Thursday, March 11, 2010

My Achilles heel

"Oh, that's typical Achilles tendonosis, that is." That's the physiotherapy equivalent of a mechanic saying "Well, there's your problem, love!" And your stomach sinks. Not because it's going to cost a lot to fix (well, that might prove wrong), but what it's going to cost in training time and confidence. I know a few people who've ruptured an Achilles or have had chronic problems, and it's not somewhere I'm keen to go.
So, at present I'm cooling my heels, literally sitting here with an icepack wrapped around my ankle. I am able to cycle and run lightly when my heel isn't sore first thing in the morning, but I haven't quite managed to get to that point just yet. In the meantime, it's podcasts and stationary biking. Oh the joys!
Why is it that running and injury seem to have to go together? I do believe that humans are made to move, and some move better than others, for sure. But amongst all the discussion of the benefits of barefoot running vs orthotics; stretching or not; massage or not; recommendations for ice baths and hot compresses, it does seem odd that we have to spend so much time trying to prevent and/or manage injury. And interpreting the confusing array of information that comes with it. If hunting and gathering had involved ultra long distance running, how is it that we, as a species, survived at all, AND without $300 pairs of shoes?
The NSAIDS and biking-to-nowhere must be addling my brain.Wait for more coherent posts once I'm back on my feet!

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