Fitness goals

Fitness goals:

1. Finish beginning running program.
2. Be able to run a whole mile.
3. Do a pull-up
4. Do a split

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

In which the Seeker has foot issues

Back in February, I started couch to 5k again, for the fourth or fifth time. I was really looking forward to feeling powerful again, getting my cardiovascular endurance up, bringing back visible muscle definition to my naturally strong legs, and enjoying the emotional evenness I get from running.

I set out for my warm-up walk, breathing in the unseasonably warm air, moving my feet with purpose in my new New Balance minimalist shoes, black, with yellow soles and turquoise details. The app on my phone beeped and said "begin running now." I was off. I sucked in the air and made sure to strike mid foot. I heard another beep and began walking. By the third or fourth running interval, I was beginning to tire, but determined to do this for myself.

Then, I felt a sudden discomfort in the sole of my right foot. You know that sound a rubber band makes when you snap it? I sensed something similar in my arch.

Several colleagues of mine run marathons, so I figured they'd have advice. One suggested plantar fasciitis and recommended a visit to a podiatrist, along with a stop to the running. I'm underinsured, and a podiatrist visit, well, that did not seem doable. I did have to make a necessary appointment with my primary care doctor for an unrelated reason, and figured I'd ask her. She suggested some stretches that didn't seem to help and referred me to a podiatrist.

I finally made the appointment and went. I still don't know how much the visit is going to cost me. Foot Doctor said my high arches were starting to fall, which was causing friction between bones in a metatarsal joint. His office sold me some middle-grade insoles which will have to do until I get better insurance, either through a change in work or my upcoming marriage, whichever comes first.

So now my sunscreen should have finally sunk in, and my inhaler should take effect soon, and I'm off.