At the start of this year, Leah and I signed up to take The Running Room‘s ‘Learn to Run’ clinic. It may sound odd that one needs to learn how to run, but, in fact, I did. Essentially, there’s some classroom time where we learn about equipment, nutrition, etc. Then there’s a running part. This is the useful part, where the attendees run as a group. It’s a run/walk combo, with the ratio of running time to walking time increasing every week, until you’re running for 10 minutes, and walking for 1.
This had been going great, we were in our 3rd week, and I was really enjoying it. I got a little case of shin splints, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. Then I bumped another runner (well, he bumped me, but details) as I was rounding a corner and felt a twinge in my ankle, the one that I broke some years ago. It hurt, but I’m used to it hurting when I exercise, so I didn’t think too much of it and kept running.
Leah finally convinced me to go see a physiotherapist, and I’m certainly glad I did — my ankle is fairly messed up. I’ve got 4 weeks of intensive physio ahead of me to see if it can make a difference. I’m strictly NOT to run during this time. At the end of 4 weeks, one of three things will happen:
- I’m significantly better, and can immediately resume running.
- I’m a little better, and can move to a more relaxed physio schedule and possibly start running again.
- There’s no change at all, and my best option is surgery to repair the messed up tendon in question (it’s the one that kind of curls around your ankle on your instep – only mine doesn’t quite do what it’s supposed to).
So clearly, I’m hoping for outcome #1. I really don’t want surgery, and as it would be elective (unless I keep running and actually tear it, which doesn’t sound fun), would be a long time coming.
in order for me to ever run more than a mile again, i’d need surgery on both knees too. i got all the way 2 weeks from being done the 1/2 marathon clinic (and 2 wks from actually running it) before my injury left me unable to run though.
damn i miss running… and i hope your body is able to heal better than mine.
in order for me to ever run more than a mile again, i’d need surgery on both knees too. i got all the way 2 weeks from being done the 1/2 marathon clinic (and 2 wks from actually running it) before my injury left me unable to run though.
damn i miss running… and i hope your body is able to heal better than mine.
I had to give up running because of my ankle too (does your tendon do that *snap* thing if you’ve let it sit without moving for too long?) and I’ve missed it. Thats why I bike now, the low impact is perfect for me.
I had to give up running because of my ankle too (does your tendon do that *snap* thing if you’ve let it sit without moving for too long?) and I’ve missed it. Thats why I bike now, the low impact is perfect for me.
i’m hoping for option 3! gooooo surgeryyyy!
i’m hoping for option 3! gooooo surgeryyyy!