Is Running All I Think About?

Well, no, but it doesn't require pictures.. IF you don't want to read about my running woes, stop now. Of course do check back because Madison had her spring concert last night and I had to work. Randy was in charge of the camera!





So I used my trump card this week. I had an appointment for the podiatrist on JUNE 9. I just couldn't wait that long so I had TJ (my b-i-l) call and get me one. That was Wednesday, and my appointment was today. It pays to know people sometimes. Anyway, after I found subs for my classes, found a ride for Cait to school and dropped off Madison, I headed to my appointment. I was armed with the 8 x rays and lots of hope for a quick fix.. Well, at least I had hope.





He looked at my foot and the first words out of his mouth were "do you always have this much movement in your ankles?" Uhh, yes. I used to be the guinea pig in my university's athletic training seminars on ankles. They are VERY loose and bend every which way. After we had that established, he grabbed my foot in all kinds of places and asked if it hurt here or there and then asked if I wear high heels a lot. Well, I wear the shoes I had on often, but they are maybe 1 1/2 inches. I do not call them high.

He said THREE things are going on





1. I have injured a tendon casing (or something like that) in my calf and that will take time to heal.


2. My Achilles tendon is too tight, from the previously mentioned "heels" and needs to be stretched back out.


3. I have Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Confused? Basically, I have Carpal tunnel syndrome of the foot..LOVELY.





Now I am a proud owner of a huge boot, that for right now only has to be worn at night or when I am sitting watching TV (or in his words reading a book...like i have time for that!)

Stylish huh?

My next question was when can I run?



his response: umm, not for a while.



Me: (panicking a little) how long is a while, I have training starting in 2 weeks.

Dr: well, we will re-evaluate when you come back (not really the answer this ocd girl was looking for. I need a number people)

Me: can I do any exercise?
to which he said walking biking and other low impact things. I have not used my bike in years. I suppose I can walk, but what else can I do without a gym? I have to at least keep the shape I'm in so when I CAN run, I am ready!



I also have to ice, take a stronger anti-inflam, get some store bought orthotics and he said chances are I will have to have a cortisone shot in a couple of weeks because that spot doesn't heal well...

Overall, I am happy that it can be fixed. I am sad that I was in such a rhythm and have to break it. I am also sad because all of my fall running plans are hanging in the balance and need to be booked now. Of course a good running friend of mine said, running is no good if you can't get to the starting line. I am going to try and be VERY good. Of course, this afternoon I was teaching gymnastics and had them run in a circle. I, out of habit of teaching, did it with them. It wasn't until my colleague asked what I was doing, that I realized I was running..This my friends should be interesting.



Any exercise ideas NOT from a gym would be helpful.