Oh hi dear blog, long time no write. You can always tell I’m struggling with something when my blog is silent. Apart from pure busy-ness, this time my problem is my running mojo.
I’ve been struggling for months, and it’s really getting me down. After the hamstring debacle solved itself, my foot decided it doesn’t like me. Apparently I have plantar fasciitis. Meh. It’s crap.
I’m in constant pain. It’s OK when I’m running and if I’m wearing running shoes, but other than that I hobble around like an old lady.
I haven’t been struggling alone, if that’s what you’re thinking.
- I’ve been seeing Mike at SBR Sport for a few months for massages
- He suggested using inserts in my shoes when I’m at work, which is working to some extent
- I got new shoes because my old ones were tired anyway
- I’ve tried rest and I’ve tried short distances only
- I’ve tried stretching my calf muscles before I get out of bed, and constant stretching of that leg
- I’ve tried strength exercises.
NOTHING WORKS! I’m so freaking frustrated.
I have a good day without pain, and then the next day I feel the pain as I get out of bed! It’s driving me completely nuts!
I’ve only been able to run 10km races, and they’ve been OK. By the late afternoon I’m hobbling though, even if I carry on wearing my running shoes.
In fact, that’s the only thing that really does help… wearing running shoes. That’s not exactly corporate attire though! The one day at work, I worked at the 24 hour hackathon and wore my running shoes from the evening until the next day at lunchtime. That worked. My feet were OK even after standing for hours on end. BUT I can’t wear running shoes every day.
See this crew? Well, this isn’t the whole running crew but still. I want to run a damn marathon with them again!

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I’ve had to cancel my Cape Town marathon plans, so I’m now hoping I’ll be able to run Kaapsehoop in November instead.
I’m now trying something else. On Tuesday I’m going to see a podiatrist to see what he says. I’m not expecting a miracle, but I need a plan. Any plan will do at this stage.
Oh no, shame man! Ditto here and so I feel your pain! I also tried everything – the new shoes, the socks, the rest. I don’t think there’s one magic spell but a combo of everything. And yes, I tried everything (https://keepingupwiththewalkers.com/2017/04/03/tips-for-treating-that-dreaded-plantar-fasciitis/)
Hope you come right soon! I WILL see you at Kaapsehoop!
I thought your problem was fixed! It really is a horrible horrible injury
Shame man, crazy thought, but have you tried accupuncture? She sorted out my knee from an accident I was in 4 years ago, I was in constant pain until I went to see her. Dr Kelly from the chinese medical centre, she is here on your side of the world, maybe worth giving her a try?
I’ve had dry needling done every time I’ve been for a sports massage, so not sure that would make a difference now
I haven’t run in more than a year. Mostly because of a lack of motivation, a few bouts of severe sinusitis and a bit of bronchitis in between, but also because things went a bit strange with my running buddy and D not wanting me to run alone in the dark… He’s been promising to start running with me but then he got pneumonia and I’ve been waiting 3 months for him to get the all-clear from the doc to start.
I’m sorry you’re having a hard time – hope it gets sorted soon and you can get back on the road!
That’s tough Meea. Maybe you should consider a running group again or do you still have the same time constraints?