- PT guy seemed to be much more thorough than Podiatrist guy
- PT guy really likes the orthotics Podiatrist guy gave me and encouraged continued use, although he added a booster to the arch
- Not only do my arches collapse but my bunions have severely restricted my toes from bending
- The restricted movement keeps me from "going off my toes" - this puts more pressure on the lazy arch and is probably the source of my pain. It's probably also reason for any hip and knee pain
- I have toe stretches to do!!
- I am double jointed and generally very loose (just not in my toes!!) - this is not attractive and I struggle with posture and taking a strong stance all the time. It's not only un-attractive, it is likely causing some problems
- PT guy gave me lots of exercises to improve strength and tone "from your butt to your toes, oh yeah, and your core, too." *jerk* :) just kidding !!
- I shouldn't have let all my great work in the gym in Jan, Feb, March go. (DUH)
- I probably should have been in better shape before I attempted this marathon schedule (DUH!?)
- I will be seeing PT guy again in about 10 days
- PT guy says the cross stuff is AS important or MORE than the running itself, TO my running. He recommends finding the right balance for me as far as how much rest between running and how much cross. He suggested I might only be a 3 run a week runner, but also that I could be BETTER if that is the right balance for me.
- None of this is really an INJURY, which stinks in a way. It is just ME, and I'm going to have to LIVE with it, but MAKE ME THE BEST ME I CAN BE. Isn't that what I am constantly working on anyway? And now, I have more direction. Just practicing my positive thinking...
He also said, "Knock yourself out at Capital Pursuit." So, Sports Fans, I am officially doing my first longer than a 5k race on Sunday. Yep, a 10 miler in beautiful downtown Des Moines with a few hundred of the fastest people around. Oh crap, what have I done???!!!!
I'll have tales from the back of the pack!!
25 comments:
Sounds like good advice to me. I have become a HUGE believer in strength training and cross training. All of my problems with my "knee" turned out to be caused by muscle imbalances that are being corrected with the additional training. It will certainly make you not just a better runner, but a healthier runner as well.
Rock on, and good luck in your 10-miler. I can't wait to hear about it.
Pushing off with your toes is overrated... Have fun at your 10 miler!!
core work & cross training (biking & pool running) is what got me through an un-named "injury" as well (basically, its' just the way my body is built - one leg shorter)- so, like you - just have to deal with it. but the xtraining & core work gets you through & eventually makes you a better, stronger, faster runner! have a fun 10 miler ...
YAY Nancy!! That's a whole lot of info to absorb LOL. But I'm super happy that you'll be able to rock out on that 10 miler!!
Toe stretches?!?!
Sounds like you got some help, some stuff you knew already, and some stuff you just have to deal with. I guess that makes for a good balance. I can't wait to hear how the race goes.
I hate ab work too!
Sounds like lots of fantastic advice!! I loved all of the new stuff I learned at PT.
Good luck at the 10 miler!!! I can't wait to hear about it!
It sounds like you are really making progress and I applaud your choice to get opines from both Podiatrist guy and PT guy. They will certainly come at this from different directions and have different solutions. I think it is cool that they are both so excited about orthotics becuase you can be sure that these are going to continue to help you. Toe Stretches?? Didn't know there was such a thing, but mine get sore all the time (especially my big toes) and if they help I was hoping you could give me the lowdown on how one stretches their toes. I'm excited for your race and for you to get to show your stuff. You are definitely ready and hopefully it will be a beautiful day in downtown Des Moines.
Best of luck.
Read your comment on Pat's blog.....and I think you way underestimate yourself! You will do FABULOUS!
And I, for one, dont have an issue with the race course being closed by the time I finish! LOL! ;P
Sounds like good advice! It may not be an injury but luckily you know whats wrong, how to correct it and this will help you progress in your running. Good luck with weekend with your first 10 mile run! I can't wait to read your race report.
great post, and thanks for stopping by! being a "chiro guy," it sounds like you're in great hands! people tend to look at me crosseyed also when I talk about how important the big toe is to walking, let alone running.
good luck at the capitol pursuit! i had a blast in Quad Cities last week!
HI Nancy! I found your blog from Marcy's and the Runner's Lounge. I like reading about runners who run as fast (slow?) as I do. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stuff. Good luck with the toe stretches!
Good luck with your 10 miler! Thanks for the blog comments!! :)
Nancy great post. Good luck with you 10 miler an most of all have fun!!
I love PT.
Have a good time with the 10miler! WoooHoooo!!
ah, a ten miler... that sounds like a fun race... haven't done one of those yet.
gotta love the night running. i've done it 4-5 times and have absolutely loved it every time.
anyway, good luck with the 10 miler... can't wait to read your report.
I definitely agree on the cross-training. If you can increase your hip strength, you'll run with a lot less pain overall, at least in my opinion.
have a great time at your race on Sunday.
Good luck with the 10 miles!!!
Good luck on Sunday! I hope your PT will help. My husband saw a PT last year for some nagging pains and it really helped him out. Keep plugging along!
Have fun with your race! I am sure you will do great!
Wow you are determined! I love it. I am a really bad PT patient, so I applaud you for listening and for going after this race. Kick butt!
I'm a big fan of 3 or 4 runs per week and cross-training (especially swimming). Have a great race!
So maybe I'm just projecting my own thoughts about getting news like "3 times a week" and "being better runner", so forgive me if this is unwarranted sympathy, but "Crap Nancy, that sucks!" Sorry, I was never one to make lemonade out of life's lemons. When life gives me lemons, I look for the tequila! At least he gave you some good advice on what to strengthen in order to get the most out of your physiology.
I saw a physical therapist a couple of weeks ago, because of shoulder impingement. Would you believe that spending 12-18 hours a day in front of a computer for 29 years can lead to shoulder problems? Once we got past the silly advice, like don't work so much, don't be so tense while you work, and "take breaks", he did give me some exercises that at least help counter the damage I do to myself. I should probably do them on a regular basis, but I would have to "take breaks".
Good luck on the 10 mile run Sunday. Have a wonderful time, and don't worry about your finish time! No matter what, you are guaranteed a PR. Don't forget to stretch your toes when you are done :D
Have a blast at the 10 miler!!!! I cannot wait for the race report!
By the way - what sort of toe stretches do you have to do? I am intrigued!!!!
By the way, thanks for stopping by my mom and sister's blog! That really meant a lot to them! They are both new to running, and blogging as well.
i'm glad you got some useful advice :) have a good time at your 10-miler!
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