Go Long!

No running until I see the doctor. In Idaho, no chance to cross train. This has been a tough week because I was starting to feel progress in my running and had some good tunes (finally) on my iPod. We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow.

No running. Dr's appt tomorrow.

Went to Doctor. Have Tamiflu. Also had foot x-rayed. No visible fractures. Doctor/PA is dumber than a post. Had no clue about injury and suggested I find a podiatrist.

There is a click between my third and fourth toes. All symptoms point to Morton's Neuroma. Click when foot is manipulated is called Mulder's Click and is pretty definitive for MN. PA should have known.

Will see a specialist to get orthotics. 1 more week of rest. Short runs after that to build up. If problem persists will have it reexamined and possibly look at surgery.

May lift tomorrow, depending on Tamiflu symptoms. I don't want to spread bugs around the gym. No running until I can do it without "clicking."

in Denver for a meeting with ECS and able to squeeze in a run early in the morning. I ran up a hill from the hotel that seemed to go forever. I didn't want to run too far, because I didn't know what my foot would do. i also didn't know what kind of condition i was in, so i tried to take it easy. The uphill challenge was fun, however, and I had to kick it in just a little. The downhill loop was even more fun because of the gentle slope, so i was able to run with a long stride and cover some ground. I wanted to run longer, but kept it short because of the injury. Finished the run in about twenty minutes. I'm supposed to run with Robbi tomorrow.

Robbi was unable to run. I was dressed and ready for her at 6:30. After she called, I fell asleep in my running clothes. I woke up just in time for my meetings, so no run today.

Okay. So I haven't run in almost three weeks. I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma. i gave myself some time to rest and to pursue treatment options. Conventional therapies don't offer much hope, so I've decided to do what seems most logical to me-- strengthen my feet. I plan to do this by changing my gate so that I land toe-heel-toe, more like I used to when I was younger (and when I was sprinting), and to exercise my feet by walking on my toes barefoot whenever possible, running barefoot or at least in Vibram Five Fingers (I bought a pair yesterday) in progressive amounts until I can run my daily one mile breaks without shoes. i also plan to transition out of my cushioned shoes and get rid of all my control shoes. It occurs to me that by progressing to more and more expensive shoes, I've made my feet lazy-- in essence running in casts (or caskets) for the last three years. It's a wonder my feet aren't dead!

So today, I ran 4.5 miles on my toes. I could feel it working my calves, the outsides of my thighs, the top of my right knee and a little in my hips. My neuroma didn't seem to bother me (I ran in my home-made orthotics and my new, cushiony Asics) but the ball of my right foot just under my big toe became a little tender towards the end. A pair of toe socks will probably help align the toes on that foot and I'll bet the pain goes away. (Plus I'll continue with my foot strengthening program and I'm confident I"ll see results.)

Surprisingly, after three weeks, the cardio aspect of my workout didn't seem to bother me. I'll try to build up slowly though, so i don't become injured again. I guess I can only go as fast as my little feet will carry me.