I’ve been a little bit slacking on the blog writing this week and I figured a good cheat on that is the standard TTT. Leggo.
1. I’ve still been having heel pain so I finally decided to see a physical therapist for it. The good news is that it seems to be stemming from tightness in my calf and I’ve seen improvement in just three days!
My heel pain is in the back of my heel and only hurts after long periods of sitting at my desk. It goes away as soon as I’m warmed up. The PT I’m seeing is awesome and works on a bunch of runners. We’re going to work on my tight hips as well because my right hip is just not, well quite right. It actually feels like that leg is shorter than the other because it’s so tight (no, it’s not actually shorter, we checked). The lacrosse ball is fantastic for a calf massage, fyi.
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| Torture device. |
2. I just finished my portion of being a study participant for a grad student whose thesis is on music and running. She had me run four timed miles over a period of five weeks. I ran the first one without music and then two with music and then the final one again without. The music was the same both times and it was three songs I listen to when running.
It was cool to be a part of her study but my miles kept getting slower each run. I am attributing this to the first one being cooler out and post marathon. I’m not sure if the music helped, but based on the last run without music I definitely went slower (it was also 90 degrees!). The jury is out on this based on my own observations but it’ll be interesting to see what her 30 other subjects do.
3. I was spending hours and hours perusing Pinterest the other day and I came across a photo that I hadn’t seen before and it totally made me smile. It’s a wonderful reminder to have courage, just like that little clownfish who kept swimming. And of course, everyone wants to touch the butt…
Happy Thursday friends!
I was part of that run study as well and my runs also got slower. I was attributing it to coming off of a recovery week when I started and some fatigue by the final trial. Can't wait to see the final results.
I've been using a lacrosse ball for years for all kinds of tight spots. Got it originally for piriformis (it's the only thing I could get deep in there!) and have since used it for shoulders (against a wall) and sometimes IT bands (ouch!). I've used a golf ball on my feet but never though to use lacrosse ball–will have to try it. Regarding your hip issue, I've had the same thing, too, where I swore one leg was longer. I went to a a massage therapist who does Structural Energetic Therapy, and he noticed the imbalance without my saying anything. He set my hips right for a long time (i.e., my legs are the same length now!). I think I need to go back for another treatment, though, as they're getting out of line. Lmk if you want more info!
The chiro I saw last week thought my heel and foot issues were stemming from my lazy ass. Literally. One side wasn't working at all.
That study sounds interesting. Not quite sure she accounted for all the variables if weather and whatnot weren't consistent across the trials. Cool concept though.
I use a golf ball on my feet and shoulders and it is heavenly. I need to find something to loosen my calves before running because this tightness it out of control. I may have to try a lacrosse ball
I am not a sales rep, I don't work for this company, simply throwing this out there, The Thumbby Soft Massage Cone. They are Gr8 because they have a suction cup on the bottom which allows you to work on your own back, feels awesome under your feet, & you can really dig deep in the quads. I bought one while in school & use it daily w/my form roller. Big difference in my calves so thats the reason why I am sharing this info. Feel free to check out their website as they have a short 1:08min demo video. And I do understand that golf balls are free, tennis balls are free, etc. Happy Thursday & Safe Running Kids
I too have a golf ball, in my desk at work and beside my bed at home. I try to use it alot. Plus I try and roll my calves. I admit though I get lazy.
The butt!
Holy crap – I have been away too long. I am going to go out and touch the butt. Harassment charges to be featured on the 10:00 news…