Winners play hurt.
Less than four weeks until the Chicago Marathon and I am limping.
I don’t know what happened! I ran 18 miles last Saturday with no issues. Then I ran 3 miles on Sunday and my Achilles hurt. I thought maybe it was a bruise from the long run the day before. But it kept getting worse. I haven’t run since, but I have had my work user conference all week which meant early mornings, late nights, 4″ heels and lots of standing (and a bit-o-dancing mixed in). It’s not shocking that none of those things helped.
I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what it is. I just know that I am scared to death I won’t be able to run this marathon. My final 20-mile run is supposed to be Saturday with my girls. We have been talking about this day for weeks. We even have flair to wear! And I may have to miss it.
I have had injuries before. Shin splints. Deep buttock syndrome. Hip issues. But I have always been able to run through them. Because as my VP of Sales says, “winners play hurt.” But this one hurts so bad I can’t walk. How am I going to run?
Ice. Rest. Elevate. Stretch. TLC. Rinse and repeat. I won’t panic just yet…
Sorry to hear that you’re hurt, but you still have time to get ready for Chicago.
1. Any time someone has an injury below the knee, it seems like different shoes can help. Or just newer shoes. Just any other shoes than what you wore for that 18 mile run.
2. You might want to try compression socks or a calf sleeve. I had calf/achilles problems for years and a calf sleeve saved me. Lots of people are wearing them because they actually work.
3. Try to find a doctor in your area who practices Active Release Technique: http://www.activerelease.com/
4. You can do your last long run two weeks out. Plenty of time to rest and taper.
Good luck!
Pete, you’re amazing. Thank you! I am going for new shoes tomorrow and will pick up some calf sleeves too. Your advice is awesome…I’ll take your steps and see what I can do. I think I need to force myself to rest for a few more days and then try out some smaller runs. But this stuff helps. Thank you!
No problem. I just want you to keep being fabulous.
Pretty much the same thing happened to me this week too, except my problem is the inside of my ankle. I do not know what happened, although it’s the same area I injured in the spring. It started hurting really badly 6 miles into an 8 mile run. I am so bummed but not panicking yet. I already did 20 miles once. Definitely get some calf sleeves (I have XS from Zensah … oh so comfy). They’ve helped me avoid shin issues this training cycle. Hope you heal soon!!
Oh no! I am so sorry. I hope you feel better and recover soon. Let’s do it together!
Thanks for the good advice.
I got derailed with being sick the week of the Chicago Marathon back in ’09. I was devastated, but you relax, power through on race day and trust that your 16/18 weeks of training will get you through. So it may not be a PR for you, slow down and enjoy the race and finish with a smile.
(wow, that was way too Oprah for even me!)
Thanks, Brad. I love your Oprah-ness
I lost 2 weeks of training in August due to an Achilles/calf strain. Physical therapy and a calf sleeve (which I sometimes wear even when I’m not running) have worked wonders. I’ve slowly started to build my mileage back up, but also missed my 20 mile run this weekend. In addition to ice, PT and compression, I’ve been doing some running in a pool. Do you have access to a therapy pool at your gym? I put a water-floation belt on and go to the deep end and “run” for as long as my scheduled run would have been. It’s terribly boring (although an Ipod on top of my head, under my hat seems to help) and it feels a little like a bad dream (I’m trying to run, but not getting anywhere), but you’re using your “running muscles” without any of the strain or impact. Hope you heal quickly!!
Thanks so much Megan! Great advice…I haven’t thought about the pool option. But I am willing to try anything at this point. Thanks again.
Hello! First things, first. Love, love, love your blog but have never commented, until now. As a veteran of achilles injuries (and hamstring and plantar fasciitis, btw) I feel compelled to comment. Thumbs up on all the things you and others mentioned (RICE, compression sleeve, no more high heels). Is your achilles bumpy? If not, a week or so of rest should be okay. I had pretty severe (bumpy, hot, swollen) achilles tendonitis four weeks before a marathon and replaced my running with biking (as in, didn’t run a step) and had a successful race. You have already done your hard work and high mileage weeks, so you should be fine for Oct. 9. My sports doctor gave me an ankle compression thing with a heel lift that provided some pain relieve and compression. Keep up the good work (and resting). I’m running Chicago with my sisters so will send good vibes your way on race day!
Thank you Beth. It’s not bumpy, but I can definitely feel a spot that seems a bit raised and hurts like hell to touch. Thanks for the great advice. I will definitely be doing some cardio and hoping that I can get back to running soon. It’s horrible timing, but you give me hope!!! Thanks for your support.
Sounds like you’re getting some good advice. A podiatrist recommended lots of icing, he said “ice the S#|T out of it” to be precise. Also recommended the harder rubber heel lifts with peel off sections allowing you to lessen the lift. He recommended trying to get a half inch lift. I wore them in all my shoes during a recovery period, and still do in my running shoes. Essentially they lift the heel & shorten the Achilles so it’s not stretched as much. Of course calf stretches are a key element too, but you probably already do those.
Good luck in your recovery. You’re right, it’s scary, but hang in there!
Thanks, Mike. good advice! I have been icing the sh*t out of it all weekend! Need to buy heel lifts though. I’ll get on that this week. Injuries aren’t fun! Thanks for your support.