Today I cycled for the first time in 7 weeks. I have not run yet and will not try until I am given the go ahead by my physical therapist (PT), next Thursday. He said he would give me a protocol at that time which would probably involve only walking and cycling to begin with. In fact, I was not given the go ahead to cycle as of yet but I just could not resist the opportunity to try and see how the heel would respond. So far the heel seems fine and cycling, while bothersome, never did inflame it as much as running. I usually only noticed a problem hours to a day afterward. It has been 4 hours and so far no noticeable problem. The ribs are pretty much completely healed, as I do not notice any soreness unless I do some sort of extreme movement or pressure in the wrong place. Cycling was no problem for the ribs ( See: Trail Run,Fall, Broken Ribs, Oh My) at all, and I am sure running would not be either.
I have 6 more days until the walking boot comes
off. I know I will want to try and run immediately but my PT says he will put
me on a walking protocol first and graduate to running. This will be tough, but
no one wants this to work more than I, so I will follow the protocol. He said
cycling would probably be OK also.
Hopefully the epidural shot I received last Monday in my
sacroiliac joint will be a more complete and long-term solution to my heel and
leg problems. Within 3 days of the shot I noticed a significant relief in my
left hip and leg, allowing me to increase my flexibility by almost six inches in
several stretches including touching my toes from a standing stiff leg bend and
even down to the second finger joints being bent. Another stretch that I had
been doing was from a seated position bringing my left foot up and crossing it
over my right knee while bending forward at the waist. This stretch would often
elicit a slight shock like sensation from my hamstrings to my heel. Not only
has this disappeared, but I can now lean forward touching my head to my left leg
at the knee, whereas before my head was about 6 inches away. In two days I see
the pain doctor and he will hopefully prescribe at least one or more future
injections to completely calm the hip and leg soreness from the nerve problem.
The relief I have gotten is significant enough to verify that the main problem
is a nerve inflammation
My plan for the future is to start training for another
marathon as soon as possible whether or not my heel is completely better. The
reason for this is that the next course of action, if it is not better, would
be surgery and I do not want to be out any longer than I have to being off my
feet. I would rather go into surgery from a state of maximum conditioning than
to go in already having lost 10 weeks or more.
So, I have my sights set on training for the Tucson Marathon
in December. I may also do a trail Ragnar in the meantime. Pray for my heel to
be completely healed within the next two weeks!
Looking forward to training again very soon!
ON a lighter note, I am hoping to score an interview with
The Jester, AKA Ed Ettinghausen. He is a rather prolific ultra marathoner who
has just completed his 3rd Badwater 135 mile ultra marathon, from
Death Valley to the Mt. Whitney portals. This race is considered by most to be
the hardest foot race in the world with temperatures reaching near 130 degrees
and upwards of 150 degrees and more at road level. Make sure to check back
soon!
Happy Trails,
Russ
I've found the patience to wait our an injury is as much a challenge as any race.
ReplyDeleteYes it is! Thanks for your reply! BTW I love your blog. You write very well and picturesque!
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