The Official Thread for Runners

[Jeff Lebowski]

I know the feeling.

Been playing with Plantar Fasciitis since he beginning of last year. Well - longer than that. But for a while I just figured it was my feet being sore after a long run or after playing basketball. Then I learned that it is so much more than that.

In the spring I went in to see a sports med doc. After ultrasound, he told me that I had PF. He gave me a list of exercises, but also said that my biggest problem right now was that I have scar tissue as a result of the PF - and that I'd need to break up the scar tissue and get the tissue re-aligned in order to feel better. So he gave me a bunch of stretches, as well as some exercises. But then told me the the PF wasn't inflamed at the moment - so the stretches weren't going to do as much for me as the exercises will. With a focus on heal drops. He also said I should notice a difference in about 6 weeks.

After 9 weeks and no difference, I stopped doing the exercises. There was enough going on with life, that I wasn't doing any exercising at all and I just figured I'd figure it out later.

Last week, after doing a little more reading and research, I decided I needed to get serious about it and do ALL of the stretches and exercises they gave me. I figured I'd give it 12 weeks (what some of the material indicates) and then go back to the sports med guy if it isn't feeling better. I've actually got a little bit of a bump on the heel of my sore foot - which has me pessimistic as far as my chances of fixing things via exercise and stretching. And has me wondering if I shouldn't just go in to the doc now instead of waiting.

But I'm to the point now that I see people running as I'm driving places and get depressed that I can't.

Stop messing with a sports med doc and go see a podiatrist. I had the same problem for years.

[Topper]

But I'm to the point now that I see people running as I'm driving places and get depressed that I can't.

Right there with you.

Two years ago, I had dual meniscii and patellar repair, and was told to lighten my running. Today, I cannot run regularly without both knees flaring up.

I've read about PFP, found there are some arguments I need to improve the flexibility of my hamstring, make certain my quads are not overpowering my hamstring, strengthen my hip flexors to increase the probability of being able to run. My ortho believes I may need both knees replaced. Not going to happen. Given what you have been reading, have you found any magic pills?

Swimming and riding light have not improved the knees, as I even suffer some knee pain while riding short distances of about an hour or two. To compound matters, my wife is talking about her doing an ultra next year, while I suffer running four miles. Oi vay.

[RC Vikings]

After twenty years of not running I'm trying to learn how to run again. Next July I'm hoping to run the 10k portion of the Spudman right around the 55 minute mark. So far it's been brutal so I'm looking for ideas.

[Eddie]

Stop messing with a sports med doc and go see a podiatrist. I had the same problem for years.

That's what my wife says. I'm afraid of the podiatrist just telling me that I'll have to give up running - feeling like the sports med guy will be a little more understanding. But maybe I'll try that route while doing the exercises for a second opinion.

...Given what you have been reading, have you found any magic pills?....

Nope.

After twenty years of not running I'm trying to learn how to run again. Next July I'm hoping to run the 10k portion of the Spudman right around the 55 minute mark. So far it's been brutal so I'm looking for ideas.

Spudman is a fun race. And with the exception of a short hill up and down within the first and last 400 yards, is as flat as they come.

In all honesty, running sucks for the first month or so. But if you are consistent, it can become very enjoyable. I love the solitary time alone with my thoughts and nothing else. Gets to the point that there is no pain or discomfort - especially if you aren't pushing it and are just running easy for 3-6 miles.

Just keep it up, it should get better. Especially since you're only talking about a 10K and really won't ever have to add in super long distances.

[falafel]

I'm running Ragnar Las Vegas later this week. First timer, not much of a history of running. I think I've prepared adequately (to finish the race, I guess). I'm not worried about any of my legs. However, I am a little worried about how to refuel between runs - i.e., what should I be eating/drinking during the down time to give me the best chance of performing well? Any suggestions?

[Eddie]

I'm running Ragnar Las Vegas later this week. First timer, not much of a history of running. I think I've prepared adequately (to finish the race, I guess). I'm not worried about any of my legs. However, I am a little worried about how to refuel between runs - i.e., what should I be eating/drinking during the down time to give me the best chance of performing well? Any suggestions?

Closest I've done to Ragnar was Red Rock Relay - which is much shorter. So all of this can be taken with a grain of salt...

Since you have time to actually digest some food between runs - I'd probably stick to stuff that tastes good to you or that you crave after a run. But with an eye towards maybe less fiber and more carbs. And probably with a focus on snacks.

I like a peanut butter & honey sandwich for protein, carbs, and sugar. Pringles were great when I wanted something with some salt to it. Bananas are good for me - sugar, potassium.

Just drink lots of water if you're eating stuff. Gatorade or poweraid are nice, but water will get you there.

[TripletDaddy]

I'm running Ragnar Las Vegas later this week. First timer, not much of a history of running. I think I've prepared adequately (to finish the race, I guess). I'm not worried about any of my legs. However, I am a little worried about how to refuel between runs - i.e., what should I be eating/drinking during the down time to give me the best chance of performing well? Any suggestions?

humblebrag :fro:

[Bo Diddley]

:yikes:

My surgery is scheduled for Dec 2. I scheduled it yesterday during my appointment. My doc actually recommended it this time. It's been almost 2 years since I first had issues. I've been stretching and doing band and balance exercises for two years. I can run 3 miles but the hip (outside by the bursa) and knee (outside as well) are tender afterwards and bug me. I've been to a chiropractor several times and done two sets of PT. I've also taken time off from running and cycling and also tried just cycling. I've had 3 injections, which did practically nothing. Given my perthes issues I think my doc just wanted to rule out that it wasn't more of a structural problem, which I don't think it is and now he doesn't think it is.

The surgery should only be 1-1.5 hours. He said it should be arthroscopic, but if he finds a tear or issue he needs to repair he may make a larger incision. Either way he will release the IT band and remove the bursa. He said to expect to be on crutches for the first week just to take the stress off the leg but that he'll also start PT 2-3 days after surgery with some light cycling. He's still saying 6 weeks and I should be fully healed, but of course that depends on what happens during surgery.

Sixteen months ago I was ready for this surgery, although I didn't want it. At this point I'm just tired of not being able to run and exercise like I want to do, but the time off has given me an appreciation for it all and has taught me the importance of cross/strength training. In some ways my prayers have been answered in that I get to have the surgery. I just pray it fixes the problem.

I'm going under the knife on the 24th. Same procedure. However, the doc was saying 3-4 months for a full recovery. Now I have to rearrange some things at work.

[Parrot Head]

Good luck, guys, with the knife. I've only had a couple of minor setbacks and some slow post-race recoveries, so I'm grateful for that.

Mol, I was wondering if the increased running was due to improved IT band, but hopefully the procedure will take care of it for good. It looked like you were picking up the speed, so I thought it might be on the mend naturally. Or maybe that was something else au natural recently.

We've had some good weather this year and I've been able to keep up the running in the mornings when it didn't cooperate for afternoon rides. In doing so, I already hit my 2015 goal of 1000 miles on Oct 30. Now I'm finding it a little tougher to drag myself out early in the mornings and with a new, long commute, that process will become even more difficult as I prep for a couple of races in the next 5 months.

[Moliere]

Good luck, guys, with the knife. I've only had a couple of minor setbacks and some slow post-race recoveries, so I'm grateful for that.

Mol, I was wondering if the increased running was due to improved IT band, but hopefully the procedure will take care of it for good. It looked like you were picking up the speed, so I thought it might be on the mend naturally. Or maybe that was something else au natural recently.

We've had some good weather this year and I've been able to keep up the running in the mornings when it didn't cooperate for afternoon rides. In doing so, I already hit my 2015 goal of 1000 miles on Oct 30. Now I'm finding it a little tougher to drag myself out early in the mornings and with a new, long commute, that process will become even more difficult as I prep for a couple of races in the next 5 months.

1,000 miles...that's impressive. Good job!

8 weeks ago I had an appt with my doc and we talked about the surgery. It had been a while since I had ran so we agreed that I'd try it out. I can go about 2 miles without too much soreness and if I go over 3 miles I start to get some pain. The IT band is very slowly getting better since in the past I couldn't really go past 2 miles, but the progress is too slow and I will likely never get back to a painfree life without hte surgery. I have a constant clicking on my outside hip, which keeps the hip constantly sore regardless of whether I run or not. Anyway, running again has been nice but I would really like to be able to run more than 3 miles and then not have to have hip soreness/knee pain the rest of the day.

[Topper]

I'm running Ragnar Las Vegas later this week. First timer, not much of a history of running. I think I've prepared adequately (to finish the race, I guess). I'm not worried about any of my legs. However, I am a little worried about how to refuel between runs - i.e., what should I be eating/drinking during the down time to give me the best chance of performing well? Any suggestions?

My ex is running that one as well.
You are probably finished now.

[falafel]

My ex is running that one as well.
You are probably finished now.

Finished at about 10:30 this morning. Started at 10:00 am yesterday.

[Eddie]

Stop messing with a sports med doc and go see a podiatrist. I had the same problem for years.

So I saw a podiatrist last night.

After xrays - looks like there is indeed scar tissue on my heel. Caused by a bone spur that sits on my heel bone right above where the Achilles attaches - meaning that the Achilles sits on top of it and is being irritated. (I know the feeling. I'm irritated by it too!)

Doc says conservative approach is to wear shoes with an open heel and/or shoes that won't rub. Shoes with a slight rise in the heel will also be more comfortable. But it's never going away.

Less conservative approach is surgery. Split the Achilles down the middle while leaving it attached and shave off the spur behind it. Off my feet for a month, in a boot for another 2-4 weeks. Slowly back to regular activity after that.

Apparently I've got a similar spur on the other heel as well. It just isn't irritated enough to cause scarring and pain. (yet?).

[Commando]

I'm running Ragnar Las Vegas later this week. First timer, not much of a history of running. I think I've prepared adequately (to finish the race, I guess). I'm not worried about any of my legs. However, I am a little worried about how to refuel between runs - i.e., what should I be eating/drinking during the down time to give me the best chance of performing well? Any suggestions?

I ran that last year- it was a fun one;boring runs but fun downtime since it was all centered around vegas rather than linear like most Ragnars. It started at that ski hill. I haven't looked at the map of this year's... didn't it start in Boulder City?

[Bo Diddley]

So I saw a podiatrist last night.

After xrays - looks like there is indeed scar tissue on my heel. Caused by a bone spur that sits on my heel bone right above where the Achilles attaches - meaning that the Achilles sits on top of it and is being irritated. (I know the feeling. I'm irritated by it too!)

Doc says conservative approach is to wear shoes with an open heel and/or shoes that won't rub. Shoes with a slight rise in the heel will also be more comfortable. But it's never going away.

Less conservative approach is surgery. Split the Achilles down the middle while leaving it attached and shave off the spur behind it. Off my feet for a month, in a boot for another 2-4 weeks. Slowly back to regular activity after that.

Apparently I've got a similar spur on the other heel as well. It just isn't irritated enough to cause scarring and pain. (yet?).

519602518_707.jpg

Do you have the legs to pull these shoes off?