October 14, 2011

Not Giving Up

I feel a little defeated as I write this. I have not been able to recover from my bout of plantar fasciitis and I've had to totally stop my running to let my foot heal. As a result, a couple of days ago I decided to withdraw from my first ultramarathon, the Rockledge Rumble 50K.

But I'm not giving up on my Three in Three Challenge.

I still have an entire year to complete my goals. I am still smoke free, I've lost over 30 of my 50 lbs, and I was doing 26 mile training runs before my injury. I was laser focused on completing all three goals by November of this year. Now that's not going to happen.

But that's OK.

I need to remember that I still have a full year to complete my goals. So the priority now is to allow my foot to heal so that it is strong and can take the pounding of the training miles to come. I need to remember that the change I made just two short years ago is a life-long decision--it doesn't end when I achieve my goals.

So I'm not giving up. I am going to take the time to heal, reset my training plan, and then continue down the path to achieving my goals.

Would love some feedback. How do you deal with setbacks and frustration?

12 comments:

  1. Dude, have you done any physical therapy sessions for the PF? I've had it twice (both feet) and the PT sessions had me up and back in a light groove in about two weeks and fully healed in about 4 weeks or so. On top of that the therapist gave me some stretches and exercises to do regularly to prevent it from happening again.

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  2. Sorry to hear your still dealing with PF issues. I battled the same thing for years. Orthotics would help some, but I was never fully rid of it. When I switched insurance companies because of a job-change, and my new insurer wouldn't cover the expensive orthotic inserts, I tried out the minimalist running - slowly transitioning from my structured shoes for over-pronators with orthotics to the "barefoot" shoes that I wear for all my miles today. I've been pain free for 1.5 years now. It takes time, but if you're taking a break and starting over, there may be no time like the present.

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  3. I'm sorry that you're struggling, but knowing that you're respecting your body at this point is what really matters. I have PF and nothing so far has helped, so I can relate.

    Just honor your body and know that when it's ready, you'll be ready.

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  4. I'm so sorry! I can totally relate. I've had PF issues before and it was so painful, took awhile but I DID recover! More recently, I was struggling with a hip injury over in the first part of my marathon training, and it was beyond frustrating to be sidelined, particularly since I have so many runner friends and watching them go on the runs I normally would be doing was quite tough. I tried to remain positive and focused on doing the activities that didn't hurt me, so that I wasn't totally inactive. I also turned to other hobbies - for me it was cooking, reading and writing - and channeled my extra energy into those things that gave me pleasure. Sometimes it's a nice reminder that running isn't the only thing that brings joy - injury is so hard, particularly when you've been so focused on a running-related goal, but look at it as an opportunity to explore some other things you haven't been able to do because you've been too busy with training! And most of all, just keep reminding yourself that the best thing you can do for yourself right now is focus on recovery and do everything you can to help your body heal. Far too many times I've tried to take shortcuts and rush the process, and it only prolonged the injury.

    Best of luck - and keep your chin up, it will heal and you'll be back in your running shoes soon enough!

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  5. Sorry to hear that you're still suffering with PF but well done for taking the step of missing this race for the final goal!

    Have you sorted out your RICE/physio treatment?

    I had PF two years ago and it was the most frustrating time of my life! Just focus on the end goal and make sure that you're cross training to maintain your fitness!

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  6. These setbacks happen... To everyone. I had same thing a couple years ago and didn't rest it, trying to "tough it out"... Ended up laying me up for months. Hang tough brother... be patient... It sucks but you're focused enough to fight through.

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  7. Ok, you've heard all the "keep your chin up" stuff. I'm a physical therapist that deals WITH PF often. It is just about ALWAYS self-limiting. In other words, it WILL go away. You may have to alter your plans, but when you come back, NO hills, NO speed, short runs for a few weeks. Good luck. You'll make it. I had it both feet and am completely pain free!

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  8. Injuries are very difficult to deal with. I'm sorry to hear that you had to withdraw, but there will be plenty of other 50k's. Better to withdraw than to do permanent damage. Best of luck to you. And I agree with comment above about physical therapy. If it is an option for you, I highly recommend finding a P.T. I have learned much from physical therapists. Good luck!

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  9. Ah, sorry to hear about your injury! I totally understand how frustrating that must be, especially when you think about all of the time and effort you put into training for that 50k! But don't be discouraged for too long, you did the RIGHT thing by not running that race and giving your body the proper time it needs to heal. And you still have all the awesome benefits of your effort (the weight loss, better health, ect.) just not a race to show it off right now. But you will! You are doing your body a favor by resting!

    I just started following you on twitter and am now a devoted blog reader! Very inspiring!

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  10. Good to read that you chose for life instead of remaining eating fast food en staying on your couch. Respect.... I think you're a winner. Don't let the pf demotivate you, keep up the good work.

    Thanks to Twitter i find your blogs and i enjoy them. Hope to read more.

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  11. I have had plantar fasciata also but it wasn't too bad for me. I tore a quadricep tendon last year and was down for almost 3 months, no running. I did as much pool work as I could stand but basically took it easy so it could heal. Since then, I have remained uninjured!
    Take the time off, pay attention when things feel a little off and take a day off. That's what I have done and it has worked well for the past year. I just completed my first 50 miler last month and I was 1 year behind my schedule but that's not a big deal.
    Hope this helps!

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  12. I have never had PF, so I have no specific advice to offer.

    I have just begun to take my health seriously and ran in my first 5k event yesterday. Although I was highly dissatisfied with my time at the end of the event, my niece reminded me about the weight I have lost so far (32 pounds) and the improved lab results from my annual check-up.

    You have made some great changes in your life and have inspired many more people than just me. I hope as you recuperate, that will encourage you.

    Take care, Trail Jogger!

    Christy

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