GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Not the best news from my podiatrist today. Yes, I can run again, if you call running an 11 minute per mile pace for 1 1/2 miles every other day for the next 2 weeks "running." I'm on a gradual running schedule to build myself back up to my longer runs by the spring. So, after two weeks, I can increase my mileage to 3 miles every other day at an 11 minute per mile pace. Then increase my mileage to 4 miles or so, at about a 9 1/2 to 10 minute per mile pace. You get the idea. Plus, I still have to wear my night splint, and my heel cup for the next month. My goal of running a half marathon again on April 5th is gone. I'm not even sure when I'll even be running a 5K race again. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon will not happen on May 3rd. My new goal: Running a half marathon on June 28th. This sucks. PLEASE, fellow bloggers, appreciate your running even more. I will continue to be inspired by all of you as you continue to blog your race reports. By the way, congrats again, Lisa! You really kicked some half marathon ass!!

Back to the Doctor Today

It's been 12 days since my appointment with a podiatrist. 12 pain free, put a heel cup in my left shoe, wear a night splint to bed, don't you dare even think about running days. Today, at 4:15, I go for my follow-up appointment. I'm hoping for the best. I need to hear the words "You can start running again." Anything else will be unacceptable. I'll do whatever I'm told, please doc. just let me run. I'm especially anxious to pound the pavement after reading Lisa's blog a few minutes ago. She recently completed a half marathon, and ran a personal best time. She just gave me an adrenaline rush as I read her race report. She was able to do what I haven't been able to do: run. Check out her blog:http://lisasepiphany.blogspot.com. I'm ready to strap on my brand new Garmin Forerunner 305 with all the cool features and hit the open road. I want to feel the cold Connecticut air blowing in my face. I want to get a runner's high. Please doc, just let me run....

So Far, So Good

4 days post cortisone shot, and my heel is feeling GREAT! However, is it because of the shot, or the rest, or both?? Hopefully both. January 27 (new appointment date) isn't coming quickly enough. My idea of "fun" has been snowblowing. "Woo-hoo", says he sarcastically. So, for now I sit here, staring at the box containing my Garmin Forerunner 305, and dream about the future. At least I already know how to use it, since I've read the instructions about 10 times. So, fellow bloggers, "run on" and do an extra mile for me.

It's Here!!

Yesterday I received my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS-enabled trainer with heart rate, time, distance, pace, and calories burned. I wish I had doctor's clearance to run. Instead I'll be snowblowing 4 or 5 inches of snow and watching football. Also, today is the Tradition Run, which would have been fun to run in the snow. Sigh.......

Cortisone Injections HURT, and other Bad News

OK, I admit I'm not the bravest person in the world when it comes to getting a shot. But today's cortisone injection allowed me to reach a new level of pain from a shot. As the podiatrist warned me, it indeed did burn and hurt. Not only that, he was courteous enough to give me a play-by-play account of what he was doing to cause my pain. I am barred from running the next 2 weeks minimum. I have Achilles Tendonitis, not Plantar Fasciitis, which seems to be the lesser of the two evils. I also have Raynaud's Disease. Here's the Mayoclinic.com definition: "Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers, toes, tip of your nose and your ears — to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas." Freakin' fantastic. When I'm finally cleared to run, I'll still be limited by what the temperature is outside. My minimum running temperature is 35 degrees....34 degrees or below, and I'm home bound. So, a cortisone injection, a heel cup to be worn in any shoes I wear, and a night splint to be worn while I'm sleeping is my short term gameplan to get me back to pounding the pavement. By the way, I normally sleep on my side. It's going to be a long two weeks of trying to sleep on my back. I have a feeling I'll quickly be banished to the couch by my wife.

DONE!!

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for placing an order with us! Your order has been shipped out today. You will receive your tracking number via email within the next 12 hours.

This shipment contains:
1 Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Personal Trainer - 010-00467-00

Thank you for your business!

Sincerely,
Electronica Direct Fulfillment Department

Now, let's see how my Podiatrist appointment goes today...

Moment of Truth on Thursday

Well, my wife and I lost more than we won at the casino. BUT, I hit a slot machine for $75, so overall I stashed away $90 towards my purchase of the Garmin Forerunner 305. I just did some research on the internet, and have found it for $162 delivered. I'm probably going to buy it. I guess it will be what is referred to as "Putting the cart before the horse," since I can't run right now. I was able to schedule an appointment for Thursday with the podiatrist. So I'll know more about what I need to do in just 2 days.