I almost feel like my heel pain is getting worse instead of better. I ran a few easy miles after 1 fast mile at camp today, all with Joy, and it feels like my heels are throbbing now even though I iced. I need to get more religious about doing the stretches and strengthening exercises the doc gave me. I should also try taking tylenol (allergy to Nsaids). Until then, I don't really have a right to b!tch. Adam said he's feeling fine physically, just struggling mentally, while I'm doing fine in my head, just hurting physically. It's going to be a challenge for both of us to make it through the next 9.5 weeks feeling strong!
My cupcake diet ends today. Last one is sitting next to my desk, waiting for the right moment.
I don't think I like the new patterned running shorts. I've seen lots of people wearing them lately, and I can't get it out of my head that it looks like these people are wearing boxer shorts.
Not much else to report. It got down into the mid-70s again this morning, which was nice, but I was still dripping wet when I got home. I don't think I can wear my cutest black & white shorts for MTCM. They just get too wet. I may try wearing my birthday outfit from last year this wknd to see how that works for me. Only 15 miles this wknd, which will be a nice little step down.
Heel pain sounds like a case of plantar fasciitis to me. Try using a golf ball to massage that area, though it'll be painful. And, you might need to get new running shoes (though I'm opposed to running shoes). I would say the best way to go is to change your running form, but that will take time. By running form, I mean foot/shoe strike. Strike the ground with your midfoot (ball of foot) instead of heel.
ReplyDeleteEvery time you land on your heel, it's like hitting the brakes when going at full momentum. Try that. And ice.
I have never had heel pain (knock on wood) but from my research, it's most likely PF. Best, BEST thing you can do is rest it up :)
Yeah, I went to the doc for x-rays a couple weeks ago and he said plantar's, so I've been icing it with a frozen water bottle as he suggested, and using something similar to a golf ball. I'm also trying to do the recommended stretches, but those sometimes slip by the wayside. I think the best solution is rest, but I'm hoping to hold out about 10 more weeks for that (after the first race of the season). This is my first year with heel pain and it sucks, but at least it doesn't hurt when I run, which is good.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about the form issue. My shoes shouldn't be the problem since they don't have many miles on them and I haven't changed brands or models lately. But after a certain point in my runs (when I'm more tired) I am more of a heel-striker than you can imagine. I need to keep working on it.
Oh, and thanks for reading! I've read your blog for a long time (I think it even inspired my July 5 post!).