But, today's post isn't about that. I just need context. I went out for my "long" run this past Saturday. Jeff Galloway's plan had me running 2.5 miles Saturday, which I thought was kinda funny to call a long run. But, it was a step-back week from the previous 3, 4, and 5 mile weeks I had done. I did all the normal warm-up stuff and headed off for what I thought would be a simple run. About half a mile in, my left ankle/calf area seemed much tighter than it should be. So, I stopped and stretched it out. First time I've really ever done that, but I couldn't run with the way my ankle felt. Then off I went again. And the ankle kept hurting. So, I started extending my walk breaks from 1 minute to 2 minutes, hoping a little extra down time would help. Nothing. So, I stretched again. And it still hurt. At about 1.75 miles I realized I was limping. This is when I knew I had to stop. I read recently that if you stop during a run to stretch or take a walk break and the pain does not go away, it's more than just a little tweak. You should stop. After limping, I decided it was worth stopping. I do admit I walked to about 1.8 miles and then ran until 2 miles. I was soooooo close.
What's weird is this pain didn't happen while walking. My ankle felt fine afterwards. I haven't had any pain since my run doing normal activities. Hubby thinks it could have been from all the walking on vacation, then the laid back Friday we had. Could be. Hoping having a couple days off helps it. I have a 30 minute run tomorrow morning. I guess that will help determine if Saturday was a fluke or if there is something actually wrong with my ankle.
Any thoughts? Tips? Advice?
I am sorry about your ankle. I am glad you listened to your body and stopped. It is kind of weird that you have not hurt since then. I guess I would just live my life and see what happens on the next run. If it hurts again when you run I would stop right away and see a foot/ankle doctor about it. I hope everything is ok!!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I wear non-supportive shoes for a few days in a row, I have pain in my feet in ankles when I run. I always forget that this can happen. At work, I wear old running sneakers so my feet are always well supported. This weekend during our hurricane evacuation-vacation, I wore flip flops and sandals. When I put my running shoes on, it was as though my feet forgot what it was like to have the right support and I had some pain during my run. Could this be why you are having trouble?
ReplyDeleteNot a bad point Valiant. Wandered Montreal mostly in flip-flops (other than my 5 mile run) and didn't wear shoes on Friday at all since I was just hanging around the house. I usually don't have too many issues with my feet (knock on wood), but it could easily have been that. I'm just happy that come my next run, I was fine. Phew! Hope that doesn't happen again!
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