Blog

Going mad

This achilles thing I’ve got going on is funny. And by “funny” I mean maddeningly frustrating, to the point that I sometimes laugh at myself.

As you might have noticed, I have been running. For now, I’m doing three to four-or-so miles at a time, and aiming to run two days on, one day off. And I’m happy to report that those runs have been pain free. So that’s good. No, that’s pretty great. The “funny” thing – the thing that’s making me crazy – is that I can still tell that my achilles isn’t right. No pain while I’m running and really no pain at any time at all. I don’t notice it when I get out of bed (which seems to be a key indicator of tendinitis). And it’s not the tightness that I felt in November. It’s not particularly tender to the touch.

It’s hard to describe, but the best I can say is that I can tell my achilles is there. Like I can feel it moving when I stand up or walk. Sometimes I can feel it move within the tendon sheath. And just noticing the achilles is strange. When was the last time you “noticed” a tendon or other connective tissue in your body? Except for that damn IT Band, I don’t think I ever have. There’s also sometimes a little bump where I think the tendon inserts into the tendon sheath. That bump isn’t tender to the touch and doesn’t seem to get bigger after I run.

So. If I was content to continue running 3-4 miles a few times a week, I’d be golden. But you know I won’t be happy with that. And that is why I’m still talking (writing) about the stupid thing and allowing myself to go a little crazy over it. I’ll continue running and doing my exercises. I’m going to see an ART guy tomorrow. Maybe then I’ll have a better idea. Otherwise, I’ll just keep moving forward with my fingers crossed!

Indoor ride – Jan 23
Time: 1:30

Run – Jan 23
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 25 minutes
Course: Neighborhood
Conditions: Sunny, mid-50’s

Bike – Jan 24
Distance: 35.2 miles
Time: 2:29 (2:21 ride time)
Course: To Griffith Park + hills and bike path, home via Barham
Conditions: mid/high-40’s, lots of sun

Run – Jan 24
Distance: 3.75 miles
Time: 27 min.
Course: Neighborhood
Conditions: Sunny, high 50’s

Strength – Jan 25

Run – Jan 26
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 28:30
Course: Neighborhood
Conditions: Sunny, low 50’s

Swim – Jan 26
Distance: 2,734 yards (2,500 meters)
Time: 50 min