Running

It has been awhile since my last post, so I will give you an update on my ankles since late February.

The last post was about the physiotherapist report. I saw my doctor after that report in mid-March and she scheduled me for an EMG. I had that done on April 13th and everything was normal. The physiatrist decided that he should schedule a bone scan, but felt that it wouldn't show anything. So this put ideas in my head.

I finally got my results from the doctor today.  I have a bulged disc in my lower back. The nurse is sending the results to my physiotherapist and I hope to start treatment with her next week, since she's on holiday this week.

Interesting that my lower back has been bothering me for the last few days. Even had a pinched nerve in my upper back yesterday morning. That was not pleasant.

Finally went to the doctor on Friday. Not good news. She says my Achilles is inflammed and I need to stop running for at least a month. I felt like I was hit by a truck. Worst. News. Ever. But it was something that I needed to hear. I kept saying to myself before the visit that I only need a week or two off. No, I need more. She also said that after the month to start back on the elliptical, than after a week or 2 of that then I can start running again gradually. Also no "leg weights". I had been doing that and she believes that has been aggravating it. She did recommend swimming.

After the chiropractor appointment on Thursday I decided I would run anyways. I'm such an idiot. Never should have done that. It made it worse of course and now I'm out for at least a week or 2. Probably longer. I'm coming to terms with this. I'm thinking it is most likely that I will not run a 1/2 marathon this spring. I may still be able to pull off a sprint triathlon in June. If I concentrate on the swimming & cycling for the next couple of months I should be able to do that.

2011 will definitely be a memorable year. It started out with some back pain, but after seeing a physiotherapist it worked itself out and I ran in my 1st Around the Bay 2-person relay and my 3rd 1/2 marathon in Mississauga.

I had to stop running this week after I found out I have Achilles Tendonitis. After getting that "pins & needles" feeling in my Achilles, I knew I had to stop. I saw a physiotherapist this week and I have avoided cardio.

You can hear all about it on the latest episode of Step Ahead 006, where I discuss what I have gone through this week and what my future plans will be.

Check out the episode here.

On November 1st, 2002, I went to my local YMCA and got myself a gym membership. This profoundly changed my life.

I recently discussed on the 1st episode of Step Ahead my history of becoming a runner. That all began 9 years ago today. I was depressed, overweight and ashamed of what I had let myself come to. It had to stop. Thankfully I was able to pick myself up, dust myself off and move my feet forward. I am grateful for making that change.

Check out Step Ahead's 2nd episode: Social Media's Influence on Running.

In episode two of Step Ahead, Chris & I discuss the influence and impact of social media websites on running. We cover popular websites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as running and fitness specific websites like RunKeeper, DailyMile, DailyBurn, TrainingPeaks and Fitocracy.

I have come up with a new workout routine. Still doing some running, but adding elliptical as it will be easier when the weather is bad (I have 1 in my living room). I also will be riding my bike, weather permitting of course.

Had an ok sleep. Woke up around 3:15 to go to the bathroom. Woke up again around 5:45am and just layed there like a zombie until the alarm went off at 6am. Got up and forced myself to eat a banana & a bagel with a glass of water. Went back to bed until about 6:50. Got up and got dressed. I always leave out all my clothes because I have a tendency to be forgetful and clumsy early in the morning. My mom was 15 minutes early so she helped me get some stuff together. I had everything ready to go and we were off.