Update on my ultra aspirations…

The past couple of months haven’t gone according to plan. I expected my Achilles/calf muscle problem to go away with rest and some light daily stretching – but such is not the case. I’ve started running again in moderation, but I’m still having the same problem with soreness in those areas.

I did see an orthopedist recently and had an Xray, but unfortunately it showed nothing out of the ordinary with my foot & lower leg bone structure. The doctor suggested that my calf muscle pain could be compartment syndrom but since my Achilles is also sore I’m unconvinced. Since I’m not really interested in any kind of “exploratory” surgical remedy – I’ve chosen to keep with the status quo (stretching) while adding some miles to my base to see if it gets better or worse.

Given my lack of training, I’m doubtful of being ready to run a 50k by Feb 20 (bummer), but I’m going to try and ramp my miles up some anyway.

Still on the bench…

I’m in my 4th week of R&R and I’m getting really, really anxious to run again. The first couple of weeks were the most difficult but I’m slightly more at ease with my current reality. Deep down I know it would be wrong to put the shoes back on before I’m completely healed up. That is the strategy I used to use and it never worked out very well for me. I’m somewhat impatient and its just that I don’t know how much longer the healing process will take. Come on already…!

I’m not entirely sure what my problem is because I haven’t seen a doctor about it. I’m pretty sure it is either achilles tendonitis, or possibly a bad muscle tear in my left calf muscle. I have some pain and stiffness (especially in the morning right when I get out of bed) about 2-4 inches above my heel. I also have extremely sore muscles going in a vertical line all the way up my calf almost to the back of my knee. The deeper I push with my thumb the more tender it is. I first thought I had multiple muscle tears, but it seems more logical that the upper muscle soreness is caused by those muscles attempting to cover for the injured muscle/tendon lower down.

At this point the soreness in in my upper calf has decreased and (I hope) is almost healed. However I still have a ways to go with the lower area pain. If it is an achilles tendon problem – I’m guessing it will be awhile longer before I can run on it. I’ve read that achilles tendon problems are notoriously slow to heal.

Meanwhile, I daydream about running my favorite trail in Forest park and look forward to restarting my training for the Portland Marathon, and hopefully my first 50K or 50 miler someday soon. I’ve been adding equipment to my garage gym and my latest acquisition was a nice bike trainer. I’ve been able to put in some nice 30-40 minute rides that don’t seem to bother my sore calf. I’ve also been hitting the weights and various other strengthening exercises (pullups, pushups, situps, air squats, etc).

With the Portland Marathon coming up on October 5th – I’m not certain of my status for that race. It is clear that I won’t be prepared to go for a PR, but the question of whether I’ll be suitably trained enough to run it at all is unclear. Bummer days…

Wish me luck…