In a previous blog post I alluded to a potential smaller injury, Plantar Fasciitis, that was afflicting the sole of one foot and the heel of the other. I was not overly concerned about it at the time, I just assumed it was my body's response to adjusting to running 10+ miles at a time every weekend. During my half marathon, however, the pain was more apparent, and there was also a certain point during mile 7-8 where the pain shifted to be more of a strain, and was notably worse than it had been previously. Obviously my heavy dosage of endorphins carried me through the rest of the race, and even though I had pain post-race I assumed it was something that would go away. However, after two days of being unable to put full weight on my right foot, I knew something was up.
Being as stubborn as I am, I decided that since the pain was subsiding after about a week, I shouldn't have any need to go see a doctor. Ten days after my race I went on my first run, a slow trot. Two miles later the pain was back and strong (though not as strong as at the race), but definitely prevented me from putting full weight on my right foot once again. F. F. F. F. F. I cannot be getting injured right now.
I contacted my physical therapist, who recommended I come in for a quick examination. Based on what she saw, I may have injured some tendon in the heel of my foot, and based on my running gait I was landing pretty hard on my right heel compared to my left, which could be the cause of the injury. She recommended I go back to see my doctor so that I can get prescribed more physical therapy. Of course my doctor couldn't see me for two weeks, so meanwhile there I was going stir crazy, unable to run, falling behind in my training schedule, growing restless. During these weeks I still completed strength training 3-4 times a week, but there is truly nothing like the freedom of throwing on my running shoes and going out for a heavy sweat for an hour. I felt this down time taking a toll on my general mood, my level of energy, and overall confidence in my ability to complete this dang marathon.
Finally, three weeks after my half marathon, I was able to get to my doctor. The diagnosis? Plantar Fasciitis. Turns out I'm an expert wikipedia-er and correctly self-diagnosed myself before! Basically, little flaws in my running gait were starting to take a toll on my body now that the miles were really accumulating. Primarily, my heel hitting the ground at an angle coupled with my longer strides was putting excessive stress on my heel. See some photos from my video gait analysis below (I'll share other video gait analysis findings in a separate post. Really fascinating stuff but also makes me think 'what the heck, there's no way my running gait is THAT bad. Quit hating on me, doc.').
Treatment? No running (until the pain goes away). No more bare feet. No more sandals or flip flops. Gel heel cups inserts for my shoes. Alternate cardio, such as swimming or biking. I heard all this from the doctor, and, visibly frustrated, asked her "Okay fine, I can do all that, but what do I do to make the pain go away faster???" She recommended that if I really want to hit this hard, I can order night splints that are super uncomfortable but will keep my feet in a stretched position while I sleep. She also recommended I begin immersion icing my foot ("No little wimpy ice packs. Stick your foot in a bucket of ice!") Whatever you say doc, just get me back on the pavement!
I ordered the gel heel cups before leaving the parking lot of the doctor's office. My frustration really came to a head and I was growing very concerned that it'd take me more weeks to get back to running, and I'd never be prepared to run the full marathon. I looked into ordering night splints, and realized that I did not want to pay for them, and instead found a DIY version using a load of electrical tape and sleeping very uncomfortably. I did start the unpleasant task of immersion icing as well.
I'm happy to report that after three days of the makeshift night splint, my heel pain was almost completely gone. So, I went on a short 3 mile run, ALMOST pain free. Today was my second run since, and it was also ALMOST pain free. Today is exactly one month since my half marathon, and I've only run 7.5 miles since. UGH UGH UGH. I'm happy that my heel is slowly getting better, but also I can't help but think "come on dang body, we've got a race to prepare for, hurry up!!!!"
So for now I don't foresee running double digits in the immediate future. But you'd better believe that come October 7th, these dang heels are going to take me 26.2 miles through Chicago to complete the marathon, whether they like it or not.
46 Days til Marathon Day.
