I have a running injury! I can’t run and I feel as though I’m losing my mind! Ok so that’s probably a bit dramatic but running keeps me sane and I can’t do it so feel as though I’m going insane.

The Background…

Maybe I should start at the beginning. The Wednesday before Christmas I went for my usual club run with Pegasus. From the start I had a bit of pain along the side of my right foot. I told myself to man up and get on with it, that it was nothing and I could just run it off.

We did 6 miles and I was in pain the whole time but I just kept going. I’m an idiot but an idiot that has learnt a hard lesson.

I spent from Christmas Eve to a couple of days ago not being able to walk. I just had to limp along. It felt better when I was on tiptoes but still hurt like hell. To say I was terrified about what damage I had done is an understatement. I obviously imagined the worst and let my mind go wild.

Physiotherapy

Today I went to physio at DTR in Cathays, Cardiff. They were highly recommended by a running buddy who suffered from the dreaded plantar fasciitis earlier this year and was fixed in time for the London Marathon. I was sat in the waiting room on the verge of tears.

I have been training so hard for my marathon and the thought of not being fit enough to run it was all I could think about. Add on the days of frustration from not running and there I was, a near blubbering mess! This is my first running injury and I have no idea what to expect.

Carolin took me into one of the bays and asked me what the problem was. I don’t know how I didn’t cry my eyes out but I kept my crazy together and explained what had happened.

She poked and prodded my foot while I grimaced with the pain then said she suspected tendinitis and that we can get me all fixed up ready for my marathon! Yay! I could’ve kissed her! The relief was incredible.

She started the treatment by hooking me up to a machine that I will refer to as zappy as I can’t remember it’s actual name.

 

Zappy made my foot feel warm and tingly. I was given some magazines and told to relax. After about 10-15 minutes (no idea really, I’m totally guessing!) Carolin came back and detached me then brought out this bad boy…

The Cause

I had 9 minutes of ultrasound on the tendons then Carolin poked and prodded some more. I’d taken my runners with me just in case and I’m glad I did. She examined them and noticed that part of the shoe along the side of my foot was ridged and had no give.

As soon as I put it back on, a really sharp pain shot through my foot. My runners and how they fit my feet have caused the damage so I can’t wear them again. It’s time to go runner shopping again!!

Carolin taped me up and wants to see me again on Monday. I’m not allowed to exercise until she gives me the ok. I have to rest, ice and elevate it as much as possible.

The Relief!

So I am hugely relieved that this is fixable but still hugely frustrated that I can’t run yet. It’s my first running injury. I didn’t realise just how much I rely on going for a run to clear my head and keep me grounded. Running is how I control my weight. I run so that I can eat what I want without the worry of piling on the pounds.

It’s Christmas and I have hardly indulged. In fact I’ve been told by a few different people that I’ve lost weight. The stress of not knowing what was wrong and my paranoia at my weight ballooning because I can’t burn the calories off has left me with no appetite.

Running and training for my marathon is a massive part of me and my life. I plan everything around my running. I’m a runner and I can’t run. I know I will heal and I’ll be back out there with my running buddies soon so just need to keep myself busy and stay patient. Yeah, let’s see how well that goes shall we?!