Joining in on the Weekly Wrap with Wendy and Hoho and this week it’s all about my Achilles Heel. By definition (Wikipedia version) an Achilles Heel is a week spot in otherwise strong person or situation. Well, I have kind of been ignoring a subtle but lingering pain in my calf and achilles area all summer. Finally, this week I went in to have it evaluated and explore treatment.
Weekly Wrap My Achilles Heel
Good news is that my symptoms are exactly what I thought they were-an achilles strain. Apparently there a few types of these and mine is the less severe type and should respond well to “soft tissue treatments”. Long term, it is advised that I work on my running form (ugh!) to prevent it from coming back. I was also told it is perfectly fine and advised to continue running while undergoing treatment but not to over do it. Definitely something I wanted to hear! I will, however, be keeping my mileage down while trying to deal with it.
Here’s my quick weekly run down:
Monday- 60 minutes strength training and PT eval
Did the PT evaluation and began the “soft tissue” treatments with their massage therapist. Why they call this treatment “soft” I do not know! It really hurts quite a bit in that good kind of way.
Tuesday- 4 mile run
Toasty temps for sure! I added a few walk intervals in to stretch out my calf area and not over do it. Still feeling quite a bit of tightness only when I run.
Wednesday- 30 min walk + 90 strength training and kickboxing + 30 min soft tissue work
Today at PT they took out the “big guns” ie cupping, Graston and a few other torture devices. I will spare you the photo because it’s a little painful looking but it is on my Instagram if you want to check it out. The Cupping does hurt but feels so much better afterwards.
Thursday 4 mile run with a few walk breaks + CPR recertification class
The calf is starting to feel a little better while running but still needed a few walk breaks to shake it out.
Friday- 60 m Vinyasa yoga + Run Paddle Run event
Yoga was just what I needed today and felt so good on those aching calves of mine. The crew and I joined in on a fun “Run, Paddle, Run” event where we ran one mile to the dock area, boarded our SUP’s for 45 min, then returned back to the starting point. It was a great night to be out on the water and we had a blast paddling all around. Wish I could do this more often.
Saturday- 50 minutes pool running
Why did I wait so long to try out pool running? I just got a complete set from Fluid Running with all the props and instruction for a full pool running workout. I am going to try it a few more times and then give you all full review. Spoiler alert: I love it!
Sunday- Rest day
I’ve got a crazy busy week ahead with college move ins which will force me to give my achilles heel a little more rest. I hope to be back up and running next week. So that’s a wrap! Who else’s kids are headed back to school this week?
Glad you got your achilles looked at and its nothing serious! I’ve had graston on my calves before and it helped alot. Sounds like you got in some fun activities this week.
Graston definitely hurts but I do think it will help
I sure hope your achilles gets better with this forced rest. Good luck with collage move ins
Thanks on both!
Glad to hear you found a solution that is helping/allows you to keep running. Crazy to think it’s college move in week already. I won’t miss the temperatures, but I blinked and missed this summer.
It sure did go by quickly didn’t it?
It feels like I was just away on Memorial Day and now when I return from my upcoming trip, Labor Day will be a week away. Nuts!
I know I feel the same!
The run paddle run event sounds like such a fun time!! I’m glad your strain isn’t a bad one and you can continue running. Hopefully the extra rest this week will be just what it needs.
I hope so too thanks!
I am sorry about your injury — but glad it’s not worse and not keeping you from doing too much. Why do our bodies have to be si darn fragile?
Love pool running? Really? This I’ve got to hear!
Sometimes my body does not cooperate with the plans that I have for it. I did love the pool running workout. I want to try it a few more times before doing a full review.
I’m glad you’re getting therapy for your calf. I’m kind of scared of all that. When I had PF, the podiatrist I originally went to also had me see his massage therapist for lower leg massage. I used to scoot up the table and she’d pull me back down. It hurt so much I’d be sweating. It was effective but wow! so painful. That cupping looks frightening. LOL
Yes that about sums up my experience as well. I just hope if I stick with it, I will heal faster
I’m glad to hear your Achilles issue isn’t too severe and you can still run through it while you get all the torture treatments…Sending you quick healing thoughts!
Love the run paddle run event- sounds like a blast!
Thanks I know you know what it’s like 🙂
I really wanna go paddleboarding again sometime! I hope your heel at least starts to feel better soon! Good luck with the moving!!
Thanks on both!
Sorry to hear about the injury, but glad that it’s the less severe type and that you can continue running!
Happy to hear that you loved pool running!
I am glad too because fall running is almost here
Achilles injury be gone! I’m glad that you can at least still run, but it’s smart to keep it low. That Run Paddle Run event sounds like a blast! My friend did a similar event but it was with swimming instead of paddling – I much prefer to paddle!
The paddling was a super fun and a nice change of pace
Yay! I hope that achilles is well on its way to being healed. Run paddle run sounds like a blast. Can’t wait to hear your review on Fluid Running. I’m a huge pool running advocate but I don’t have any bells and whistles beyond the flotation belt.
I don’t think I could stay engaged without a guided workout. I am going to try it a few more times before doing a full review. So far so good
Just curious if that’s a flotation belt you’re wearing on the SUP or if you choose not to wear anything. I saw a lot of people both at the reservoir and on the sound without life jackets and that surprised me. Whatever the case, stay safe!
I feel you for how busy you’ll be this week with back to school. Enjoy your last few days before you’re an empty nester. I hope you’ll love it!
They did require us to wear a flotation belt but this was a smaller one and much more comfortable. There was a tab to pull and inflate in case of emergency. yes I agree always a good idea to have one
I’m glad your Achilles is feeling better! I had a flare up a few years ago and it had me sidelined for weeks. It really is a pain! Our local running store is having a run paddle run even next weekend. I’m so bummed I can’t do it because it sounds so fun.
It was so much fun and a great way to mix it up. Yes that achilles is a tricky little thing
Glad you got your achilles checked out and it seems to be minor. The college move-in can be a lot of work if you have to help load and unload everything! That run-SUP-run sounds like fun!
Oh yes college move ins will be my workout this week!
The son returns to classes (but he’s been living in his college town all summer). The daughter has orientation on the 20th, moves in on the 26th and her classes begin on the 27th. We just did all of her dorm room shopping this afternoon. WHEW!!!!
I know it’s a lot huh!?
Glad to hear your “Achilles heel” doesn’t prevent you from running. I know it would drive me crazy not to run.
The run-paddle-run looks awesome! I have never tried the SUP, but it is on my list.
It is driving me crazy but I am still running a bit just taking it easy for now
I’m sorry about the achilles but so glad you like pool running. I’m a serious believer in it’s super healing powers! Yes, my college boy left on Friday to start his junior year and my baby started his senior year of HS on Friday as well. I joked with the oldest who, like me, headed off for another typical work day …adulting is hard. Lol
Hope that achilles responds quickly and you’re feeling better in no time!
Yes I think I see lots of pool running the next few weeks while I can. Adulting is hard indeed 🙂
Good to check that niggle out and well done on getting down to the stretching regime. Ha for soft tissue work not being “soft” – indeed. Once you’ve had a 6’5″ guy with his elbow pressed into your glute you know that’s not the easy option! Hope it continues to improve.
Ha that is exactly right! Thanks for the good wishes and have a fantastic week
Glad you have the less severe strain. Anything to do with the achilles makes me cringe a little even though it’s supposed to be the strongest muscle or something like that? The run paddle run event sounds sooo fun!
It’s not bothersome unless I am running so I hope it clears up quickly thanks
Glad you were able to get the Achilles checked out and you’re able to run through the healing process! Run Paddle Run sounds like such a great event.
Me too and yes it was loads of fun
Sorry to hear about the injury, but glad it’s the less severe type! At least you still get to run some. I have tried pool running and just couldn’t get the hang of it, but I’m glad it seems like a good option for you!
I have a guided pool running workout and that is much more my speed. I don’t think I could do it on my own
Be careful with that achilles, as you know I am just getting over (fingers crossed) an achilles tendonitis and it started just like you are describing. Of course I have been over doing it and it sounds like you are being smart.
There was a Run, Paddle, Run event by me last year but on a weekend that I couldn’t do. Sounds like fun!
I am really trying to be smart about it. I’ve cut my mileage quite a bit and I am going to start working some on my running form next week with the PT
I’m glad you were able to start treatment for your Achilles pain…I did see that photo of your cupping treatment, wow! I’m so glad that it is helping.
You had a really fun, active week! I’ve been thinking a lot about pool running…will check out that site!
Yes it’s helping I had another one today. I just have to be patient about healing which I am not 🙂
The Run, Paddle, Run event sounds like a blast! Are they always in the evening? I saw the cupping picture and it did look pretty painful. But I’d be willing to try anything once in order to find a treatment that worked.
I’m getting ready for my last one to move to college this week too. Sniff, sniff. We will survive, right? Thanks for linking!
We will both get through it! Good luck
I’ve been battling some Achilles pain all summer and finally went to the doctor for it a couple of weeks ago. I ended up with a diagnosis of tendonosis brought on my weakness and imbalance in my hip on that side. After my PT evaluation, I’m working on hip strength and flexibility along with calf-strengthening. My PT decided to let me try working on things at home instead of doing regular therapy for now. I’m hoping it resolves soon because I’m ready to start increasing my mileage!
Sounds like we are exactly in the same boat! I am hoping with some aggressive work I can get back to my mileage as well. Good luck to both of us!
I’m glad it’s the less severe type of strain! Achilles issues can be really debilitating if you don’t get them checked out. Good thing you are taking care of it!
thanks I am trying to!