have goals and a training plan laid out before you. You were wise in easing back. Best wishes and fingers crossed for a quick bounce back to normal!
Way to back off and stay backed off – that’s the Master’s runner talking!
Kovas recently posted..Native Foods Cafe Restaurant Review
Ug! How frustrating! I hope you get back on track soon!
Kyria recently posted..Notes and Peeves: Race Day
dang. hoping it is definitely a small derailment!! Good reminder though for me right now, to not push past my fitness level when I know I’m pushing it. Have had a couple of those moments lately!! Have a great week!
I hope you get well soon. This is a frustrating situation. I am also off for a deep pain into my knee. Instead of resting yesterday I ran a terrible hilly race a bit longer than a half and now I cannot walk. I understand very well your feeling. Good luck.
Black Knight recently posted..11 Things
I hope you heal quickly. Keep doing the right thing and you’ll get there.
Char recently posted..Resisting The Urge
Ugh, being de-railed is always frustrating. I’ve often found speed work brings some twinges, and I have to be so careful when adding it back in. My achilles was bothering me off and on this fall, and I one of my dr’s recommendations was a heel boot that keeps your foot flexed at night to speed up recovery… mine wasn’t too serious so I never bought one, but it might be worth a try.
Laura recently posted..Sunday tidbits…
GOOD LUCK! Very smart to be taking it easy as necessary and not do something that will further aggravate the Achilles…
Laura recently posted..Four for Friday..the running, running edition
I had an achilles issue last winter that I chalked up to running minor hills + running in yak trax. They just threw my gait off enough to strain my achilles. I took a week off + foam rolled my calves like crazy. I stopped running in the Yaks and the route that included the hills. It still tightened up – but not major pain- after long runs for a couple months. It helped if I iced immediately after for 15 min or so. Good luck…not fun!
Resting early and often before it gets too badly injured seems supah dupah smart to me. Loads of healing to you!
Tuesday recently posted..11 Things
Well, shoot. But I am glad you caught it in time! My Achilles has been a bit tender since my marathon and my coach recommended that I *not* wear the shoes I wore in the marathon for 2 weeks. Are you donning any calf compression sleeves? I seriously am addicted to mine now.
Allison Johnson recently posted..Adapt And Overcome Part 2
hopefully this is just a tiny bump. good luck tomorrow!
katie recently posted..the newwwwwtons
I hear what you say about Master Runners, or veterans as we’re called in Britain, it’s even more important to listen to our bodies and take heed of what they’re trying to tell us – pdq. Our injuries can take longer to heal, and lost fitness can take an age to recover.
So take care. Sending you healing vibes for a speedy recovery.
Runningfox recently posted..An excellent week
oh NO
good luck tomorrow and hopefully this minor set back is only a minor set back! Hang in there and REST UP!
marissa recently posted..do you have the fever?
Oh no. I’m so sorry to read this. I’m glad you caught it early and hopefully you will be back out there soon.
Rest up and hang in there.
Missy recently posted..Desert Classic Race Recap
It sounds like you are playing it safe and caught it early enough not to do too much damage. FX that a few more days does the trick. Hang in there! And no more hills just yet…
marlene recently posted..Boston Training – Week 4… with some rambles
I think that you made the right choice even though you were torn. It’s harder to do the smart thing then it is to just keep pushing through trying to plow through the pain, that usually doesn’t end well. Keep spoiling yourself with the rest and a little extra TLC because you deserve it.
Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl recently posted..Gearing up for another cycle
Kudos to you for backing off at the first sign of acute problems!
I’m sorry to say I am very familiar with AT…have to watch for it all the time and keep it at bay. Here’s the laundry list of stuff I have picked up:
Ice is your amazing tool. Not some weeny cold pack either. put some ice cubes in a basin or bucket and some water and stick your heel in there as long as you can take it. Then remove and let it warm up a bit, then do it again…repeat 3 times or so.
Do that a few times a day. Ibprofen is ok but Ice is much more important.
ICE REALLY helps the acute problem….to go with that don’t piss your AT off any more until it’s happy happy. Wear shoes with some lift when you go running..this is NOT the time for the zero drop…wait until it’s all good. Buy some Dr Scholls lifts and stick them in your shoes under the innersole if you don’t have any shoes with more drop than your normal ones)
If you are really hurting (i.e. not able to run) wear slippers with lifts even when you get up at night so you don’t stress it. Don’t do ANY stretches during the acute phase!!!
Once it’s heeled up THEN is the time for prevention: do one legged eccentric heel lowerings , both bent-knee and straight leg to strengthen the calf (and hence reduce stress on the tendon). You don’t have to do the lift part with your one legf ..you can use both on the up part. Do the lowering part sllooowly..if you are quivering after 10-15 you need this exercise 8)
Also do rear – bent leg standing stretch (a normal calf stretch) but do it one-legged to get some dynamic ness to it.
And of course run in low or zero drop shoes with a flexible sole to strengthen the entire system (I’m not able to do zero)
HTH and get better soon!
Paul recently posted..Weekly recap: 13 weeks to Eugene
SO sorry to hear about your achilles
Unfortunately I know all too well about injuries, my left shin just does not want to get better. You did a great thing by resting, I know how hard that can be…good luck with your training!!!
Toni Church recently posted..Man vs Shin
Noooooooooooo! Sending you hugs and fast healing vibes!!!
I hope you feel better, there’s nothing worse than your body being the reason you can’t workout. I HATE being injured. I am pumping positive achilles vibes for your workout tomorrow.
xoxox
Ali Mc recently posted..Monday 5
Rest, ice and my compression socks helped with my achilles.
derailed training is the worst but GREAT job recognizing the importance of rest… so many serious injuries could have been prevented by resting in the beginning. good for you and feel better soon!
They at least could have given you pink k-tape
Rest up and tackle those miles when you are feeling better
Victoria Runs recently posted..RnR St Pete Blogger Meet-Up and Don
I hope you are able to run ASAP. I know how tough it is to have to not run – especially when you are up to your knees in training for Boston…A few extra days won’t make a huge difference (that’s what I told myself this weekend too when I couldn’t run). My fingers are crossed for you!!!
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..11 Random Things
Get well soon and best of luck! Thinking of you!
Sara recently posted..Celebrate Week #8: Cap City Half Marathon Training Report
Oh bummer!! I’ve had achilles issues myself. Unfortunately this comes with no great tips. All that really seems to help me is staying off it…for awhile. Hopefully yours feels better soon! I’ll be interested to hear if you discover a secret remedy!
Laura recently posted..Paperwork