more on the 5K

So I finally went to the doctor about my ankle issues, and he gave me his diagnosis: I probably have achilles tendonitis or plantar fascia something, either of which is something I’ll always have.

He told me to get actual running shoes (I was using crosstrainers) and to use arch supports. He gave me a list of exercises to strengthen my weak leg and told me to build back up to my previous rate/distance. I went for an outside walk/jog/run this morning for about an hour and probably distanced four or five miles. It was heavenly, with the fall colors and the crisp, cool air.

I didn’t run a ton today, at the doctor’s suggestion, but I will work on it. My goal right now is just to be consistently active somehow. We’ll see about the 5K. It’s still in the air.

Also: they weighed me, and surprise: I lost five pounds (which means I’m just five more from being at what I weighed at age 16!)

Another Update on the 5K

My friend–the one who runs marathons and who inspired me to start this training in the first place–told me months ago that there was only thing that could stop me from accomplishing my goal: an injury.

About three weeks ago, I felt a lot of tightness in my right ankle. I took a break for a day, felt better and ran again. Worse pain. I took a break for a weekend, felt OK and ran again. Worse pain. I took a week off. Couldn’t run. Took another week off. Still can’t run. So now I’m completely off my training schedule and unable to wear heels. How did this happen?

I’ve got a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the 24th (that’s the soonest they can take me). I’m pretty sure it’s just a pulled muscle, but I want official confirmation before I run on it again.

training for the 5K, beginning

My friend who runs marathons tells me that any able-bodied person can do it. If I can, you can, she says. I like her positivity, and I admire her discipline. In her photos, she’s muscled and vivacious, wearing a medal at this race or that. She goes running with a group twice a week and trains solo, too.

She recommended a book to me: The Nonrunner’s Marathon Trainer. Knowing my motivation was likely to wane in a few days, I went straight to the bookstore last Saturday and looked for a copy. I found something similar: The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women. It’s funny and encouraging, and it makes me feel like I really could run a marathon, if I pushed myself.

For now, I’ve decided to shoot for a 5K. In November. I’m training for a half-marathon, just for the sake of trying, but aiming for the shorter race. I’ve never done anything like this before; I hope I can stick with it!

So far, here’s the financial cost of this new hobby:

Book: $14.95 plus tax.
Miscellaneous Workout Gear (including spandex (ugh!) capris/shorts, nylon shirts, socks and a cheap watch): $66.

More to come, I’m sure. Nonetheless, I’m enjoying this so far (this whole one week of it). I look forward to working out and I am starting to feel more energy. It helps that my weeknights are so free and that I have access to a treadmill.