A little setback.
So you know how you always hear that disclaimer “Check with your physician before starting any new exercise program”? Did you always ignore it figuring it was for old people on the verge of dropping dead from a heart attack? I did.
Turns out it’s not bad advice. Your physician might just talk you out of doing something stupid and injuring yourself. You know, like going from a very moderate activity level to one that resembles training for the Olympics.
In my “let’s get in shape” gusto, I jumped into exercise with both feet – and injured one of them. Turns out that doing a four mile walk/run each morning and then trying to squeeze in three or four classes of Tae Kwon Do a week on top of chasing around a very active four year old can take its toll on you. Especially if you don’t ease into your new program.
Add to that a morning of major bouncing and you have the recipe for an injury. So there I am in TKD class, trying to rotate my foot for a side kick and I feel this not-very-good sensation in the arch of my foot. Can’t look like a wimp by bugging out of the rest of the class, right? Oh no, must “work through the pain” (I can actually hear my high-school tennis coach’s voice on that one!) Guess what, I’m not 16 anymore – not such a great strategy after 30. Lesson learned? Be a wimp.
The next morning, I hopped out of bed for my morning trek and almost fell over. I couldn’t even put my weight on my right foot. By the time I arrived at my doctor’s office, I was just limping badly. After hearing about my new exercise regimen and pushing on a couple of very painful points on my foot, the doctor announced his prognosis – planter fasciitis. Prescription? Stay off of it for four weeks. And lots of Motrin. And ice.
I tried to bargain a little: Walking but no running? No. Elliptical machine? No.
So much for my new routine. (But I did go out and buy an exercise bike, just so I don’t lose ALL of the progress I made.)
I feel for you. Did your doc tell you to try hard insoles? I had a nasty bout of plantar fasciitis a while back. Seems I flex my foot too much when I walk. I got Asics carbon fiber insoles and it helps a lot. If I wear “bendy” shoes it comes right back. Ouch. Hope you’re back on your feet soon.
Ouch! Hang in there. Trying to stay off an injury while chasing a little boy around can be impossible! I am rehabing a achilles tendon tear and I totally agree with the insoles!
is this catchy? i seem to have it now too!