Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Speed Bumps

Speed bumps are something that are designed to slow traffic down.  Some were recently put in an area I travel frequently and I admit that I find them highly annoying.  They do slow everyone down, so I guess they are doing what they were designed to do.

I've hit a "speed bump" in my training.  I'm definitely finding it annoying.  My training was going along great, and then I did that long almost 9 mile walk and my left foot has been complaining ever since.  The heel now hurts when I walk any distance and from the best information I can get (without having gone to the doctor yet) it is very likely to be plantar fascitis.  I am starting by icing and using ibuprofin to reduce inflamation and I've also taken a break from walking distances for now.  I'm antsy as a result.  I know "real" training hasn't started yet, but I'm not happy about losing my momentum. 

Hopefully, resting, paying more attention to allowing my shoes to "recover" after a longer walk (i.e. switching from one pair to another on subsequent days -- this is why I bought three pairs!) will result in this pain going away.  If not, I'll be talking to my doctor and see the podiatrist if necessary.  I am determined to do this walk.  I will find a way to keep going.

My point is that while speed bumps may slow us down and annoy us and we often wish they didn't exist, they do not generally keep you from reaching your destination.  Recognize the speed bump for what it is, go with it, "slow down" and before you know it you will be back up to speed and will be able to continue your journey.

(05/08/10)
Fundraising: Total: $3,020.00
Training: 5 miles in 1 hour 55 minutes
Total miles to date: 225.5

4 comments:

  1. Margie, I had a similar problem & was indeed diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by a podiatrist. If you have any doubt, I highly recommend getting it checked out. I've been sidelined for almost two months and am now doing physical therapy and don't want you to have to go through all of that, too. Feel free to contact me and I'll help you any way I can! Best of luck & I hope you feel better soon!!

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  2. Thank you for your encouragement! I got the official diagnosis of plantar fascitis today and my doctor is also sending me to physical therapy. I'm concerned about my training being interrupted, but I'm going to get through this. She said mine is pretty mild, so hopefully with PT and whatever else they suggest, I can get back to training before too long. Hoping your foot is feeling better!

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  3. I'm so glad to hear that you got it checked out! I've been sidelined for a couple of months now but my doctor said to try walking again a couple of weeks ago. I did, but came home crippled and crying (figured I'd be honest with you). Anyway, after my evaluation & one treatment from the physical therapist, things are looking up. I did a mile walk yesterday and although it wasn't completely pain free, I wasn't crippled and I wasn't crying. It's a step (pun intended) in the right direction.

    I'm worried about getting behind in my training, too (mine officially started this week). But, you know what? So what if we don't do every single training walk. So what if we have to possibly catch a sweep van. We're still raising awareness and making a difference. We'll be okay. =)

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  4. Thanks! Sorry to hear that your first foray back out was so difficult, but good to hear that this last one you did better. I agree that while we may not end up doing all of the walk, our focus should be on the making a difference part of this journey. I know it's hard though... I think I'm kind of like you and I really hoped that I'd do every inch of the 60 miles, but if it's not in my cards, so be it! Keep going, and stop by any time you're feeling frustrated and need an understanding ear.

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