This was my first week back running again in more months than I would like to think about right now:) Even though I have to take it slow, really slow as far as mileage goes. I am pretty happy with how it is all working out so far, and I'd like to share my week with ya.
Monday - 1/2 Mile Run - Only mild pain for the most part, had a few odd sharp pains in the feet but I believe those were just a few area's getting used to running again.
3 Reps of 10 with the tendon strengthening exercises.
Tuesday - 1 Mile Run - Again only mild pain with each left foot step. Today was a hard day to force myself to stop at one mile, because the rest of me was feeling too good. But I was good and stopped when I should have.
4 Reps of 10 with the tendon strengthening exercises.
Wednesday - 1 1/2 Mile Run - Mild pain to start, moderate pain in the middle, and mild pain by the end. The pain was from work the previous night, not from the running itself.
1 Rep of 10 tendon strengthening exercises.
Thursday - Rest day - But I worked, and unfortunately 10 hours of work has given me quite a sore tendon today.
No reps of tendon strengthening today, didn't want to push it with the other pain.
Friday - 2 Mile Run - Mild pain to start, it actually felt like the pain subsided a little each lap today as the tendon stretched out. Little sluggish running in 100 degree temp, but still loved it!
Saturday - TBD - Likely will go 1-2 miles - It's all going to depend on any inflammation or pain.
Sunday - Will be a rest day.
(Note: I am still icing my tendon 3-6 times a day for 15 minute intervals as needed for the pain/inflammation. Additionally, taking Naproxin to keep the inflammation down from the hours working on it. I've also been using Kinesio taping on my injured tendon - Jury is still out on if it actually is of any benefit or just a useless method...)
So that is it! Not very impressive but truthfully it doesn't really matter, the fact is I have been able to run which is better than not!
My theory that the injury will not get worse by running (since I didn't injury it running) has proven correct, and so far no amount of running has made the inflammation or tendon pain worsen (luckily).
Work, well that is another story. I am attempting to do all I can to avoid working on it in ways that aggravate it so much... Additionally, I am considering finding a different 2nd job. I might suck up my pride and go back to Marketing or Advertising.. desk job.. Arghhh....
The only downside, I have my appointment with the Specialist Monday. He's highly recommended by the other Dr's I have previously seen, additionally he's a runner and specifically works with a lot of professional athletes. (Just FYI I only trust doctors opinions who are runners themselves!)
There is a chance when I meet with him, he may tell me to hold off on running for a bit longer. I'll hate it, but I plan on listening (since I will be paying him a small fortune to advise me:)
Tendon injuries can last years or life if not treated properly, and at this point I have been off for so long I'd rather just get it healed and move on with my life and the things I love to do pain free! So whatever he recommends I'll comply! I plan on being a lifelong runner, I'm not going to ruin it by ripping apart the tendon.
I look forward to the day that I can take a step, or run and not have pain each time my left foot hits the ground:) I know I sound like I am in a lot of pain, and yes it hurts. But truthfully the pain has subsided extensively from a month ago, right now on a scale of 1-10 the pain is around a 2-3, whereas before it was at a steady 9 or 10. So significant progress has been made! What I have been doing therapy wise, has been working!
One thing I know, when I start getting into higher miles. I need to get used to getting my butt out of bed earlier in the morning again:) This week I have been hitting the track at 9 or 9:30.. Which puts me at around 95+ degree temps and next weeks supposed to be 100-102... Yup, I've gotten a bit too lazy since I haven't had to get up to run and beat the heat:) Oh well, I'll work on it! Setting an alarm is the least of my problems at this point:)
Did you all have a great week or running?
Have you ever had to take a long time off for injury? Did you find it extremely difficult to hold back and take it easy to start with too?
Do you want to take a guess at what the Specialist is going to tell me Monday:)
HAPPY RUNNING ALL! FOR THOSE RACING THIS WEEKEND, GOOD LUCK!
