Saturday, December 06, 2008

Disabled List

I'll keep this short since I try to avoid public whining and I've exhausted my pictures of the world's smallest violins... but the plantar fasciitis has flared up again, this time in grand fashion. As a result of hobbling during my running and walking, the left calf has also become lightly strained. While that in itself is not a big deal, it's a sign that my gate has become affected and will likely only lead to more problems.

I'm going to my absolute last resort now which is also only logical at this point and that is to take some time off. I'd rather nix my plans for the marathon this February and try and heal up to be good to go for the Western States 100 rather than come into both races limping. Even then, there are no guarantees, but nothing else has worked so far, so why not?

I'll do some strength training in the meantime, and do some light and slow running when I see fit. However, healing up is now my top priority. Frustrating, yes... but things could be worse.

14 comments:

Sparkplug said...

That's a bummer. Hope you can get things under control and heal up fast!

sn0m8n said...

Epic suckage, but a buckle is better than a hunk of frozen cod. That's what they give you when you finish Hyannis, right? Heal fast.

Grellan said...

Sorry to hear that the PF has flared up again Jamie. You're doing the right thing in resting. Hope it heals up soon. WS has to be the main goal.

Thomas said...

Bummer! Say, have you tried vigorous massage yet?

Speed Racer said...

Grrrrr! Noooo! How can this suddenly happen to someone who is in SUCH good running shape. I would think that if you can run 100 miles, then you should be above all of these types of injuries. But then again, I'm sure you've thought of all those kinds of complaints.

I bet you'd be really good in wheelchair racing though. Just a thought. It could be a real bitch on trials, but just stick a pillow under your butt to help with shock absorption and you should be fine, right?

Jamie Anderson said...

Hey thanks, all. Hope I'm not sounding like I'm fishing for sympathy, but I do appreciate the comments.

Thomas - just self-massaging, and quite aggresively. It has helped some, but I'm considering seeing a pro. I've heard that sometimes having major massage work on the calves can help.

Claire - Unfortunately, it hasn't exactly been sudden. I've had the PF since the end of August. It's just become more apparent to me that the more miles I tack on, the more it flares up. And a wheelchair sounds pretty sweet right about now! However, I'll settle for the couch and some good college football games at least for this afternoon. :-)

Garry said...

Good attitude about the whole situation and also the right decision in my mind. A regime of stretching, massaging and rest will have you back at in no time. Chin up!

Love2Run said...

Sheesh, and things were going so well for you lately. Western States this year and then Boston in 2010 sounds good to me! Who would want to run it in an odd year anyway?? Enjoy the games!

Andrew said...

I'm sorry to hear of this Jamie. Perhaps it will heal up quickly. Ibuprofen helps. Also orthotics.

Scout said...

I'll look for the card of the guy who does ACT. His office was in Westbrook. It might be worth a shot. Truly a cure for me.

pathfinder said...

I am in agreement with all the quality advice above but miss that tiny violin...I think you should post it anyway.

It seems that rest is going to be the remedy here. That is the only thing that solved my PF a couple years ago.

It took me about 3-4 months of trying to run too soon and through the pain that I finally stopped running on it to allow healing.

Hope it goes well for you....

Ange said...

You are smart to stop for a while now. your fitness will coem back and a rest is super healhty. Just enjoy the HOlidays and I hope you heal fast!!

Luc said...

Sucks man! That's all the sympathy I have for public whiners. :) No but seriously, I hope you heal fast, cause I know how bad it sucks not being able to do what you love.

In the meantime, you should eat lots of Chips Ahoy with a big glass of milk for maximum cookie dipping every night. I hear it's good for PF?? Hey, it's what I've heard... :)

Dan said...

"I've heard that sometimes having major massage work on the calves can help"

Jamie, find someone that knows ART, active release technique. I had 4 treatments on my calves and my PF improved a great deal. It's not gone but I can run now with only minor discomfort. Prior to the treatments, I took 7 months off and still had pain so I think the ART really works. Good Luck.