It’s official. I’m injured.
I have been dealing with this back of the heel pain since November of 2013 when I was training for the Jacksonville Marathon. With physical therapy and rest I was able to get through the marathon and then took a lot of time off of running to heal so I could get through ironman training.
Ironman came and went (hooray!) and I didn’t have any pain. I ramped up my running again, but not more than I felt was safe and under the watchful eye of Coach Jon. I had been training in the Hoka’s for the ironman and after that race I switched to a neutral shoe with not-as-much Hoka cushion. (I’m not sure if this is the culprit but I have since switched back to a light stability shoe.)
The pain came back at the end of December and I started my at-home-PT again and figured I could manage it this time too. Not so much. It’s more painful this go round and hurts for a longer warm up time than previously. I am almost 90% certain that it is not plantar fasciitis but is tendinitis. I have read multiple articles on the type of pain I have and it’s in the back of the heel, doesn’t move around, and I can press on a spot that feels like a bruise in the tissue. I’m not ready to see a doctor as I really think they are going to tell me to R.I.C.E. it. And that’s what I’m going to do.
I’m also going to hit the pool. And I don’t mean for swimming.
It’s time for a little aqua jogging deep water running (DWR). I was told that DWR is much more hardcore than aqua jogging. And we all know how hardcore I am.
 |
| Like a kitten with a gun hardcore. |
I’ve been through injuries before and I’m definitely interested in figuring out what imbalances are keeping this heel thing around. I know it could be partly over use but I also see that as it’s a recurring issue I have something going on biomechanically that needs to be addressed.
On the plus side, I’m not really freaking out about this. I feel strangely calm and know I’ll be fine after some rest. Running really used to be my only form of exercise so I think triathlon has really helped me realize that I can get just as much satisfaction out of other types of cardio.
I’m glad this is coming to the surface now in January, instead of a few weeks before a big race. I’m probably going to bag the Rock N Roll NOLA race at the end of this month but that’s totally fine because it’ll free up a couple of hours for more King Cake, er I mean, bead catching.
Oh man, sorry Beth. This really stinks. Heal up soon!
NO!!!! I hate to hear this and am so sorry that you are dealing with this. Please keep me posted on what you find to help you. My mom has this exact same issue right now and is continuing to fight through it. She should probably be resting but is struggling with not exercising. Please keep me posted on your progress. I know you have big running goals this year but they are all doable if you have to take a few weeks off. Yes, you'll lose a little fitness, but you'll build it back faster than you think. I'll be thinking about you. Hang in there lady! xo
check these out Beth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_g6ga4-PXY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCFlfgCqpK8
So sorry about your injury, and I hope you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan soon. I'll miss running the WDW Marathon this Sunday due to a suspected stress fracture in a toe, so I can empathize with you. You dedication to fitness is an inspiration and encouragement to me. Wishing you a quick recovery!
Rick Stiles
Gah! Boo! So sorry to hear you're injured, Beth 🙁 Rest! And, embrace that DWR! Are you going in to have it looked at? Heal (er, heel?!) up soon, chica!
Definitely a bummer but better now than later like you said. I became a hell of an aqua jogger when I had my stress fracture last year. Not sure if I ever breached hardcore levels though…
Ugh injuries!!! Seriously the likelihood of murder is not far fetched when you can't get a sweat fest on. Heal fast!!
We can commiserate when I'm back in Jax for the Donna. I hope your badassery in the pool helps kick this crap.