Monday, September 10, 2007

I Have Michael Jordan's Feet :)

I went to the podiatrist today and, no, Marcy, he did not lick my toes. He wasn't creepy at all. Talkative, but not creepy. He's a triathlete, so he totally gets it.

My diagnosis: high arches that are extremely flexible, meaning they collapse. My feet and ankles can only take so much of the collapsing before it causes pain. This has been happening around 7 miles.

The good news, he really can't find anything else wrong. He said, "Michael Jordan had flat arches and he did quite well." I was wondering if I need to get a pair of Air Jordans, but he gave me stronger orthotics that should keep me from collapsing as much. He swears by them and says he got rid of custom ones because these are so good. He said they make my Brooks, "good shoes", into "awesome shoes"...

The bad news, while this should help, there is no guarantee that these will be enough to get me to the full 26.2. I'll proceed according to the schedule and see how far I can go on my long run on the weekend. I haven't given up on the full marathon, but I also have come to terms that I might need to do the half.

So, Michael Jordan's feet. I will probably be skying soon.

20 comments:

Kent said...

I am glad to hear your doc told what was what with your feet. Just remember if you do have to run the half rather than the full, the plan you are following should make for an excellent half plan as well. Here's to the magic of correct orthotics however, and running the hills south of Grand ave.

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO!! PPPhheewwwww! I was worried about you with that pic you posted up the other day LOL

I'm SOOOOO glad you went and saw him. It seems like you have some definitely answers to all the foot probs. Hopefully those orthotics will be good enough to get you through those 26.2 :-)

Either way Nancy, you have a great attitude and thinking ahead towards an HM if the marathon doesn't work out is a GREAT backup plan ;D ;D

Robert Barker said...

I hope the stronger orthotics serve you well. Thanks for visiting my site and leaving a comment.

Jess said...

I think with the new orthotics, you'll be able to tackle that 26.2!

Ali said...

Hopefully the orthotics do the trick and you will be running pain free soon.

I tape my arches with hockey tape before a long run it helps me with the collapsing thing that strains my ankles and calves.

psbowe said...

Orthotics are great, I've been wearing them for almost five years now. Solved alot of my arch issues too.

Andria said...

Well, it's good to have the right information. Bummer that it may not be enough. But, if you can only do as well as Michael Jordan, I think you'll be okay. At least it's a relief to know what was wrong.

Running Ragged said...

Hopefully this is the solution you have been looking for for so long. That would be so sweet.

Now I have that song "I believe I can fly" stuck in my head! lol

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

hmmmm I have HIGH arches also, are ur correct orthotics something that can be purchased over the counter?? or do I have to see a Doctor... U know I have that fear about Meds & doctors.

I would like to learn more about the orthotics though I hear a lot of good things about them...High arches feet are also prone to ankle rolls, when I did GTR I rolled twice but thank goodness nothing major!!

Good luck, I hope they help!!

J~Mom said...

Well chitt...;>)

Glad you got some advice and keep up the positive thinking!!

Michelle said...

Glad you got some new orthotics. I hope you see a big difference soon!

Nancy said...

Bob - They are called Powerstep Pro. The podiatrist is a triathlete and used to use custom orthotics but now only uses these. I think you might be able to find them on the internet, although when I searh, Powerstep is easy to find, the "pro" may be more difficult.

I have been hearing that this is pretty common and lots of people wear them. My friend who just did Ironman Louisville says they have made a huge difference for him.

ws said...

I think if you have enough time to train you can get through the full marathon. I'm not sure there is any guarantee in marathon training, but you are really positive, so I think if you want it, then it is yours.

Bill Carter said...

It sounds like you are going to get some relief. I don't wear them myself, but alot of people swear by their orthotics....and what could be better than even stronger orthotics??

Best of luck,
Bill

Moon said...

damn, look at you go flying through the air! I'm really glad you found some orthotics, and that they didn't have to be custom either (my doc recommended customs to me, but I just don't have the $$$ to blow on that kind of foot-bling)

Here's hoping they keep you moving, for however fast and long that happens to be!

Amy@RunnersLounge said...

Yeah! Relief! My son has the very flexible feet and overpronation and has said life is better with orthodics. So good to hear you have an option - I bet you are so excited to get out there and try them out.
Amy
http://blog.runnerslounge.com

kate said...

That's great news Nancy. I'm always afraid that the doc will tell me to stop running! I hope it all goes well for you this weekend. Just think, even if you do the 1/2, you're totally gonna rock that with the mileage you've been putting in.

Tom@RunnersLounge said...

You've waited so long for some relief. Everyone of us has fingers and toes crossed that you and your doc have this foot thing figured out.

Now start the steady, upward climb of running enjoyment and re-gaining your fitness, in that order.

GB said...

Nancy, I have the same type of feet! The foot doc I saw back in June said the same thing. I still haven't used the orthotics or inserts yet, but I did switch from neutral shoes to the Asics GT2120's for a little more stability.

Anyway, heed the doc's advice and use those orthotics. You'll make it through the marathon! No doubt about it!

Patty said...

Things will turn out just the way they are suppose to. No need to decide today, just hold the dream... I am talking to myself as well as you!

Love your attitude and outlook.