I’ll preface this post by saying that it will be slightly dramatic because that is how I’m feeling today.
Since February, I’ve been training for a 5K through Chicago Endurance Sports. It’s been tough and challenging and I love it. It was also part of my 2013 goals and given me a lot of what I was looking for in this new test.
And now I have to stop, immediately. And, well, I’m pretty upset.
Over the weekend I started developing really bad heel pain, which I thought was part of just “learning to run.” Let me tell you, it is PAINFUL to learn a new sport sometimes.
Sunday, I ran through it, and it was excruciating. So, to be proactive, I went to a physical therapist for a free injury screening and am going again tomorrow for a second opinion.
And they told me exactly what I didn’t want to hear: Achilles tendinitis.
No running, excessive walking, or elliptical machines for a few weeks (depending on the level of pain). And when the pain does go away, I have to start over with running to slowly ease in to it again.
They may as well have cut my leg off. *dramatic*
That means, very likely no 5K at the end of April or, I definitely won’t be running all of it, which was my original goal. And with vacation in early May, I definitely can’t jeopardize it.
I’m crushed by this for several reasons. Running made me feel stronger and in shape. And now hearing that I have to stop everything altogether (minus some weight training), is upsetting.
I finally got in to a good rhythm and space and now I have to stop.
I hate my body and I’m trying to keep the negative, self-defeating thoughts away too.
So, I’m going to allow myself to be sad and upset, and then I will focus on getting better. Because I will not be in pain while on vacation. And I will NOT let this stop me.
I will run, I will do a 5K and I will run all of it.
But for now, there is still some disappointment and errant tears.











