Sunday, October 01, 2006

Plan B, and picture day

The Shrinking Knitter is a no-whine zone, but today is a day in which I have to be honest, and in order to be honest, it's going to sound like whining.

First, let's get the first-of-the-month, then-and-now photo out of the way. Obviously I don't have one of those new HP cameras with a "slim" setting, nor did I Photoshop away any of the lumps and bumps. I just thought you might want to see The Dress. Moving on!

If you've been reading carefully, you've learned how much I enjoy walking and jogging outside for exercise. Last week I found a novice half-marathon training schedule, and this week have been trying to determine if I was fit enough to begin – meaning, could I run three continuous miles, three or four days per week.

I've done so twice – today would have been my third attempt. But when I came back from the Friday run I knew I was in trouble.

I've been ignoring some heel pain the last month [maybe more], hoping it would fix itself, or go away. Funny how the body doesn't work that way if you continue abusing it. The morning run went pretty well, but by Friday afternoon I could barely walk. And you know how when one part of you hurts, the rest of you just kind of breaks down as well? I was a mess by Friday night. The reason Thursday's eight-mile walk was so hard was because of the heel pain from Tuesday and Wednesday's workouts.

A little research – I love Google – leads me to believe I have plantar fasciitis. Treatment? Among other things, rest. [I'm seeing a podiatrist Wednesday; being able to continue running is too important to me to self-diagnose or self-treat.]

Which leads me to Plan B. In order to continue burning calories through exercise, I'm going to have to step up the weight training and start using the rowing machine. I know I need to rest my heel. The reason I know is that this morning, after sitting on my ass in the car and at NoSo all day yesterday, I feel like I could go running.

Danger, danger, Shrinking Knitter! Bad idea! As lovely and cool as it is this morning, I need to be prudent.

I also need to change my attitude about the rower. It's not boring; it's a full-body workout!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

A couple of things about plantar fasciitis.

1. NEVER go barefooted when it is there.
I used my burks at house shoes for the arch support and never even padded to the bathroom in the middle of the night without the burks on.

2. Do achilles tendon stretches. There are several, just pick one or two and do daily.

3. I lied, I have three. Always wear some sort of arch support in all shoes. Usually doesn't have to be a specially made one, just a good one. I got mine from a running shoe shop.

As you say, get an expert opinion for a diagnosis first but the above can't hurt.

Anonymous said...

ow! you poor chook, that sounds bloody painful! hope you're on the mend soon...

PS love the new photo... you have such foxy little ankles :)

mehitabel said...

Have to respectfully disagree with Greta--my podiatrist has done a great job of getting my feet back on track, without damaging my knees. Proper support, rest, and those heels will be back in shape soon. And the rower? Well, maybe you could move it outside?? Open a window to get fresh air? Or watch a movie while you do it??

Cindy said...

If you love working out outside, have you considered cycling? As you know, my husband became addicted to it after it was suggested that he cut back on the running-which he only did to lose weight... never gained a passion for it. He loves the cycling... the way I love knitting. (ah, if only knitting for 2 hours would burn 1200 calories!) It's low impact and would still let you workout in the outdoors while the weather is still nice!

The pictures are very motivating! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbi! A chiropractor certified in Active Release Technique will cure the plantar fasciitis. Find one in your area: http://www.activerelease.com/

My doctor here in MA has changed my life with his treatment. I had severe tendinitis but he cured it with his ART treatments. I had gone the medical route and also had acupuncture but with no help. ART treatment is big in the sports field. My chiro actually went to the Olympics in SLC a few years ago to treat the competitors. NAYY! Good luck! Kate/Massachusetts

Jennette Fulda said...

Dr. Google diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis about 4 years ago. It was such an annoying pain, but it eventually went away on its own. Hope yours goes away too, by whatever means you deem necessary.