Last week was full of ups and downs in terms of my recovery. I’ve still got banged up toenails, and my ITB is still recuperating. Overall, I’m making improvements! Here’s how last week went:
Monday and Tuesday
Nothing of note happened either Monday or Tuesday. I rolled, stretched, and took care of my piggies as best I could. It seemed like everything was on the up and up!
Wednesday
Wednesday wasn’t so great. I might have been a little aggressive with my foam roller — it’s hard to say. At one point I felt this incredible knot and bruise. I wasn’t too worried about it because I thought it was just a spot I got really well. However, about an hour later, I was outside playing with the Little People and my knee didn’t feel so great. I was sitting with my legs crossed and it kept bothering me. I didn’t think much of it. At one point, my daughter wanted to ride her tricycle. As I bent over to push her, my knee locked up. And it was so painful. This set me into a panicked frenzy. I spent the rest of the day completely babying my leg, and I was certain I was going to find out the following day that I had a meniscal tear. I was terrified. It was not a good day.
Thursday
Thursday could not come soon enough. I had my appointment with my chiropractor in the morning. I had to take Little Bee with me because I didn’t plan ahead and hire a babysitter. Luckily she’s the most laid back person I know, so it wasn’t a big deal. But that still didn’t help my panicked self settle down on the way to my appointment!
As soon as we got there and the doc came to see me and asked how I was, I said, “not good, doc. Not good at all.” I explained the entire situation and he retested my leg again. (Which he was planning on doing anyway so it wasn’t out of the ordinary.) This time all of my tests came back negative! No tear!!! Honestly? This was probably one of the happiest days I’ve had in a long time! I was so, so relieved. I asked him three more times throughout our appointment to make sure there wasn’t a tear and he reassured me each time. He also told me there would be ups and downs throughout my recovery and this was normal, but should lessen over time in frequency and pain.
On my way out, I asked if I was cleared to run yet. He hesitantly told me that if I absolutely needed to run, I could do very short distances (like maybe a mile at most) and it had to be on soft ground — no roads, no sidewalks. Since he was so hesitant in his response, I haven’t run any mileage to speak of. I don’t want to risk re-injuring myself. Not. Worth. It.
We did discuss at length the pros and cons of different types of running (overly cushioned, minimalist shoes, heel strike/forefoot strike, etc.), and how different shoes, styles, strikes may help/hinder certain body mechanics and injuries. I’m going to continue my research and see what I come up with in terms of that.
Friday
Friday was relaxed. My leg felt better and I rolled (less aggressively this time), and felt good.
Friday was relaxed. My leg felt better and I rolled (less aggressively this time), and felt good.
Saturday
Saturday was the first track workout for one of my clients. I had no plans of running. Just some hopes, if you will. I wore running apparel just in case the itch took over, but I had no shoes and socks so I hindered my desire to “want” to run over what I knew was safe and smart. I told myself that if I were to run at all, it would be very short and on the grass, barefoot. As I waited for my client to arrive, I took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the track. I realized how much I missed it. I love the track. It was an uplifting feeling. I decided after our track work, I would do one or two laps barefoot.
Saturday was the first track workout for one of my clients. I had no plans of running. Just some hopes, if you will. I wore running apparel just in case the itch took over, but I had no shoes and socks so I hindered my desire to “want” to run over what I knew was safe and smart. I told myself that if I were to run at all, it would be very short and on the grass, barefoot. As I waited for my client to arrive, I took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the track. I realized how much I missed it. I love the track. It was an uplifting feeling. I decided after our track work, I would do one or two laps barefoot.
So I did. And it felt amazing. Nothing hurt. I was a little worried about uneven terrain so I kept my eyes glued to the turf. But overall it was great. I ended up running just under 3/10 of a mile. No distance to speak of but at least it gave me a confidence boost to know I’m on the way to recovery.
Sunday
I mentioned above the discussion of different types of footwear and foot strikes, and admittedly, I got a little excited over the weekend and purchased my first pair of Newtons. I’m really looking forward to trying them out for real. They felt amazing when I tested them out at the store on Sunday. I picked the Newton reps’ brain for quite a while about the shoe and all the features and benefits each style had to offer. Even if I don’t make the switch for 100% of my runs, I think having a different brand and style of shoe will be good for my overall strength. After all, I’ve been running in the same brand for five years! I still love them, don’t get me wrong. But Newton Running will be a nice addition to the rotation.
I mentioned above the discussion of different types of footwear and foot strikes, and admittedly, I got a little excited over the weekend and purchased my first pair of Newtons. I’m really looking forward to trying them out for real. They felt amazing when I tested them out at the store on Sunday. I picked the Newton reps’ brain for quite a while about the shoe and all the features and benefits each style had to offer. Even if I don’t make the switch for 100% of my runs, I think having a different brand and style of shoe will be good for my overall strength. After all, I’ve been running in the same brand for five years! I still love them, don’t get me wrong. But Newton Running will be a nice addition to the rotation.
I’m really hoping to run a half marathon relay this weekend, but I’m not sure if it’s going to happen or not. I have to make sure I’m cleared to run by my doc when I go back on Thursday. I’d rather sit this one out (despite the badass medal) so I can run pain-free during later races this summer. I may be competitive but I’m no fool. My toes are still a bit of a mess. My big toe was getting worse but seems to have gotten better. My second toe seems to have gotten better as well, but after my brief runs over the weekend, I definitely felt something was “off” again.
Fingers crossed for a week of continued improvements. And double fingers crossed that I’m cleared and capable of running on Sunday!
Have a great day!
xo
Are you a brand loyalist when it comes to shoes (athletic or otherwise)? What do you think about the divide between uber-cushioned shoes and minimalist footwear?
