A Short Break from Running
I should have gone to the physio back in August when I first noticed some pain in my ankle, but like a lot of us I shrugged it off as 'another running niggle'. It wasn't interfering with my training, so I was happy to put it out of my mind. As it turns out it's becoming progressively worse, and I couldn't ignore it anymore. My biggest concern was that it might be a stress fracture and I was doing serious damage by running on it.
I was due for a trip to the GP anyhow, so bought it up with him. He had a look and recommended it was an ATFL injury (strained ligament in the ankle) and told me under no uncertain terms "no running for 4 weeks". He prescribed me a course of anti-inflammatory pills and a few other recommendations to help it recover and asked me to follow up with him in a month.
I surprised myself with my very emotional reaction, but when I heard "no running for 4 weeks" I had to hold back tears... It's become such an integral part of my life that the thought of not running makes me feel a bit empty!
Feeling that this 'sentence' was quite extreme, I booked in for a second opinion with my physio. He concluded that the injury was more likely in the ankle joint, and is now looking into why this pain started initially, and why it's been hanging around for so long. His recommendation was 1-2 weeks rest (no running!), and then easing back into it very gradually.
I'll be seeing him each week and he'll analyse my stride, shoes, orthotics etc again (I had this kind of work done leading up to my marathon) to make sure that everything is performing as it should be and to prevent any further injury.
We both agreed that the pain was likely triggered by the introduction of speed training back in August which was a new style of training for me at the time. I possibly jumped into that too quickly and my body wasn't used to the pressures involved with speed work and the difference in running technique that comes with it.
So... no running for 2 weeks hey...
It's been 6 days since my last run, and despite regular cycling and the occasional walk, I am feeling very edgy!
Sunrise over Torrens River mouth
Sunrise over the West Beach Golf Course and Mt Lofty ranges
I'm most disappointed that I'll miss the triathlon I've signed up for next weekend, and the final Corporate Cup run. I was running to defend my unbeaten Corporate Cup office time for this year, and the boys times are too close for comfort! I also had 20 seconds that I needed to shave off my time to reach my sub-20min goal time. That'll have to wait until next year, I was pretty happy with how close I came anyhow.
So, triathlon training is temporarily on hold while I'm not running, but I'm hoping to be ready for the 2nd race in the series on the 5th December.
On the bright side, my new bike has been getting my undivided attention. (Loving it!!) Here are some pics a sunrise from an early morning ride.
Related articles:
24 Nov 2010: Foot Injury Diagnosis
26 Nov 2010: A Second Opinion
09 Dec 2010: Trial Run
07 Jan 2011: The Specialist's Verdict
