After almost 3 months of waiting, I finally walked out of my podiatrist’s office with orthotics. I really questioned whether it would ever happen! Like I have been saying all along, don’t expect this to be any sort of magic cure. My plan is to use them for running for a while but eventually get strong enough that I don’t need them anymore.
For a long time I’ve been in the camp of the whole “less is more” thing when it comes to running shoes. This is one of the reasons why I didn’t even go to a podiatrist for so long (I knew they would recommend orthotics). But when you are struggling for SO long and what you are doing isn’t working, somethings gotta give. I hope to be able to get my feet (and the rest of my body) strong enough that I won’t need them forever.
Anyway, I have to say that they are better than I thought they would be. The last time I wore orthotics was almost 10 years ago. I was initially given a pair because of achilles issues. They were so stiff and uncomfortable! But I honestly don’t think I knew any better. I wore them until my hip started hurting and I ended up getting surgery. Then when I started running again I was able to run without them (that was over 6 years ago). These are much softer and I barely notice them in the shoes.
My podiatrist said to wear them a few hours a day (not running, and slowly build up to being able to run in them). This is tricky because during the week I’m not home very often. So I did what I could this week and they feel ok. Any tightness I feel was there before wearing the orthotics.
I got in some running this week but now I’ll probably cut back again so I can start running in the orthotics without overdoing it.
Monday: Soft tissue work, Strength training
Once again I was sore from doing 3×4 eccentric push-ups. In general I am getting use to the strength training program and more familiar with the exercises.
Tuesday: Soft tissue work, dynamic mobility, 3 miles
I don’t remember anything about this run, but luckily I have a picture to prove it happened.
Wednesday: Soft tissue work, Strength training
Another day of strength training. I was still a little sore from Monday, but the second day of workouts leaves me sore in different ways (I noticed my back and quads after this workout). Good thing I am foam rolling every day!
Thursday: Soft tissue work, static mobility, 3 miles
This run was kind of a struggle, maybe because I was sore from strength training? It just feels so good to be outside this time year in the warm weather and the bright mornings.
Friday: Soft tissue work, stability exercises, 20 minutes on spin bike
You may have noticed that I haven’t really been biking as much lately. It’s so hard to work out indoors when I know how good it feels to be outside! I knew I should take the day off running, but to get in a little cardio I convinced myself to hop on the bike for a few minutes. I barely broke a sweat but it’s better than nothing.
Saturday: Stability, static mobility, 3.3 miles
It was super humid out for this run, so I was kind of glad to only be doing 3 miles. I’m still doing a run/walk and will probably continue that until I am used to the orthotics. I always tend to walk up the hills. Part of me feels like I’m being lazy but I know I will keep better form if I take the breaks.
Sunday: Soft tissue work, stability, 3.1 miles
This ended up being a really good run despite the gross humidity. I ran almost the whole time (stopping halfway to take a picture). My pace really surprised me but I don’t usually know how fast I am running because of the walking intervals.
This is going to be another busy week (I should probably stop saying that because they are all busy!) but I at least hope to get back to my normal blogging schedule!
How were your workouts last week?
Have you ever worn orthotics? Do you still wear them?
Do you have a hard time convincing yourself to cross train in the summer?
Linking up with Holly , Tricia, and Tara for the Weekly Wrap!
I’m excited you finally got them! I never wore them but so many people say they help! and ugh humidity is high again here today
The humidity has definitely been rough lately! Its raining tonight so Im hoping it will be better tomorrow.
Well its about time you finally got them. So was it worth the wait?
Hard to say right now, but so far I like them, so thats a good sign!
I hope the new orthotics are the magic answer for you. I’ve never worn any. It’s been super hot here lately but of course today’s my rest day and it’s a gorgeous 64 this morning.
Why do rest days always fall on the best running days? (Or at least thats how it always seems!)
I am going to UP my cross-training now that my marathon is over (I scaled back the cross-training a bit in recent months). I’m glad the orthotics are finally a part of your life LOL…hope they are worth the wait 😉
This is a good time of year to cut back on running and cross train more, especially after a big race!
YAY – so glad you finally got them!
Thanks! Me too!
At this point, they BETTER bee magic! I still run in my orthotics–I’m on my 3rd pair!
Thats so great to know that they have helped you for so many years!
I just did a little happy dance for you – so glad that you FINALLY got your orthotics and that they felt good! Hopefully the orthotics, mixed in with all of your strength training, will really help you be able to run pain free!
Aw thank you! I really hope so too!
I’m glad to see you’re giving your orthotics a test! I hope they give you the support you have been looking for.
Thanks! At this point, they are definitely worth a try.
So glad they finally came in. I still can’t believe how long it took! I have my fingers crossed that this is the temporary solution you need until you can build your strength back up. Looking forward to hearing how it goes with your first few runs using the orthotics!
Thanks! Its really crazy how long it took but hopefully they will help me out for awhile!
FINALLY! I’m so curious to know how they’re going to work for you!!!
I will keep you posted!
I’m so glad you finally got the orthotics! I hope they provide some help! I completely get pushups making you sore – they are so hard when done right and leave my arms burning for a day or so!
Its so humbling because I am only doing 12 total! I guess before I must have been rushing through them.
I’m glad your orthodics came and that they are better than you thought they would be!
Thanks! I was really surprised that they felt pretty comfortable as soon as I put them in my shoes.
I hope the orthodics help with your running! It looks like you had a great week of working out! I hope you have a good week of running and working out this week!
Thank you! Same to you!
I had custom orthotics in college, but now I wear Superfeet. My chiro wants my ankles to get stronger, but I also have high arches, and those need support. I really don’t think stronger ankles is going to keep my feet from pronating. The Superfeet are comfortable, and I know they help with my training.
Im sure I will need some extra support for awhile but I really hope I can build the strength to not need them forever!
You know I’ve been using orthotics for several months now. I kept debating on whether or not I would wear them for the Utah Valley half because the longest I had run with them was 9 miles and the last 2 miles of that was uncomfortable. So I opted to run without them on race day and all went well. No issues. I’m back to running with them again …hoping to eventually be able to run longer without rubbing. We’ll see. Good luck with yous!
Well thats great news that you didnt wear them for a race and felt good! I was really surprised how comfortable mine felt right off the bat. We’ll see if that continues!
I always get sore from pushups too. I’m not very good at them!
Its amazing how much harder they feel when you do them really slowly!
You did wait a long time for those! Hope they bring you what you need to stay healthy out there
Thanks! Its been such a long wait so I really hope its worth it.
I can’t believe the mythical orthotics are here! Lol! I’m on my second pair of orthotics. I resisted for years but I really think my feet need them. Every doctor, physical therapist and chiropractor I’ve ever seen seems to think I do. And that’s even the ones who are advocates for less is best in a shoe. My feet are just wonky so I need that extra support. Otherwise I’d be injured way more than I already am?
Well at least you have consistent feedback about orthotics! Most PTs and chiros don’t think I need them, but my body seems to tell a different story. At this point its worth a try.
Finally! I hope that they help you (especially after all that waiting time).
Thanks! I really hope so too!
Yay… finally! Excited to see how you like them! I did my first run today! Felt great. I always tri train but working out inside is very hard for me!! Probably why I hardly cycle in the winter!
Yay congrats on your first run back!! I hope it continues to go well!
Finally! I’ve never tried orthotics but it has been suggested to me. I’m waiting for your review… 😉
I’ll keep you posted:)