Frustrated Runner, That Be Me!

Monday, I reached my limit.  I couldn't twiddle my thumbs anymore.  I had my follow-up doctor's appointment set for Tuesday and I wanted to provide him with valid information.  So I got back on the treadmill.  This time I walked 1/2 mile, ran 1/2 mile, walked 1/2 mile, ran 1/2 mile, etc. for 2 1/2 miles.  Achilles felt fine walking, hurt running.  But it was bearable.  Then it hit me, I could do this for an entire marathon!  I was completing a mile in 12:50.  That wouldn't be a great marathon time by any means but still under time limits.

Oh, my physical therapist told me I needed arch supports in my running shoes to keep from pronating so much.  I knew I had gotten really bad about rolling my feet in when I ran.  So I went to Academy to pick up insoles and new shoes.  I figured I may have already ruined the pair I had been wearing since January.  Didn't want to take any chances.  Plus who doesn't love new running shoes!

Saw my doctor Tuesday.  I think he hates to open the room door and see me sitting there.  He asked if I was improving.  I told him apparently NOT since it still hurt when I ran even though I've been off of it for a month.  He told me I could continue PT and see what happens or take a more aggressive approach.  He said most runners get very frustrated and want to go to the next option.  HELLO, FRUSTRATED RUNNER HERE!

So my next step is this....dry needling.  Basically, he's going to go in with a needle, poke the tendon to make it bleed thus accelerate the healing process.  The tendon does not have much blood flow so that's why it takes so long to heal.  This will hopefully speed up the process by making blood go to the region.  Sounds like loads of fun, huh!

I asked him what the odds were that this would work.  He said most people see an 80% improvement!  Fingers crossed I'm like most people.  I scheduled the procedure for next Friday.  He said it's best to do it before a weekend so you can lay around for a few days afterward.  Then I will start PT two weeks following that.

On a racing note, I contacted the marathon I entered in December.  Asked to transfer my registration from the marathon to the half marathon.  They said that would be fine.  I figure I will be more likely to complete that than the full.  I hope!

I've Been a Bad Girl

Tomorrow is my last day of therapy.  Next Tuesday is my follow-up doctor's appointment.  So my reasoning says I need to do some running to see how things are progressing.  Right?  That's sounds logical, doesn't it?  Therapy has been difficult for me.  At the beginning of every session, my girl asks how my achilles feels.  And of course I tell her fine.  Then add, but I'm not running so it should feel fine.  I mean really, how is it suppose to feel when you're not doing the one thing that aggravates it!  I told the Husband last weekend I don't think it's better.  It just doesn't hurt because I'm not running.  I know the minute I start running again, the pain will return.

I wanted to be able to tell my therapist and doctor the facts so I decided I would give it a short jog today.  I have been good the entire time and did what I was told.  But I think they need this information to see how I'm doing.  You know what I found out....when I got to about a mile, the pain started.  Only slight twings but still it was coming on.  I decided to walk from that point further.  I was right.

So now where do I go from here?  As I was running, I thought maybe I could do the Jeff Galloway run/walk program for the marathon.  That could possibly help out.  Maybe?  I found a marathon in January that I REALLY want to do.  I AM going to do it.  I'll pass up the one in December but my heart is set on the one in January.

Gonna talk to the therapist tomorrow and see what the doctor has to say on Tuesday.  I really don't see much coming out of either one. :o(

Her Royal Rudeness

My morning started off great.  I got ready for work.  Was able to fit into my old clothes that have just been hanging in my closet.  It's like I have a whole new wardrobe.  The husband told me how pretty I looked.  I thought I was rockin' it!

Then I go to work.  Walk into my office and the first thing my coworker says to me is this...

Coworker: "I see you're still trying to squeeze in your size 4s."

Me: "Squeeze?  No, they fit.  And look, it (the skirt) is loose around the waist." (I pull my waistband out and show her.)

Coworker: "Well, your waist might be small enough for it, but your thighs aren't."

Seriously, why are people rude?  I was stunned my her comments.  I think I know the reasons behind this coworker's nastiness (she has weight loss issues) but really, there was no need for her to lash out at me.

To be fair, I took a picture when I got home from work to show you exactly what I look like.

So are my thighs too big for this skirt?  You can be honest, just not rude.

Cool Running Shirts

I found this website yesterday, mymottoz.com.  They have performance tees with all kinds of mottos like Running on Faith, Will Run For Chocolate, Shut Up and Run, Life is a Marathon, and so on.  I had to buy one.  I do lots better with visual motivation.  Even though I'm still not allowed to run, I figure I will need all the help I can get when I do get the thumbs up from the doctor.

And you can get 15% off discount if you use the coupon code "NEWSLETTER".  Go over and see if you can't find some motivation.

Still Here

Well, still not running.  Have been going to physical therapy.  I really do like my therapist.  She's a hoot.  I'm so competitive trying to do the stuff.  She just laughs at me.  I go back to the doctor at the end of the month.  We'll see what he has to say.  Fingers crossed he puts me on a running program.  It will be very slow going at first but still, I'll be running!  I may have to chalk my marathon entry up to a donation.  Pick another one after the first of the year.  I want to properly train if I am going to do it.  I looked into changing my race in December.  I thought I might be able to run the half.  They only way they allow you to transfer races if is you are transferring from a full race to a less than full race.  Right now, the half marathon is more full than the marathon.  It doesn't look promising.

Other than that, I'm just counting the days till I'm back out on the road.

Good News

Today was my first physical therapy session.  I really like my therapy girl.  She's too funny and thinks I'm a nut.  I was given exercises to do at home.  I go back next Friday.  She said she didn't think it would take much to get me fixed up!  I'm so excited.  I have doing as I was told, no running.  I told her I wanted to run a marathon in December.  Gonna see if I can't still accomplish that!!

Other good news, I fit in my size 6 jeans again!!  Today I wore a pair I bought way back when but never could stuff myself in to.  I was so excited.  I've been very strict with my calorie intake and it's paying off.  Even though I haven't been able to run, I'm still losing.  I bought Jillian's 30 day Shred DVD today.  Gonna give that a try while I'm banned from running.  I have a closet full of size 4.  I'm hoping to get back in those.  It would be like having a whole new wardrobe!

If you're not a reader of my primary blog, Gizzards & Calf Fries, go check it out.  I have a giveaway going on right now for a $70 gift certificate.  The contest ends Saturday morning so get over there and leave me a comment!!