Home General Training Discussions

I don't feel like a triathlete right now. :-(

Been in run jail since early June.  I was having some heel pain for a few months, that was steady, but not limiting.  Then the week of Rev Quassy (10 June), it got bad and I couldn't run 3 miles without gait changing pain.  So I pulled out and didn't go.  Laid off running for about 8 weeks and slowly started back.  Was up to 6 miles and then the pain was back and worse than ever.  Stopped everything, saw Podiatry and diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.  Steroid injection, 5 rounds of dry needling (holy hell!), orthotics, PT, home PT, graston, massage, night splint.  I vowed no running for at least three months, which will be 1 Dec.  Still with some pain.  I feel like I shouldn't run at all until 100% pain free.  I still elliptical and ride.  I dont swim because there is no convenient pool and the inconvenient one is gross.  I have no races on the calendar.  My friends want me to run with them, but I can't.  I can walk without pain and do, but a 10K walking just isn't the same as a half marathon.  I don't feel like I'm "training".  Just exercising and trying not to lose too much fitness.  I've also been focusing on body comp and lost 12 pounds.  I look great, but I'm still having a pity party.  That is all.  Unless you have advice.  Maybe that would be good. 
Tagged:

Comments

  • edited November 24, 2017 2:56AM
    @Leslie Knight — we can all feel your pain. We all know that the absolute worst feeling for an athlete is when you can't train.

    First up, congratulations on your weight loss. If I lost 12 pounds (and I weigh 72 kgs, or 158 pounds), my 5 km time of 31 minutes 24 seconds would become 29 minutes, an improvement of 2 minutes 24 seconds. So well done and keep it up.

    Second, Dr Phil Skiba points out that the biggest change in the training approach to distance running occurred about 100 years ago. Before then, all or almost all training was just walking. Then someone realised that perhaps if you wanted to run a  race then you should run to train.  So, walking will give you durability and fitness benefits for when you take up running again.

    Another thing you might consider is some core/glute/hamstring strengthen work, along with swim cords.
    What do you think?
  • ever considered fasting? Helps me "reset" my body when I feel like it needs to rest or fix something. Hope u'll feel better soon
  • Sorry to hear about your run jail. If you're able to bike and have a trainer, join team members on Zwift. It's like doing a group ride from the comfort of your pain cave. Chwck the wiki for help vetting on Zwift.
    Have you looked in to masters swimming clubs in your area? 
    http://www.pvmasters.org/clubs.htm
    I'm with L4Swimming, but there might be a club closer to your area. My other suggestion  for swimming is LA Fitness. 
  • edited November 24, 2017 8:46PM
    Been there as well, it will get better.  It also sounds like running is your thing and a social outing with friends so try to find some other outlets for riding with others  or getting to the pool with a group. 

    My bouts with PF the one I ran though too some time to come back from.  Now I know the signs and can back off.  For me stretching, massage (from a professional and personal low calf), and hot tub seem to help the best.  Also some foot, calf and leg exercises seem to help as  well.  Finally I also have indoor walking shoes which I find helps when things were really bad.  Continue with the things that work for you in clearing up the PF particularly when you are just starting back to running.

    Great job on the body composition.  Most people go the other way when not able to train.  Focus on the things you can do and when you can get back to running it will be a great joy to be out there.  One final caution in my experience come back slower on the mileage than you think, but I'm typically overweight so the 12 lbs you have lost will definitely help all round for ramping up the run.
  • @Leslie Knight, I can definitely understand how you feel! I too am experiencing some PF and took 3 weeks off of running. My comeback plan is 10 minutes per day at varying paces with a lot of strength and mobility work. Since I started Zwifting that has helped a lot and I am riding 4 days a week and it is so beneficial. The key - patience! 
  • Thanks for the comments, everyone.  Sorry for the delayed response.  I got busy with Christmas planning and Thanksgiving. I’ve thought about Zwift, but I️ sleep on the weekends and I’m not sure about getting up early to join a 0800 ride.  I’m more of an 0900 gal these days.  I️ heard there’s a Saturday ride now, hubs works most Saturdays, so maybe an option.  But I️ think I’m cheap and don’t want to pay yet another $15 a month for a service. But I’ve been thinking abou it. 
    Ill keep walking, and I think I’ll add a couple of days to replace some elliptical.  I’ve noticed my walking infrequently is actually uncomfortable because I’m not using those muscles- yikes!  
    @Dave Tallo, I have been doing pretty low carb (under 80 gms per day), calorie deficit, and some intermittent fasting.  Most weekdays, I do 15:9 or so.  I’ve started a 24hr fast once per week and plan to go to twice per week until Christmas.  Lower carb made fasting easier.  
    I’m thinking of joining the JOS for core work, and inspiration. I can do the runs as walks.  I already do my bikes from the stored wko’s On my Garmin from last winter. 
    Thx again for the thoughts!
  • Thanks  @Leslie Knight.    I think you might have meant @david Richmond?   I, for one, love my
    CHO.

  • edited December 10, 2017 8:14PM

    @Leslie Knight 2x today, I had plantar fasciitis 2014 it takes 6 months to recover sorry…

    Last 2 month I start running 2min then walk 20 sec it works fine then I increase run time.

    About Zwift, you must do Zwift!!! the smile going back to your face, I start Zwifting 2015 when it was free.

    A few weeks ago (have some injury I stop ran) , I start to race, it's so fun, I’m improving every week.

    I suggest you first to reg to https://www.zwiftpower.com/  (it's free)  add your to TeamEN.

    Then on My Team you can see what we doing…

    Doron  B)

  • @Leslie Knight sorry to hear, but you are doing the right thing rather than the easy thing (power through because obviously normal rules don’t apply to us triathletes!). I have dealt with PF and it is a vampire bite type of injury. You need to find what works for you to relieve it and go to that well often. One of my favorite sayings is “this too shall pass” because it serves as a reminder when I’m stuck in the middle of an issue and feel like it will never end. 

    Try to take advantage of the no running as a way to up your bike game perhaps. Others have mentioned zwift and I’m a strong convert. The group vibe from it is very powerful and motivating for me. Hopefully it would help shake a bit of the funk off for you too. 


Sign In or Register to comment.