Well, it looks like it’ll be a little bit longer before I’m running again. My right leg is having issues—I'm thinking I have mild Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and lactic acid build up in my calf and in the same muscle on the front of my leg that I’ve been having pain issues with since I first started running. That front leg muscle is responsible for dorsiflexing (lifting the toes and front of foot). I can’t lift the front part of my foot as high as the other. Also, I can’t put my body weight on my heel while lifting the front of my foot, as it just falls flat when I try. I can feel the muscle struggling and it feels weak. My focus for the next few weeks is fixing my bum leg and foot.
Yvonne bought me a vibrating massager for my birthday specifically for these issues and I used it for 20 minutes tonight, absolutely crushing my calf and front leg muscles. It was pretty painful, but it already made a difference—big difference. Way more progress than foam rolling the muscles.
I also need different work shoes. My Red Wing heavy-duty construction boots just wont cut it anymore. I’m walking so much more at work while at the same time, doing less intensive physical labor, and the flat soles of my boots are really affecting my leg. So, I’m in the market for some athletic shoes that have leather uppers, safety toes, slip resistant soles, and are EH rated (these are requirements of my employer). I found a couple of options online, but I really need to try some on in person.
Finally, it looks like I’ll be getting into biking, probably outdoor, maybe indoor, maybe both. The impact on my legs from running 30 miles per week is too much right now. I think I can still run a couple of miles a day once I recover, but I most definitely need to mix it up. I haven't really ran since last Thursday or done any cardio, for that matter (outside of a couple of rowing sessions and a brief run on the treadmill), and luckily, I’m maintaining my weight loss. But, I need to exercise. So, bike riding it is. I’m looking forward to it.
Luckily, this all happened at the end of my weight loss journey, but I still want (need) to run, and I will run once I’m better. I have goals I want to attain, so hopefully this leg issue will be resolved in a timely manner.