Living, Running and Learning

Last Tuesday, I headed out for a speed workout. For me this simply means running harder on the backstretch of my 3.5 mile run, between the light poles. I run maybe 120 to 150% of my normal pace, for 2 to 3 light poles along the street, and then walk/recover for one light pole. This keeps me from being too much of a slave to my watch, which I do too much of already.

Anyway...I had noticed some slight pain in my right heel that morning. It had been creeping in the week to 10 days prior, especially at night or first thing in the morning. But, I hadn't had any kind of injury in over a year, so I just thought it was just a minor ache or pain associated with running after 50. Ignoring the pain was not a smart move on my part; but running hard with it was really just plain stupid.

When I got home from my speed-work, it was very sore, and as I continued my morning routine of breakfast, shower, etc. it became extremely painful. By lunch time, I could barely walk on it. Oh great! Achilles tendinitis, "just as I begin some of the longer and more intense runs on my marathon training schedule."

But I remembered, "I have had this issue before"- about 2 years ago. So, I was concerned, but I didn't panic. I tried to keep a positive attitude, and decided to ice it, and rest it, and just see what would happen. Over the course of the next two days it continued to be pretty painful, but I did not give into despair; but rather continued the rest and ice.

Today was my first day back on the road, and I am happy to report that I have virtually no pain, just some minor soreness. So, I will put some ice on it tonight as I watch a little TV or read, and hopefully when I step out of bed in the morning, it will be ready for action-a 40 minute run around the golf course.

What lesson did I learn? Two years ago, I fretted, worried and attempted to return to running too soon, never giving my mind or the tendon a chance to relax and heal. Maybe in the future, I'll try to remember to take it easier when the pain first crops up, and definitely not try a speed workout on the sore wheel.

The lessons we learn in life are definitely one of the advantages of aging. I just need to make sure I'm listening, and then have the good sense to act accordingly.