What’s Going On…Where’s the Update?

I’m being asked, “Where’s the update?” “Are you running, slipping on the racing shoes, or what?” So, here’s the rundown on what has happened over the past few weeks.

Early in September while going on a little hike in the park with the kids, Tyler and I jumped from a large stump like step. I landed in a way that my knee was locked and with straight impact on my heel. It wasn’t a painful feeling. The only way I can describe what I felt was as a sense like a tuning fork being hit in physics class. We continued the walk as usual. I thought everything was fine, and didn’t even think much about it.

Apparently my daily or twice daily drills that include high knees and other moves that involve a lot of pounding the pavement didn’t help. Add on top of that a change to a new racing flat with a little less support and a lot of miles. Well, a full blown bruise on the bottom of my heel developed. In addition, I started to favor the bruise even with daily walking. This provoked a little plantar fasciitis.

I can’t deny that I truly underestimated the impact of a bruised heel. Who would have thought a walk in the woods with the kids would have led to all of this? I thought a few days off my feet and I’d be back at it in no time. Although I’m very happy to hear it’s not a stress fracture or anything major, it’s not easy to heal a bruise on the heel. I’m on my feet all of the time!

I’ve been doing a lot of cross training to maintain fitness the best I can. Just recently I’ve switched to Alter G training at the Indiana Orthopeadic Hospital. This should allow my bruised heel pad to fully heal while I get my heart rate up and still work in some decent workouts.

I’m terribly disappointed to be missing my favorite time of year – the fall running season. While I’m working through this little setback, it’s really is very hard not to notice a whole new appreciation that I have for running in general. I got used to running nearly 2 hours most days of the week. I think it’s safe to say I took for granted little things like the ease of stepping out the door for a run.

Now I crave running like you wouldn’t believe. I remember more than ever how I love the feeling that comes with my heart racing during an intense workout. I love to feel the full swing of my arms while my legs churn. For me, there’s nothing that can really replace running. Sure, I enjoy a good bike ride or a long hike; but I love the feeling of trying, pushing, and succeeding during a run.

There’s no question I have a great support system and will be back at it in no time. I tend to be the type of person who believes things like this happen for a reason. I have a feeling this was my lesson in really knowing what a good thing I really have. You better believe I’ll be hungry when I get back in the full swing of things.

I hope fall training is going well for everyone. Best wishes to all of those who started their Monumental and New York Marathon taper. I wish I was out there with you! Consider stopping by the Monumental Marathon expo around 1pm. I’ll be one of the expo speakers.