Since my last post things have been uneventful, yet productive. It took me about a week or so to finally come to accept the fact that I wouldn’t be able to run any of my spring races this year, including the Salisbury Marathon. Knowing this, I have been able to clear my head and focus on the road to recovery.
After running the 5K at the Tim Kennard River Run and waking to a re-aggravated achilles tendon the following day, I fessed up to my Physical Therapist and vowed to not run again period until she says I can. Not one mile, not one minute, not one step! Since then there have been a few times at work or at home where I’d be in a hurry to do something, making an attempt to get from one location to another as speedily as possible on foot. Whether it would be from one exam room to another or from my car to a building in the rain, I would have to stop myself from running. I was determined to keep my “no run” promise!
My physical therapy seems to be going well. I am making progress every day. I am being super-diligent about getting my prescribed exercises done each day, even if it means I have to get them done at 11:00 PM. I had an assessment early last week and it was determined that I need to continue Physical Therapy. I am making progress, yes, but as my achilles improves and heals, more problems are coming to light. One of them being a problem I’ve been aware of for a few years now as it was pointed out by my previous Physical Therapist…my hips! They are weak and lax on one side and super tight on the other which is throwing my form off and, likely, is why I keep having these nagging injuries. Having me watch myself in a mirror while I performed some prescribed work at a recent session really brought it to light. Now, when I do my exercises at home I do them in front of a mirror and it is making a difference.
Sunday, April 15, 2018 was the 7th annual Run for the Animals. For those of you who have been following my pathetic blog, you know that this is my “heart” run! I have participated in the event every year! This year was the first year that I had to walk the entire thing. I only did the 5K, but I am happy to report that C.J. and I completed it and I still feel great! I haven’t had any problems with my achilles at all.
Today I had another Physical Therapy session. I was able to run for 5 minutes on the treadmill. I hate a treadmill, but for PT purposes I will do it! It was a super-slow pace and I was extremely mindful and cautious throughout every millisecond of movement. I am feeling good as of writing this post. We will have to wait to see what tomorrow morning brings.
It’s a process, that’s for certain. This time I’m going to do it the proper way and hope that I come out stronger (and maybe even faster!) than ever before! I’m going to take it one step at a time, patiently yet persistently.
AnimalWhiz 