Hey hey! I hope you’re having a great day and looking forward to an awesome weekend!
The month of June is almost in the rearview mirror, and since it’s the last Friday of the month, it’s time to join Marcia for Runfessions! Since I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis, unofficially for months, and officially for a couple of weeks, I’ve got plenty to runfess so I figured I”d dedicate this blog post to my feelings about it!
I’m also linking up with the new Friday 5 2.0 with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy!
[bctt tweet=”I’m living that injured runner life, blah…I have a few #runfessions to share!” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Runfessions – June 2018
Sleeping in a night splint isn’t so bad. I wish they gave me two…
Thanks to my plantar fasciitis, I have to strap myself in a boot-like contraption every night. Since both feet have PF and they only gave me one splint, I have to alternate each night. I will runfess that I did miss a couple of nights of wearing it, but overall I’ve been following the doctor’s orders. I don’t find it hard to sleep in at all, but it’s frustrating that they only gave me one…how will I ever heal?
No running and no barre means I’m super miserable.
Obviously, I miss running most of all, but I totally understand that I need to hold off on that while I recover. However, it’s frustrating that I can’t even trust myself in barre class. The core work and light weights are great, but the class is way too hard on my feet, especially at the barre. I could modify the exercises, but I could also see myself doing more harm than good. Barre is my second favorite workout after running, so not being able to do this workout either is frustrating. My workouts give me life!
I’m worried about ballooning in weight.
I’ve already gained weight since the marathon, that’s a fact. I tried on my wedding dress and it’s actually a bit snug. I’m usually not worried about my weight because I’ve been stable for years, but I need to make a conscious effort to eat responsibly while I’m living this temporarily “sedentary” lifestyle. When I had my boot on my right foot back in 2013, I gained a LOT, at least for me. So I’m really focusing on watching my portion sizes and keeping away from the Twizzlers, lol. I”ve been cooking a lot more these past few months, which is great, but I still overindulge a bit when I go out. But I’m working on it!
I hate the exercise bike…but it’s all I’ve got.
The exercise bike is EXTREMELY boring, but since it’s pretty much the only “cardio” I can do I’ll have to make the most of it. I have to runfess when I went to the gym last week, I hated that I had to walk past the treadmill and head over to the stationary bike. Now don’t get me wrong, I think cycling is great, believe me, but sitting in that gym and reading a book, hardly feeling any kind of burn, just feels like a waste. But again, it’s better than doing nothing. I would have considered spin class but again, it just feels too risky right now. Any way to make the indoor bike less boring? Maybe I should try one of the specific workouts on the machine…intervals?
And I plan to enjoy the summer as MUCH as possible!
Now I had to end these runfessions on a high note! As much as I’m venting here, I’m extremely grateful that my condition isn’t worse. It does seem to be taking longer to heal than I want it to, and I know I have to be patient. The bright side of my injury is that I don’t have to run in 90+ degree heat (which I absolutely hate), my weekends are wide open for fun activities, and I’ve got more time after work to simply relax, rather than getting in a 4 or 5-mile run. I just need to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the summer as much as I can!
What runfessions would you share with me? How is your summer going so far?
I did not realize that your PF was so bad! It does heal if you rest it but it’s hard for sure. Daily stretching and a regimen of icing and heating help. I did lots of spin and swimming while having PF. Hang in there
Thanks, Deborah. I definitely need to focus on more stretching and icing!
Way to look at the bright side! It is SO hard not being able to get in the exercise you’re used to (and so hard on everyone around you, LOL). You can maintain your weight, but it will take some discipline & kinda sucks.
I wore my sister’s wedding dress (just cause I couldn’t fathom spending so much on a dress you wear once, not that I really liked it). I had to lose weight to fit into it & she’s taller than me! I did it but I didn’t do it the smart way.
Hooray for not running in the heat (not looking forward to tomorrow’s long run) and doing fun things.
Have you consider swimming?
Ugh I’m so sorry to hear the PF has completely halted your running and Barre! And yeah what’s up with only one boot?? So weird. If you have access to a deep water pool, pool running would be SO beneficial for you right now, not to mention refreshing…just saying….thanks for linking!
I wish I did have access to a pool…well, there is a public pool not too far from my home…maybe I should consider giving it a try? Thanks, Marcia!
i sure understand being injured Janelle. Just hang in there and keep that attitude positive, you’ll get through it! x
Thanks for the encouragement, Renee!
Yes, the intervals on bike can be sanity savers. Does your gym have an arm cycle? I did that when my knee was too bad to even cycle or row and came to like it. Can you row? That was my cross training through last summer’s PF
Oh, I think I am approved to row, and we do have a machine in the gym at work but I never know how to do it properly, lol! I should give that a try! Thanks, Cari!
What I love about rowing is that I can get into a rhythm like I can while running. I find that harder on the bike, although that may just be because I don’t do it as often. If your machine is Concept2, look into their logbooks (free). Some fun challenges
I am glad that you feel like the night splint is helping with your PF. As I’m currently sidelined I totally get what you mean about gaining weight. I was not eating the best post-surgery this week but not I’m back on track. All I can do is walk – no lifting yet, but like you said, I just have to make sure my food is on point!
I love your last runfession about enjoying the summer! I am hoping to do that as well 🙂
I’m sorry to hear you are dealing with PF in both feet! I can’t imagine wearing that boot at night. Not running in this awful heat is a bright spot. I agree with Marcia. If you have access to a pool, pool running is great cardio!
Hang in there girl! It sucks not being able to run, but it will pay off once your PF is gone.
Thanks Megan, I appreciate the encouragement!
Rest is good for the long haul, but it’s never easy. Are you able to do exercises on the floor, so you’re not on your feet? I find the exercises away from the barre can be more challenging.
Hope you enjoy the summer and get better soon! Being sidelined form exercise is so hard mentally
Thanks, Patrick!
Been in your boot, literally. Can you do a homemade night splint for your foot that isn’t in the boot? I did that when I had PF. As far as cycling goes, there are some great videos on YouTube. I did some spin classes ( ( didn’t stand up in the pedals) and some cycling videos. It was kind of fun. Can you do pool running? That was a lifesaver for me. Hang in there. PF is the devil. But it will go away!
PF is the worst! Maybe it’s a blessing to have PF in both feet, that way you’re not over-compensating on the other”non-injured”foot (and compromising anything)? I know, not the best “glass half full” mantra LOL Have you tried seated leg lifts? Or arm/shoulder work (also while seated)? I had a tough time finding things to do last summer when I just got home from my surgery…I couldn’t get sweaty (or be in a pool), I couldn’t bend my recovering knee (no biking), not could I run. Ugh. The daily walking and leg lifts saved me. I hope everything heals up soon!
Thats so frustrating that you only got 1 boot! But at least you are healing so thats good. And since you don’t like summer running, this is a good time for a break! But its definitely hard to not be able to work out the way you’re used to.
Definitely frustrating but I’m doing my best to stay positive! Ugh, I couldn’t imagine running with the weather as HOT as it is right now!
I totally agree with that boot thing. Is that something you can buy one of….perhaps on Amazon, cus you know you can get ANYTHING on Amazon…haha
Yes, You go and enjoy the summer!
That’s true, I could try to order another one to help speed things along!
I’m guessing insurance only pays for one? That’s so ridiculous!
I would definitely try some of the programs on the bike – especially intervals. I was able to do spinning when I fractured my foot, but I had to stay seated. I still got a good workout.
They didn’t even give me the option of getting another splint…so annoying, lol! I’ll definitely do more intervals on the bike to get more of a burn!
Hi there!!
So sorry to read about your injury ;(
I have had to hang up my running shoes indefinitely so I totally know how you feel. The arthritis in my knee has decided I can not be great…lool!!
Rest up and take care!
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear about your knee – I didn’t realize you had to stop running. Thanks so much, Tamieka, it’s great hearing from you! 🙂