Today I have officially decided that it is in my best interest to switch my ironman Branson 70.3 registration to the aqua-velo division. In the back of my mind I knew it was a possibility, but reality has now set in.
I have attempted ramping up my running the past few weeks, but after an acute onset insertional achilles tendinitis 10-days ago following a 5-miler I knew my chances were slim. Prior to that I had been running paces I haven't been able to do in years. After not being able to walk normally for nearly 7-days I decided to go out with a bang one more time last night to test my heel. Not the wisest idea, but I had a PT appointment this morning and since I am a PT I have access to lots of equipment to help ease the pain.
So last night I went out and ran 5.66 miles at sub-7:40 min/mile pace. The first mile was agony, but then my heel warmed-up. Unfortunately, once I stopped there was an immediate onset of pain and tightness. Now I am on crutches with a heel lift in my shoe to try to calm down my symptoms for the next few days so I can get back to just walking normally.
After consulting with my PT we decided it was best to hold off of the running for a while to continue my rehab program then following my aqua-velo I can go through a proper return-to-running progression. I am fortunate to work with awesome PT's with a vast knowledge in running so I can actually try to correct my form once I return to Greenville, SC.
I guess I am fortunate that until the past 8-months I have never really had a real injury with running. I just wish this cycle of injuries would go away sooner rather than later. I want to be able to return to my usual training routines without worrying about being hurt. I have gained a new found empathy for my patients. It is incredibly frustrating when you can't do what you love!
The one good thing about not having to do the run portion means I can go harder on the swim and bike. Who knows, I may have a shot at placing in the aqua-velo. I have no clue who normally enters this division. Is it people that hate running but can crush a bike leg of an event or is it older people with joint replacements that can't run? If it's other broken people like me then I may just have a chance.
It is a bit of a let down to drive 14-hours to not compete in the full event, but the aqua-velo is a silver lining. This way all my training is not all for nothing. It will also be a bonus to get some quality time in with my wife, whom I will have not seen in 2-months due to my job in AZ.
Such is life I guess. Have to roll with the punches and take it all in stride...even if that stride is slowed down due to crutches.
Such is life I guess. Have to roll with the punches and take it all in stride...even if that stride is slowed down due to crutches.
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