| Jogging in the rain: Not so mundane, but oh so much more pain. |
In training for the 10km run this fall to help raise money for the Perinatal Bereavement Services of Ontario, I have been spoiling myself with central air conditioning and a treadmill in the comfort and coolness of my basement. Let’s face it; it would be insane to run outside mid day in the heat we’ve been experiencing.
I much prefer running outdoors though. The scenery and fresh air is so much more invigorating and engaging. I find myself more bored of staring off into space and running in one spot before I actually tire myself out on the treadmill. Running outside is so very different. There are cars, people, houses, flowers and fresh air. I’ve mapped out a nice 5km run that hubby and I like to do in the late evenings when the humidity levels aren’t as intense and intolerable.
Last weekend, hubs and I took advantage of the slightly cooler weather on a sunny and warm Sunday afternoon, and instead of the regular 5km evening jog, we decided to attempt a 7km jaunt in mid afternoon heat.
Shockingly, the extra 2km and hilly terrain didn’t seem to hinder my (lack of) running abilities at all. I found a comfortable speed, and let the momentum of my feet take me the full distance in about 50 minutes. I felt ecstatic about my new accomplishment, despite the throbbing in my right ankle.
The ankle throb is nothing new.
My ankle issue began when I first started running. After a run, it would throb a bit, but I have just sort of shrugged it off as par for the course for running so much, and since it usually goes away within a few hours anyway, learned to ignore and forget about it. Lately however, it seems to have gotten progressively worse, and every now and then it will start to hurt while I am actually running.
When I physically hurt, I like to play tricks with my mind, and this ankle corundum is no exception. When it starts to hurt, I tell myself how silly I am for being a little sissy, and for letting a little ankle tenderness affect me when I had just been through something as invasive as a c-section, or how ridiculous I am for letting a sore ankle hinder my ability to progress when the pain of losing Ava is on a much grander scale, and so much more intense. If I look at the level of pain critically, and through my new bifocals of perspective on life, the ankle pain seemed like a small fluff of nothing, so I just tried to tuck the pain it was causing deep inside somewhere and not think about it.
Tucking all discomfort away, we decided to attempt the 7km run we so proudly completed on Sunday again the following evening. I should have known better from the way my ankle was aching, but I pushed ahead anyways despite it's appeals and screams to let it rest. Finally, with about 2km left in the run, my ankle gave out and I was left hobbling and dragging my sorry ass the rest of the way home.
Still not ready to give up (or still stupid, I'm not quite sure which yet), I took advantage of the stormy weather that swept into Ontario this past Tuesday as a chance to jog outside in the rain in an attempt to keep cool. It was the worst run of my life. I may as well have carried a cane with me I was dragging ass and a dead right ankle behind me most of the way.
Hubby tried gently massaging the tender ankle for me when I got home, and his touch left me hollering and screaming for mercy. Last night while laying in bed after taking the day off from running, it was still throbbing. I haven’t run again today because all I can do is hobble even while walking. My ankle is totally out of commission.
So dear friends, I know you’re cheering, and I know you’ve sponsored, but I’ve rendered myself useless until this ankle heals. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I’m going to give it a few days to mend, and then hubby and I are going to get back on track this weekend and get our butts in gear for our run.
On Sunday we’re scheduled to run 8km.
Labels: It's All About Me |
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Get yourself to a sports doctor! Dr. Levy is good if you happen to be in the Hamilton area of Ontario but I am sure there are other sport doctors in other areas. I had to give up running for 6 years because of a pain that I ingored. Getting back in condition after not running is a lot more difficult that taking care of oneself. Forget the 8 km for now!
Sorry for the preaching, but I've "been there and done that."
P.S. Back up to a regular 16 km of run/walk/run routine these days on Saturdays with a half marathon scheduled for September.
I hope your ankle feels better soon. You have more stamina than I do, wouldn't catch me out running in heat like this.
I am with the "Wanderer". Rest for now, and get the ankle checked by a sports doctor. Pain is your friend, and it is trying to tell you something. Listen, listen, listen.
Maybe you need different shoes or something as simple as that. Don't push through the pain. Listen to it and find out what it is saying and why. Your body is very wise and will give you good advice through your pain. Listen, listen, listen.
Aww no Karla, That's too bad. You better take it easy and let that ankle rest. Don't push yourself to hard.
Hang in there girl. I'm still behind you even if you don't end up running in that up coming race but I know you will. So hang in there and rest up. Ciao.
I will pray for recovery so you can run for Ava! I don't know you but I know how important it is to you!
Wow. I really didn't think there was much to be concerned about. Perhaps a pulled tendon maybe?
I'll book an appointment with my family doctor today and go and get it checked out just be sure.
Don't worry Tammy, even if I have to wheel myself across that finish line I will.
I'm sure Cuppa is right. Perhaps a better pair of shoes is in order.
Thanks for the well wishes and concern everyone.
Ah, that is bringing flashbacks to my more athletic days. I am joining the chorus to say that if your ankle is that sensitive to the touch, you definitely need to stay off it.
Not sure exactly what a doctor can do, but at least perhaps he can give you a time frame in which you can get back to running.
Good luck!
Take it easy and don't be too hard on that ankle! :) You should get it looked at. I hope it turns out okay!
Take it easy and let it heal because on race day you want to be all prepared to run adn not have a sore ankle along with it. Go see a DR.
you may need better shoes! Sometimes that makes a world of difference...
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Thursday, August 11, 2005
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Ontario Wanderer : August 12, 2005 
