Coffee
08-04-2015, 13:21
This is a brief post on my struggles with a case of plantar fasciitis over the past six weeks or so since returning from about 900 miles on the PCT. I did not have plantar fasciitis on the trail and health had nothing to do with getting off trail. However, as soon as I returned from the hike, I had the brilliant idea of starting an aggressive marathon training plan. For the first few days I was simply slow (as usual after a hike) but then I noticed some heel pain. Just tough it out, right? Not such a good idea. I could barely walk after that week's 12 mile Saturday long run. In subsequent days I could barely run a few miles let alone consider training for a fall marathon. I would take multiple rest days only to see limited improvement totally offset with just a brief 3-4 mile run. I started taking up biking to keep in some semblance of decent shape. Meanwhile, I kept eating like a thru hiker and my fitness level suffered.
A couple of weeks ago I finally decided to research the issue in more detail and I found the Strassburg Sock online through a post in a running forum (http://thesock.com/). I started wearing it every night about a week ago and it has made an enormous difference! My calf soreness is entirely gone and my heel is not painful in the morning, and only a little sore after a 4 mile run. I went on a nine mile hike on Saturday with no ill effects. In addition to wearing the sock at night, I've been rolling the base of my foot on a tennis ball while I sit at my desk and I've been icing the foot several times a day.
My plan is to ramp up my running very slowly with runs every other day and cycling on the days I don't run. I feel like I should be fine in three weeks when I have a multiweek hike planned.
I thought this might help others dealing with PF. It is by far the most frustrating running related ailment that I've ever had.
(I have no connection to Strassburg Sock other than buying one recently)
A couple of weeks ago I finally decided to research the issue in more detail and I found the Strassburg Sock online through a post in a running forum (http://thesock.com/). I started wearing it every night about a week ago and it has made an enormous difference! My calf soreness is entirely gone and my heel is not painful in the morning, and only a little sore after a 4 mile run. I went on a nine mile hike on Saturday with no ill effects. In addition to wearing the sock at night, I've been rolling the base of my foot on a tennis ball while I sit at my desk and I've been icing the foot several times a day.
My plan is to ramp up my running very slowly with runs every other day and cycling on the days I don't run. I feel like I should be fine in three weeks when I have a multiweek hike planned.
I thought this might help others dealing with PF. It is by far the most frustrating running related ailment that I've ever had.
(I have no connection to Strassburg Sock other than buying one recently)