The blog post I didn’t want to write

It’s been nearly two weeks since I last posted in this space. You’re probably wondering what’s going on in my world. In my last post, I wrote that my right ankle/foot was giving me grief.

I knew it was time to get things sorted. I had to find a new chiropractor in Calgary. I haven’t had a treatment of any kind since I moved to Calgary. Someone recommended Kinetic Health in northwest Calgary and I have been getting treatments for about three weeks now.

I didn’t want to write this post because I at embarrassed at my rookie missteps. I let my rolling and stretching – basic body maintenance – fall to the wayside. Every runner knows, especially those who have been running for a long time, that if you want to steer clear of injuries, you have to take care of your body.

I know better. That’s why I was incredibly embarrassed to tell you. I know better. How can I inspire others when I am slacking on my own maintenance? I’m not going to beat myself up about this hiccup. I’m not perfect. And that’s OK.

Tight hammies and glute muscles

I’m clearly at the age where I am not able to run long distances or push my pace without feeling it the next few days. My tight hamstrings and glute muscles have caught up with me. The jig is up. Thankfully my awesome new chiropractor did not shame me or tell me to stop running. We can fix this.

After my first visit, I received an email with my diagnosis and videos demonstrating exercises that I could do at home to loosen my tight muscles. Much, I know but it’s good to have a reminder. It’s only been a few weeks and I already feel better.

We’re also working on my ankle, which is still giving me major grief. The original doctor may be right saying it will take a year for it to properly heal. My dorsiflexion is really the pits. (That’s the movement of the foot upwards to the shin. ) I can feel it when I press on the gas in the car and when I am running. Not fun.

But we are working on it and I am determined to get healthy.

Coulee Cactus Crawl, Grand Canyon

My plan was to run the 40K in Lethbridge on June 1. Because I know I will not be able to run without hurting, I changed my entry to a two-person team. As planned I will use this race for training purposes. It’s going to be fun.

Plans fell through so it doesn’t look like I am going to run the Grand Canyon this year. Sure I’m a little disappointed but there’s still lots of great stuff to do and I can always try again next year.

I am not going to let my tight muscles and fascia get me down. I’m continuing to train (although at a slightly lower mileage and intensity). The important thing is to keep moving and to keep a positive attitude.

Taking the time to roll is usually the biggest hurtle that I face (as most runners will attest). Knock on wood, I have been rolling and doing mobility work for a good two weeks now. I do a short fix while I am waiting for the coffee in the morning, before and after I run. I am definitely feeling better but I can also see how bad I let myself go.

If anything … remember to listen to your body – it’s the only one you have. Keep up your maintenance. I am so fortunate that I am healthy and able to move my body. Why throw it all away and be more susceptible to injuries?

Take care of yourself.