Remember how my physical therapist said no weight-bearing exercises? Well, I decided to follow his advice. However, I have enlisted my friends to join me on the wonderful gravel 3 mile loop runs on Saturdays. So, how was I going to keep up my commitment and not run? Oh yeah, I have a bike!
I went down to the storage room to unearth my long-forgotten and completely neglected bike. I did this, of course, 30 minutes before I was supposed to start picking people up for the run. Yes, it was dumb.
Of course, the tires were flat. So, I had to dig out the bike pump. Then, I had no idea how to use said bike pump. So, I had to get my husband to help. Then, I had to yell at my husband because I also had to add the bike rack to the car, and OMG I had to pick people up in less than 20 minutes now. Thank goodness the bike tires held air! We get to the car to add the bike rack. I couldn’t quite remember how to do it. Then, I had locked it – WHERE WAS THE KEY TO THE BIKE RACK?! @#!$@##@#% Oh, right, it’s on my key chain. Now, the bike won’t go onto the rack – AAAACKKKK – the bike is falling. Ok, caught the bike, and, with the help of a guy who saw us struggling, we got it secured and ready to go. Whew, and I’m only 15 minutes late 🙂
I did two loops, that’s six miles total for those who are counting, and wore my super stiff running shoes with my orthotics. My foot was so relieved that day. I iced it for 15 minutes, and it felt fine. My friends were great, too. They ran and had a grand ole time.
So, for now, I am going to start biking to work to help give my feet a break from walking the one mile each way. I hypothesize that this will help the healing go faster. I am still going to bike on Monday and Thursday; I’m just not sure how to handle my running commitments. Maybe my friends who run with me have bikes, and we could switch to bike riding. Also, should I continue to wear the stiff shoes on the bike or could I try my barefoot shoes? Hmmm….. [Edit – my husband has just pointed out that when bike riding shoes act as a helmet for your feet. He’s got a good point. I guess biking in barefoot shoes is not a great idea. Nevermind]
Keep going!
Tags: biking, orthotics, physical therapist, super stiff running shoes