I am Guilty.

That is, guilty of not following my own self-prescribed advice regarding exercise.

Specifically, Running.

Back at the end of 2014, my New Years’ Resolutions included Running Less and Cross-Training More with the aim being Injury Prevention.

 Lately, I have been remiss in practicing moderation regarding miles logged.

Additionally, I am in desperate need of new running shoes.

The 3 pairs that I alternate are 7, 6, and 5 years old, respectively.

The heels are so worn, they don’t even come close to touching the floor.

Active runners are supposed to switch to a new pair every 3-6 months.

Yikes!

As a result, the bursitis and tendonitis in my right heel and Achilles tendon have been flaring angrily.

Problems that affect the Achilles tendon include tendonitis, tendinopathy, tendocalcaneal bursitis, and tendonosis…These problems affect athletes most often, especially runners, basketball players, and anyone engaged in jumping sports…Severe cases may result in a rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Tendocalcaneal bursitis usually begins with pain and irritation at the back of the heel. There may be visible redness and swelling in the area. The back of the shoe may further irritate the condition, making it difficult to tolerate shoe wear.

Achilles tendonitis usually occurs further up the leg, just above the heel bone itself. The Achilles tendon in this area may be noticeably thickened and tender to the touch. Pain is present with walking, especially when pushing off on the toes. -Summit Orthopaedics

I am in significant pain.  The discomfort is akin to someone simultaneously shattering the back of my heel with an aluminum Louisville Slugger while extinguishing a great many cigarettes on the affected area.

These two particular injuries are chronic; they have worsened on and off since Winter 2008, when I sustained my first stress-fracture.  I fractured my right calcaneus (heel bone) from over-training for my First Full Marathon.

Outerbanks Marathon 2008 

I have rested 4 days out of the last 7. 

The non-rest days have been spent cycling or low-impact jogging via the elliptical and Stairmaster.

I’ve been eating over-the-counter pain meds like candy to bring down the inflammation and obtain some relief.  However, with pain medicine, it is not intended to be taken for an extended period.  The on popular pain relievers.

Still the pain persists.

As a stop-gap measure, my mom brought over a pair of my brothers’ gently-used New Balance shoes that fit in both the width and heel, but are slightly too long for my feet.  I wear a Women’s US 9.5 ( Men’s US Equivalent 8), and these are a Men’s 9.

No worn-away toe holes here!

There is a huge difference between the new heels.

And a pair of heels that has a billion miles on them.

It really puts things into perspective. 

For now, I think that the new-to-me kicks will be adequate for Cross-Training activities, but I am not so sure about Running.

Regardless, I am much better off in the New Balance pair!

Random thought: Who remembers the Love/Hate Global Brand Campaign launched by New Balance running shoes in 2008?

I loved that advertisement; I think it sums up my relationship with running perfectly.

I am going to continue to implement R.I.C.E. ( Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) over the next week and see if symptoms improve.

 

What methods do you utilize for Injury Prevention?

How often do you replace your running/fitness shoes?