Achilles Update & Useless Info

I took 9 incredibly long days off of running after the half marathon.  My achilles was not happy with me.  I began to get worried after a few days of no relief so I went to see a podiatrist. He took an xray and told me that I have a bone spur due to the achilles being tight and pulling on the bone. Note the spur is not on my heel. He showed me some stretches (which I was already doing) and said I needed orthotics (shocker). I was given the ok to start running (slowly) and see how I feel. If I felt any pain I was to stop running immediately.

I went home and ordered a pair of my new ‘old’ sneakers. I switched from Mizuno Wave Inspire which is a moderate stability sneaker to a pair of Mizuno NEUTRAL sneakers. I am almost 100% positive that this change is what caused my achilles issues.  Mizuno is now on version #7 of the wave inspire (I’ve worn 5 & 6). I am not really happy with the change – they come up higher on my ankle and I fear it will rub my achilles. So far, so good – let’s hope it stays this way.

Anyway, I went out for an easy 2 mile run and I had no pain. It was 81 degrees and humid and I was the happiest I’ve been in 9 days. It’s crazy how much I rely on running to keep me sane. I was in such a funk when I couldn't run!! I ran a whopping 9 miles last week with no pain during or after – yay! So far this week I’ve run 3 miles. I am slowly building my mileage back up and laying off of the hills for now.  I am focusing on stretching my calves/achilles every day and I need to strength my calves. Anyone have suggestions on how I can do this?

I am on the fence regarding the orthotics. I don’t want to rely on them. What are your thoughts on orthotics?

ABC’s of Me!

A. Age: 30

B. Bed size: Full

C. Chore you hate: I only get to pick 1? I’m not very domesticated. I guess I’ll go with cleaning the bathroom – geeeross.

D. Dogs: I just became a dog owner 2 weeks ago! I am now responsible for my moms dog – Snowy. He is a 10 year old Westie.

E. Essential start to your day: Venti Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte

F. Favorite color: Purple

G. Gold or silver: White gold

H. Height: 5’9

I. Instruments you play: Does the recorder count?

J. Job title: “I do everything” officer

K. Kids: One 12 year old daughter

L. Live: Troy, NY

M. Mom’s name: Alice

N. Nicknames: ‘Lady’, ‘Manda’, ‘Manderz’

O. Overnight hospital stays: Just for baby

P. Pet peeve: Driving really really slow

Q. Quote from a movie:  Stupid is as Stupid does

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: 1 brother and 1 half brother & 1 half sister

T. Time you wake up: 6:45am

U. Underwear: Absolutely

V. Vegetables you dislike: I dont like beets at all. I pretty much like all veggies. Fruits are another story

W. What makes you run late: Hmmm, not getting up at 6:45am like I’m supposed to

X. X-Rays you’ve had: one too many

Y. Yummy food you make: Chocolate chip cookies

Z. Zoo – favorite animal: PENGUINS!!