Here I am almost two months removed from my last post. I kept meaning to post, but for one reason or another did not.
Much has happened since my last post...where to start???
Well, I will start by saying I have continued my regular visits to a health practitioner. I have been going to the same facility for the last two months. I have seen a doctor once, about 10 physical therapy appointments, 3 dry needling sessions and a gait analysis.
Mentally, I think I have categorized myself one of two ways when it comes to my health in the context of running: healthy or not healthy. I am trying to think of it now in more of a spectrum context. In doing so, I can say that in the last two months, with the assistance I have received from my health practioners, I am very close to being able to run without concern for injuring myself worse.
The achilles tendinitis in my left leg has greatly improved. The swelling is down about 2/3rds. The posterior tibialis pain in my left leg has been greatly reduced. There are days when my back pain is non-existent; however, I still believe the underlying cause has not been correctly diagnosed. As soon as it is, I think with the necessary effort, I can alleviate the problem. The gait analysis revealed some abnormalities, which were most likely a contributing factor to both my leg and back pain, have been addressed through hip and gluteus medius strengthening and stability exercises.
I have now run up to about 35 miles in a week, and hope this week it will be even a little more. As long as I continue to feel good, I will continue to increase my volume. The unknown that remains is will I be able to stop my rehabilitation exercises? If so, when can I stop them and will I remain pain-free?
I can say that physically I feel better than I have in a long time. I know I have said that before, but I guess that provides some insight as to how poor my physical state was. Not to mention the fact that theoritically I guess there is no ceiling on how good one can feel.
I owe a lot to myself! That probably sounds funny or awkward, but I have put in a lot of effort over the last few months. Hours upon hours of exercises, stretches, foam rolling, icing, etc. Some days its hard, some days its easy. I just couldn't forgive myself if I didn't try every option to return to pain free training and racing at the volume and paces I want to. I'm never going to be great...but I have made great efforts to fulfill my goals and desires!
Here's to floating along effortlessly!!!