The theme of this week’s weekly wrap is sore legs and cautious optimism, and I will explain why in a minute. I’m sure the sore legs part can speak for itself; however, I was pretty surprised which workout caused this to happen. Let’s back up a bit though. Last time I shared my workouts I was in Michigan for the weekend, and got back on Sunday. I didn’t even fully unpack my suitcase because I was traveling for work on Wednesday and Thursday. So the week was a bit hectic and I will do my best to remember what happened! I do know I didn’t run as much as I would have liked, but that’s ok.
Monday: 3.3 miles + Core work
I almost didn’t run on Monday because it was SO foggy out. I was glad I went because this ended up being my only weekday run.
Tuesday: AM- Strength Training; PM- Yoga
In the morning I did a total body strength workout. After work I was considering going to a yoga class at a studio, but decided I had too much to get done before traveling the next morning. So I got home from work at a decent time and did about 30 minutes of easy yoga.
Wednesday: 30 minutes spinning
I had to be on the road by 6:25am to travel for a work conference, so I just did a quick spinning workout around 5am. It felt good to sweat and knowing it was only 30 minutes made me work a little extra hard!
Thursday: 45 Minutes elliptical + Medicine Ball Workout
I stayed in a hotel on Wednesday night and was planning to run on the treadmill in the hotel gym. It was easier to pack for an indoor workout rather than worry about where to run outside early in the morning and what the temperature would be.
I had to leave the hotel for my second day of the conference around 8. I woke up at 4:30 and drank coffee while doing some work (I only had my work computer and don’t know my Bloglovin or WordPress passwords so I didn’t even try to do blog stuff.) Around 5:30 went to the gym to find a sign saying it didn’t “open” until 7am. However, the door was wide open and no one was around, so I went in. Unfortunately though, the treadmill wouldn’t turn on. There was only 1 treadmill and 1 elliptical so I got on the elliptical. I also saw there were medicine balls so took advantage and tried Laura’s Medicine Ball Workout.
Friday: 45 Minutes Yoga
I had been using a free trial of YogaGlo and wanted to take advantage of another class before it expired. I was intrigued when I found a class called “Slow Cook Your Core” so I gave it a try. It was 45 minute workout that focused on core (obviously) but really hit the hip flexors, quads, and hammies too. I say that because all these areas were sore for days following this workout! I’m thinking about paying for a month membership just so I can do it a few more times.
Saturday: 6 Miles
I think this run was greatly impacted by my sore and tired legs. However, I didn’t notice that they were sore until after my run, probably because of DOMS. During the run I ended up walking up most hills but it was still enjoyable, probably because I hadn’t been outside in 5 days.
Sunday: Rest
Ah, a restful day catching up on everything I fell behind on during the week.
So, what about the cautious optimism? Well, I finally sucked it up and went for a 4th opinion about my foot. Let me recap who I had seen already about it:
Timeline of Foot Issues
-Early June 2016: Saw my chiropractor who did some ART and joint mobilizations. I think I saw him 2-3 times before I started PT (see below) and then again when it started bothering me a few months ago when he did dry needling.
-End of June 2016: Saw an orthopedist who did an x-ray and diagnosed it as PF (which I knew it wasn’t- I’ve had that before), wanted to give me a boot to sleep in, heel lifts, and ibuprofen. I turned down all 3.
-July 2016: Started seeing a PT who confirmed my suspicions of it being my posterior tibialis. I did about 4 months of PT and was discharged at the end of October. I had about 2-3 months of pain-free running until it started to bother me again in January, despite continuing with my exercises.
So I decided I might as well give a podiatrist a try. I didn’t expect to learn anything new but figured it was worth a try. I did some research to find someone in the area who works with runners and was easy for me to get to.
Giving in and seeing a podiatrist
I called on Wednesday and was able to get seen on Friday. I had another x-ray just because that’s protocol (plus it had been 10 months since my last one) and it looked fine. He agreed it was my post-tib and suspected I’m not letting it heal with the shoes I am wearing to work. So even if it was mostly healed a few months ago, there may still be tiny micro-tears that keep getting aggravated. I have been wearing Dr. Scholls flats which I thought had pretty good support but he said those style shoes make me grip my toes and may be making that area work harder.
We talked about how it’s pretty much impossible to find women’s shoes that are supportive, fashionable, and work appropriate, so I’m not sure what to do. He said my boots may be ok for now, but (hopefully) it will be too warm to wear them soon.
We also talked about the “O” word: orthotics. I knew this would come up. He taped my foot for now to see if that would help, and I go back next Friday for a follow-up. More on all of this in a few days. Sorry to leave you hanging, but this post is way longer than I planned for it to be.
[Tweet “Sore Legs and Cautious Optimism via @milebymilerun #weeklywrap”]
What is the most professionals you have ever seen about a single running injury?
Have you ever used a gym that was “technically” closed?
Ever been really sore from yoga?
I don’t think I realized that you hadn’t been to a podiatrist yet! I hope he can help. I don’t even know which shoes to recommend, I wonder if cole haan still makes the nice shoes with nike insoles? I had a few like that which were really comfortable. check Nordstrom!
I think I was so turned off by the orthopedist that I didnt want to see any more doctors who wouldnt help me! But Im glad I finally went. Thanks for the suggestion, I will have to check out Nordstrom!
I hope that the podiatrist can help you find permanent relief. I have no good recommendations for shoes. It’s true that it’s so hard to find shoes that are supportive and fashionable. I stopped wearing heels to work a few years ago, but even so the flats I wear are not very supportive at all. I know it always feels so good to slip into my running shoes at the end of the work day!
It really is difficult! I have to do a presentation tomorrow and Im already worried about what shoes I can wear.
Is it a sports podiatrist? If you are gripping with your toe, that can make a HUGE impact on your feet. You might get some immediate relief if you switch! Fingers crossed, and great week!
PS, I’ve been in custom orthotics for… since 9th grade (can’t do the math right now). I’ve had incredible ones and I’ve had ones that were a waste of money. Bottom line: if you aren’t happy with the ones you get, don’t give up, but don’t settle, because the right ones make all the difference!!
Thats good to know! I had orthotics a while ago, but after my hip surgery I stopped wearing them. I guess I was given them initially for a reason! My last ones were so thick and uncomfortable, so I hope these are better. Im not sure if this is technically a sports podiatrist but he is a runner (or former runner) and seems to work with alot of athletes.
I often regret not taking up running years ago when I had a full-time career, but now when you make the point about shoes, it gives me pause because I wore some pretty uncomfy ones.
I had a strained post tib tendon that I managed to fix with 6 weeks rehab in the pool. My sports chiro is the guy who has been able to fix all of my ailments, although I’ve been to physical therapists as well. The ones I saw were nowhere near as good as my chiro. I saw a myofascial release guy once who was extraordinary and I’m so bummed he relocated because I’d definitely have gone back.
I hope you’re nearing the end of this saga!
Wow, thinking about how long this is taking to heal 6 weeks isn’t bad at all! but what i think it confusing if I will have weeks where it feels ok.
Its always so tough to lose someone who can work magic on injuries!
When I was a flight attendant there would be some mornings I would get up extra early to make it to gym prior to my showtime and I would get so mad if I got down there and it wasn’t opened. At least you managed some type of workout. Sorry to hear you are still dealing with foot issues.
I would imagine that would be really frustrating! Luckily this hotel didnt seem to enforce the gym hours at all.
I wear crocs when I am around the house and my feet are much happier. They are too ugly to wear outside I hear you on that front. looks like you had a pretty solid week of training
I’ve never tried crocs but I have heard they are pretty comfortable. I definitely couldn’t wear them to work but I would give them a try for around the house!
When I had my first PF experience (almost 2 years ago), I got some Dr. Scholl’s inserts to wear with my “pretty” work shoes (flats, etc.). I also learned that taping my arches (at least on the affected foot) helped tons if I “needed” to wear a pair of sparkly sandals LOL I realize your injury is more severe than mine was….I hope you get some (lasting) relief.
Thanks! The tape can definitely help. I guess the Dr. Scholls inserts aren’t enough for me though (the flats I was wearing were Dr Scholls). I think I also need shoes that come up high to support the insides of my ankle.
I am glad to hear you saw a podiatrist and may be figuring out your foot issues! Born and Birkenstock make nice looking shoes with support. They are not cheap but they have flats and boots. Changing daily wear shoes made a huge difference for my PF so I hope it does for you as well!
I did get some Birkenstocks this weekend so hopefully those will help! Although I really need the support on the inside on my ankle so I really shouldn’t wear shoes like that too much. I will need to look into Born!
It’s so hard to get workouts in when traveling, but I think you did a great job.
I think it’s great that you went to the podiatrist and that he can give you a few different options on how to make your foot feel better. I started using Enertor insoles this year and my nagiing foot pain is so much better now.
Thats great that the inserts have helped you! I found a pair of superset that I can run in until I get orthotics.
Wow, we have such similar stories. I have been chasing a foot issue since mid August 2016. Mine was dx as peroneal tendonitis which got better but would sometimes still cause me issue so got an MRI at the end of the year just to make sure (by now I am on my 2nd doctor and still doing PT). I got things calmed down again but flared up in mid Feb so in early March I saw my 3rd doctor who said PF. At that point the pain really had traveled to the inside. He taped it and all was great. I had pain free runs for 2 weeks. Then he wanted me in orthotics, I said “NO”. I have had them before and my PT really advised getting them again. He put me in soft inserts and I thought all was fine but after my second run in them my foot freaked out. Pain and discomfort everywhere! He adjusted them but still no go. I have not worn them in 3 days and my foot is doing a lot better (have been cycling and swimming). I go back to see him today just to find out what he thinks. I hate how we both have this never ending foot saga….
Oh wow, that sounds SO frustrating! I really avoided the orthotics but I guess at this point I am out of other options. Although I really hope they don’t make things worse! I hope that both our foot sagas end VERY soon!!
hope the dr helps, pain sucks 🙁
Thanks!
I hope the podiatrist has some answers – it’s such a bummer that you’ve been going through. Foot pain without an answer is the worst. Also, my pet peeve when hotels close their gyms! WHY!? Just keep them open 24/7,
I really don’t understand why hotel gyms need to close at all- there is always someone working at the hotel!
Oh yeah! Orthotics!! How come that’s a bad word? I know they’re expensive up here (around $500) which is brutal but man would it ever be amazing if they took away your pain! Then you can wear whatever shoes you want, as long as you slip in the orthotics, right?
Wow, $500?! I must have good insurance became the receptionist checked and said they would be $26 plus the copay for office visits when I get fitted and come pick them up ($30 each visit). I had them years ago and never really liked them, they were super bulky and I was a terrible heel striker. I am willing to give them another try and I am hoping that there have been advancements in orthotics since 2008:) I can wear them in any shoes they will fit in- but right now I don’t have any work shoes that I could wear them in!
I don’t wear heels much anymore, and I can get away with sneakers working in Boulder. I did use orthotics in high school and college because I had such high arches. They’ve gotten lower, but I still need supportive shoes.
Thats nice that you can wear sneakers to work! I dont wear heels either other than sometimes boots with a chunky heel.
I’d love to hear if you do find supportive and fashionable shoes for work. I’ve been wearing Life Stride. They’re cute but just okay on the support and comfort side.
I will let you know if I find any! It’s SO tough!
Ugh, sorry to hear about the foot issue! About a year and a half ago, I rolled my ankle while teaching boot camp. It caused a foot sprain, which led to me adjusting my stride to make it less painful. That led to plantar faciiitis and ongoing tendon problems. I was literally just thinking earlier today that the last few weeks have been the first time I feel like my foot has been back to normal since it happened! (Knock on wood, hopefully I’m not jinxing myself).
Oh wow, that’s so frustrating, but I am glad that you are at a point where you are pain free!
Well I’m glad to hear you’re making progress on the foot. I’m actually going backward with mine. Ugh. It’s always something with us runners! 😉
No!! It’s so frustrating that they issues always pop up when all we want to do is run!
Ugh 🙁 I am pretty lucky in that I haven’t needed to see a doctor for any of my injuries. Yet. I have had PF and a tweaked hip flexor. Neither of those really require special medical attention, and I was able to work through them pretty effectively.
I hope you get some relief soon!
I would probably use the gym if it said closed and the door was open.
That’s so great that you have never needed to see a dr for a running injury! I wish I could say the same but I have lost track of all my injuries and doctors.
Hi foot twin! 😉 After years of being told to avoid orthotics at all costs, I got a pair in late 2015. I wore them all of 2016 with no injuries so I think they do some good. BUT they are definitely not a cure all. If things don’t clear up for me, I think my next stop will be a sports podiatrist. That’s the one doctor I haven’t seen yet so why not?
I agree they definitely won’t be a cure all! I had a pair back around 2006-2008 but they were weird and bulky (and I got injured anyway), so I was able to transition out of them. I am hoping if I try new ones they will be better. I came up with a plan to try to address this foot problem, and orthotics is just one small piece of it. I hope that yours clears up quickly but its good to think ahead to what else you can try!
Four medical professionals: doctor to diagnosis, physiotherapist, massage therapist and osteopath for a hamstring injury that took 9 months to get better! Hope you feel better soon.
Ugh injuries like that are the worst! I guess its good though that there are so many different types of professionals who can potentially help in their own way.
Such a bummer that you’re having so much trouble with your foot. I can’t imagine your frustration. Have you tried oofos? They are very comfy!
I have not! Thanks for the recommendation, I will look into those!
I hope you get to the root of the issue and get better soon!
Thank you!
I was continuously diagnosed with PF again and again and again, and maybe one or two of those times it really was, but I swear it wasn’t all the time. Once I finally got fitted in the RIGHT shoes, a lot of it went away. So there’s that. I hope you get some relief though!!
Thank you! That sounds like it was so frustrating for you. I have been fitted and tried several different types of running shoes throughout this process, but I can keep hunting if it doesn’t get better!
Where did you run on Saturday? It looks pretty! I’m glad you got some answers, despite maybe needing orthodics. I hope you find something with some relief soon. Have you tried wearing Danskos at all?
Thanks! I haven’t tried Danskos, I will look into them! The pic from Sat. was at Quarry Lake.
Yes it seems like my feet always hurt first thing in the morning. I tried inserts but they didn’t help me much and were very expensive. When I took Power Yoga class, I would be very sore the next day! I had to stop taking it because it hurt my back 🙁
Thats frustrating that the yoga hurt your back- its the opposite of what we would want it to do for us!
Sorry to hear about your ongoing foot pain. Hopefully the podiatrist can help with providing you some relief soon!
Thanks, I definitely hope so!
Hope you are feeling better soon! I saw a chiropractor for my plantar fasciitis and she really helped my!! I had not even thought of using a chiropractor for something of that nature, but the PF was stemming from muscle stiffness and weakness further up my leg. She helped to resolve it and not shots or orthotics!!
I have had alot of luck with chiropractors as well for various injuries! (not this one though) Im really glad you were able to get quick relief and not need to deal with orthotics.
I wear Alegria shoes and flipflop/sandals to make my feet happy. Some of their styles are rather clunky looking, but they’ve gotten better over the years. I like my podiatrist and will always go there in lieu of an orthopedist. The O word has been used with me too to relieve the extra pressure on my metatarsals. I haven’t gone there yet… I hope you’ve gotten the real answer now and things will only move forward from here! Thanks for linking, Lisa!
Thank you! I will need to look into Alegria. I love wearing flip flops so it would be great if I could find a supportive pair!