My running days are over... for now...

I've been suffering with Plantar Fasciitis for almost a year now. My wonderful Naval Medical staff (I haven't seen the same doc twice about the issue--their cranked up schedule, not my choice) has done pretty much nothing. Their answer was to stop all activity and to use 800 mg. Motrin three times a day. The Motrin did help the pain, but wasn't fixing the problem.

Last week, I talked to a friend of mine who owns a local physical therapy/sports medicine clinic. He had me come in this week and spent over an hour with me! He looked at everything: stance, gait, flexibility, shoes I'm currently wearing, fitness plan, etc..

So, here's his assessment: My genetics (the way I walk and my feet are built) has given me a funky gait. Can't to anything about that. My flexibility SUCKS! My calves, hamstrings, and quads are very tight. I wouldn't have ever thought they were, but they are and they are causing me to walk funny. My shoes SUCK! My friend suggested three new pairs for me to try. My core strength SUCKS! After a C-Section and giving up on my abs, it's showing in my posture and my gait. Finally, my arches need a chance to rest.

And the plan: Specific stretches designed to target the calves, hamstrings, and quads. Done twice or three times a day. New shoes! WOO-HOO!! Any time I have an excuse to buy new shoes, I'm on board. However, these are expensive tennis shoes. And they are the ONLY shoes I'm to be wearing until my P.F. is healed. SIGH!! As my friend said, "Your flip-flop days are over, girl!" SIGH!!! My friend also created an insert for both my shoes to help with my gait. Then, core strengthening exercises done two or three times a day. (Just wait, I'll have a six pack yet!) And finally, NO RUNNING! I'm also doing a contrast bath (hot, cold, hot, cold) twice a day to relieve the swelling, and I'm only "allowed" to bike or swim. Nothing that causes my arch to push down.

The best news: After only 4 days, I can already feel a major difference. So, I'm on board. I guess I'll just have to see where I'm at running-wise after my P.F. is healed.

Check out my new sneaks:

See all the "grey matter" in the arch! AHHHHH!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Though we weren't able to head to Tennessee as planned (Bryan is feeling a lot better) we did have a nice celebration here. And, the Bunny even found the kids right here at our own house! (They were worried that the E.B. would still think they were at Nana and Papa's)



Below is a short video clip of Matthew singing his "Yummy Chocolate" song. After seeing, and tasting, the HUGE chocolate bunny that the Easter Bunny had left for him, Matthew broke out in song. In case you can't understand him with all the chocolate in his mouth, he's saying, "Yummy Chocolate" over and over. It was just too funny not to share!!



I hope you have had a wonderful day with family and that you were blessed with a little chocolate from your favorite bunny.

Check out my Peepers!

These Easter Peeps cupcakes were fun and easy, and a BIG hit at the church picnic.

Egg Huntin' Fools

So far, my kids have participated in two egg hunts for Easter. They ought to be good and ready for the real thing this weekend!

We went to our church Easter picnic and egg hunt last Sunday. We had a great time. The kids ran into the field to get the eggs, and when they'd pick them up, they'd shake them. However, not realizing that they could turn the eggs in for their candy/prize bag, they would shake the egg, say, "This one's empty!" and throw it on the ground. It was pretty hysterical. It took a lot of explaining about why they needed to pick up eggs even if there wasn't anything in them!

Then, today, the kids had their egg hunt at their preschool. They did it at two different times, based on their age group. Matthew was more interested in looking at bugs, and Cadey in picking flowers. All in all, they had a great time.

Hoppy Easter everyone!

I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT!!!

Today was my Shamrock Shuffle 5K. I was sooo nervous! More so than I thought I'd be. I don't know why I was so nervous, I guess because I knew you all were praying for me, thinking of me, and just hoping I'd make it. The weather was beautiful, and the company was great! (Thanks, Beth, for running with me!)

Well, I DID IT!! Not only did I run the whole thing (my goal), but I ran it in 31:47! Pretty darn good for a girl who, just eight weeks ago, couldn't run for a full minute. I am flying high right now.

Thanks to all of you who supported me and kept me in your prayers. Keep praying, I think I've caught the running bug. I'm going to keep training, and one day I might be posting about an 8K or 10K!