Hiccup

2 weeks ago (Saturday) on a barefoot run through Sugarhouse Park I hurt my foot. It hurt really badly initially, it felt like I stretched my foot way too far and like something was displaced in my arch. I really wasn't sure what I did wrong so I hurried home and stretched and iced. I figured I would stay off it a few days and see how I felt. It throbbed most of the week, but I decided I was ready to try it out on Thursday. I went on a really mild run--slow pace, easy, light, form, but at 2.5 miles it was as if I did the exact same injury again, same amount of pain (but nothing up until that point, strange), grrr. So i scheduled an appointment with my podiatrist to figure out the diagnosis, and more importantly make sure it wasn't a stress fracture. Stress fractures can be pretty serious and with a Triathlon coming along in May, the last thing I needed was on of those to keep me from training for it. (I was confident it was not a fracture--I have heard they hurt terribly.)
The Doc took lots of X-rays. And without finding a fracture (phew!), he moved onto an ultrasound (no, I am not pregnant) of my foot. And there it was a lovely little tear of the plantar fascia muscle, so inflamed it was causing pressure through to the top of my foot where a I had a quarter sized tender spot, ouch!
He taped me up, and sent me on my way, encouraging lots of Advil to keep the inflammation down. He also told me to keep the tape on for a week and try and run when the pain seems to have let up. The tape was to keep my metatarsals in place and stable to prevent further damage and encourage healing. And the best part? Well, I am glad that Doc thought it would probably be only 3-4 weeks to full recovery, just in time to get serious for my Triathlon.

So in the meantime, I'll be doing yoga.

Note to self: Take it easy.

P.S. Doctor said I have great feet for barefoot running. No Bunions. No Hammertoes. Good arch. Thanks for the encouragement!

Christopher McDougall: Are we born to run? | Video on TED.com

Kicked off my shoes and...

Time: 46 minutes

Distance: 3 miles

Equipment: Treadmill

Conditions: Indoors

Footwear: Socks

Impressed? I doubt it. Happy with myself? YES!

Running 3 miles isn't a huge feat. And it is less than what most runners would get excited about. But what made today different was that I did it in socks. It was my first attempt at a barefoot form/forefoot strike. I took it nice and easy, hence the 15 minute mile pace. This is just the beginning and I don't want to push too hard too fast. Running barefoot is like relearning how to run. New form, new technique and definitely new muscles to be strengthened.

At mile 2 I could really start to feel a difference in my form and the effect on my body, for the better. My feet were a little tired. But at mile 2 on a typical run, I usually can feel discomfort in my left knee from 'runner's knee.' I didn't feel any discomfort, even by the end, which is fantastic and exactly what I was hoping for. My calves felt tired at about 2.5 miles, like a stiffness I wasn't used to. I think this will probably continue until my calves are much stronger in this form. I didn't ever feel out of breath, which is great! Of course, partially that can be attributed to my very slow pace, but still, I only barely broke a sweat after mile 2 and it was never drippy, yuck.

Something I always pay attention to when I am running, whether at the Gym or outside is how many "kills" I have. It must have something to do with my competitive side. I have a great desire to improve myself physically and part of that is to overcome my 'opponent.' Of course, whoever they are, they have no idea I am their opponent, but somehow, it makes me feel more accomplished. So today? 6 kills. In the time I was on the treadmill, 6 people got on and back off the neighboring treadmills and ellipticals. Now, I am sure anyone reading this can easily recognize that my 15 minute pace, was well, nothing to brag about. It's not about bragging, for me, it's about motivation. My motivation, to, well, go for longer since I knew I wasn't going to go faster while trying my new form.

After the run, I felt great. I spent a lot of time stretching, just to be sure my legs won't be hating me tomorrow.

What motivates you? Any other ideas for staying motivated since Running is a sport where you have to push yourself? Have you tried Barefoot Running? Do you have any chronic injuries you'd like to see gone forever?

Goals: Increase my barefoot distance.

Keep it Fresh!

With Valentine's Day approaching, I cannot help but think that the perfect date would NOT include an overcrowded restaurant, or fattening, greasy, over-prepared foods. Actually, what would make my Valentine's Day special? A work-out date! Yup, and I think you should try this, too. What could be more fun than a steamy workout with your spouse/boyfriend? Working out together can be a lot of fun, so here's what I have found to make it enjoyable:

1. Keep it fun.

Do something you both enjoy, like hiking, swimming, skiing/snowboarding, running, anything that gets your heart racing.

2. Don't worry about how you look, so what if it's been awhile since you hit the Gym, this is supposed to be fun and quality time, (not worry about your looks time)!

3. Don't compare yourself. Everyone has a different workout intensity level, so just because your hubby revs up to level 12 on the treadmill, doesn't mean you should, too. Make sure your workout doesn't leave you breathless, try and keep a conversation going.

Who are your workout companions? Do you like working out with your SO (significant other)? What makes it fun for you?

Valentine's last year was a blast, we hit Solitude and laughed up and down the mountain all morning and grabbed a quick bite at our favorite taco shop, Lonestar, on our way to pick up the kids from the babysitter. This year, well, we haven't come up with a plan yet, but I think it will be something equally fun for us... and for a bonus, we can shed the calories rather than take them in.

No Shoes? No Problem.

I am sure I am not the first person to get an intense amount of inspiration and motivation from reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I am on a new adventure... to increase my strength, my running ability, my form, and most importantly (to me), my distance. And best of all, I will do it barefoot, or nearly barefoot.

Yesterday, I ran about 2 miles (yup, that's all). I did it to the best of my ability using a forefoot strike, rather than a heel strike. And since I did it in running flats, I felt that I was still not able to get the form right, although my burning calves this morning may have suggested otherwise. Really, with even just a little bit of heel cushioning it is very difficult to mimic a minimalist or barefoot running form. (Of course, compared to my thick soled Sauconys, they were a vast improvement.)

So, I have realized, that in order to accomplish those above goals, I will need a little help with some different footwear, since it's too cold for bare feet right now. I think the high temperature in Salt Lake City today is 19 degrees and it feels even colder with the wind. With this in mind, I went to The Salt Lake Running Company today and tried on The Vibram FiveFingers, aka the VFF. It seems that almost everyone I have talked to is very excited about these. I am also considering a pair of Zems, which seem great, but of course at $30, seem a lot more appealing then the VFFs, around $80-100. Although really, they are decently priced when compared to other running shoes.

So, I will soon make a decision about footwear, and see where I end up.