On the shelf

[DougG]

It seems that my chronic achilles and calf (both on the right leg) are acting up again. Extremely tight and sore, although not the sharp pain of a tear, and it has been this way for a couple of months. I can only run a few km at a time. I have decided to set running aside for now, which is a shame because there are several great races in this area over the next 2 months. I have taken short breaks, then come back, but nothing seems to have worked. I think complete rest is the best things.
I will stick to cycling and golf.

[Jwolf]

That sucks, Doug.

Have you tried some sort of release therapy like ART? Sometimes rest doesn't help and only serves to tighten the tissue more- then when you go to run again you damage it again.

[DougG]

I haven't yet Jen, I should investigate that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Robinandamelia]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can find someone to help you with that, like suggested! Maybe your comeback will be sooner...take care!

[Miss*Smiles]

Ouch!

Heal up soon

[Engmomma]

Hanging up the running is sad. But I fully approve the alternative sports...

FORE!!!

[trixiee]

I'm in the "can't run" camp, and have been, for a couple of years now! They still let you stick around here, even though you don't run. Loving my cycling! Bought new clubs last fall, but haven't used them even once.

[Engmomma]

I'm in the "can't run" camp, and have been, for a couple of years now! They still let you stick around here, even though you don't run. Loving my cycling! Bought new clubs last fall, but haven't used them even once.

Maybe Doug and I need to fix that.

[trixiee]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!

[DougG]

Maybe Doug and I need to fix that

[getfit]

Hey Doug, I'm just reading this thread now. I'm wondering, since your injuries always seem to be on the one side have you ever had your leg length measured? The reason I ask is because I suffered with hip pain off and on for a couple of years after I started running. Then I suffered with IT Band and it was on the same side. I decided to get orthotics and when she measured my leg length noticed that one leg was 1/4 inch shorter. Doesn't seem like much, but when I had my orthotics made she put a tiny lift in my running shoe. It really made a difference. I still get some twinging pain in my hip after a long run, but nothing like before. Take care and hope you're back out running soon

[Dstew]

Having almost a year without running and being a avid golfer, the thing that worked for me was strength training through weights. I am hitting the ball as far as I ever have and been able to get out of the rough. But more to the topic at hand, the little aches and pains that would flare up are no longer there when I make sure I do weights at least once a week. As I am a bigger guy, 5' 11" and now 200 pounds, I think I need the extra strength and support to be able to run.

And when getting back into running, I would go for long walks with the odd jog thrown in and I would walk if there was even the slightest hint of pain.

And with the running, most of it is 'slow' but that also seems to be a lot less stress on my body.


And there is love hate of the foam roller - hate the pain when doing it but love the results.

[DougG]

Joanne, DStew, thanks for the tips I have had a couple of slow, easy runs and they were ok. Here's hoping they were sign of good things I am keeping my fitness up by walking the golf course most of the time, and cycling with the Barrie Cycling Club. Dstew, I have started on the weights again, my strength has decreased quite bit in the past year or two (getting old sucks ), and it is noticeable trying to get out the rough. I have lost some distance off the tee, but every once in awhile I can crank one out there past the young kids.

[Jwolf]

Good to hear, Doug! Remember- do LESS than you think you can do and build from there.

I have found myself in exactly your shoes (no pun intended!). My Achilles has given me grief before but never enough to stop running- this time I had to take some time off. ART didn't help, but physio is giving me some relief- mostly I'm just giving it time.

[Spirit Unleashed]

what do you mean by physio JW?

[Jwolf]

what do you mean by physio JW?

physio = "physiotherapy" which is what you call "physical therapy" in the U.S. My therapist does a combination of manual therapy (massage and release) and machines/tools (IFC, ultrasound) as well as therapeutic acupuncture. She also gives me exercises for strengthening and stretching and eventually a back-to-run program (although I did that on my own last time). She also using taping for support.

[Spirit Unleashed]

what do you mean by physio JW?

physio = "physiotherapy" which is what you call "physical therapy" in the U.S. My therapist does a combination of manual therapy (massage and release) and machines/tools (IFC, ultrasound) as well as therapeutic acupuncture. She also gives me exercises for strengthening and stretching and eventually a back-to-run program (although I did that on my own last time). She also using taping for support.

thanks. physical therapy is a very broad term. I was thinking about going to an acupuncture place. My ART/Graston doc also given me exercises which I think will help tons; but they take time to build up. I don't think I can ignore the strength end of things anymore. But some rest always makes things better.

[Jwolf]

what do you mean by physio JW?

physio = "physiotherapy" which is what you call "physical therapy" in the U.S. My therapist does a combination of manual therapy (massage and release) and machines/tools (IFC, ultrasound) as well as therapeutic acupuncture. She also gives me exercises for strengthening and stretching and eventually a back-to-run program (although I did that on my own last time). She also using taping for support.

thanks. physical therapy is a very broad term. I was thinking about going to an acupuncture place. My ART/Graston doc also given me exercises which I think will help tons; but they take time to build up. I don't think I can ignore the strength end of things anymore. But some rest always makes things better.

What I meant was that the designation of "physiotherapist" here = "physical therapist" in the U.S. They are official designations, but yes, they do a wide variety of things. Some seem to overlap with what some chiropractors and massage therapists do. As with any, it helps to find someone with whom you have a good rapport. ART and Graston are sometimes performed by physiotherapists or physicians here, but most often by chiropractors. My chiropractor gives me some stretches and strengthening ideas, but not as regimented as my physio.

She also does acupuncture but in a therapeutic way, not like the traditional Chinese medicine doctors.

[Dstew]

Joanne, DStew, thanks for the tips I have had a couple of slow, easy runs and they were ok. Here's hoping they were sign of good things I am keeping my fitness up by walking the golf course most of the time, and cycling with the Barrie Cycling Club. Dstew, I have started on the weights again, my strength has decreased quite bit in the past year or two (getting old sucks ), and it is noticeable trying to get out the rough. I have lost some distance off the tee, but every once in awhile I can crank one out there past the young kids.

Hitting the ball out of the rough was exactly where I found my problem.

The funny thing about me getting back into strength training with the weights was that it had nothing to do with either golf or running. From about the middle of 2010 and through 2011 I was absolutely swamped at work. 12 + hour days and no time for much activity so my energy was sugar based products. My running weight of around 180-185 went up to 210 pounds. Then I was asked to mentor a new hire and she was at the gym so often she decided to become a fitness instructor. We started to talk about her routine, etc and so I decided to see if I could shape my body into that of a Greek God. As it turns out, when I did a lot of heavy weights my body became more like that of a Bulgarian weight lifter. But with the new muscle I could actually start to run again. And this spring when I started golfing, I was flying the green and the rough was no longer an issue.

I am not lifting as much but at least once a week I am doing the basics: squats, etc and it seems to make a world of difference. It seems that many of the leg routines also stretch the muscles in a good way and that cannot but help.

I have my Garmin and I am still not use to using something to slow me down rather than to make sure I am running fast enough but for me, that is working miracles. And one thing I am not doing based upon a post on a different forum some time ago is no ice, no meds. Based upon some research and my best guess is that for me it works in two ways. It slows me down because if I am a little stiff and sore my body is not going to allow me to push too hard whereas before I would ice and use anti-inflammatories to get through the pain and push hard. Plus it does seem to force my body to adapt quicker and on its own. I suppose it is hard to listen to your body when it is doped up but how that I am truly listening to my body, my running has never been better.

[DougG]

. decided to see if I could shape my body into that of a Greek God. As it turns out, when I did a lot of heavy weights my body became more like that of a Bulgarian weight lifter.

I keep my weights simple, and my back won't let me do squats with anything other than very light weights.
Your comments about work ring true, well except for mentoring a fitness instructor there have been many long days. That damn job gets in the way of my fun!
I don't take anti inflammatories either, but ice is a must for me.

[DougG]

Hitting the ball out of the rough was exactly where I found my problem.

After thinking back on my summer, I realized that while my weight is at its lowest in 20 years ,I lost my upper body. A couple of people commented how thin I looked, and they are right; my neck and shoulders look so scrawny. Hitting out of the rough - which I was in often..lol - became tougher, and I noticed other activities were a bit harder to accomplish. It can't all be from turning 50, can it? The lightbulb finally went on...it is time to lift weights. I have been on a program for about 6 weeks now, and it is not designed to get me bulked up, but to build strength.When I look, I can see the feint trace of a muscle... It has helped, I feel stronger and while I have put 4-5 pounds back on, I am still about 180lbs. I hope by working my core and legs that I will see the benefits in my running.
My objective this winter will be to continue building my strength and slowly building a running base. If nothing else I will feel better, while my times and golf score will hopefully follow.

[JSmitty]

Sounds like a reasonable, intelligent goal Doug. I, too am in the 50 group (52.5) and have been told that strength training will help me through the aging process. Though, I have different problems, I miss running with regular goals and have signed up with hubby for the relay at ATB. Maybe we will met up.
Good luck.
Jill

[DougG]

Sounds like a reasonable, intelligent goal Doug. I, too am in the 50 group (52.5) and have been told that strength training will help me through the aging process. Though, I have different problems, I miss running with regular goals and have signed up with hubby for the relay at ATB. Maybe we will met up.
Good luck.
Jill

I hope so Jill.
My next goal is to complete a 5k in the Snowflake Series in under 30 minutes next month (times have changed eh?! ), and if all goes well complete the New Year's Day 10k.

[Dstew]

Hitting the ball out of the rough was exactly where I found my problem.

After thinking back on my summer, I realized that while my weight is at its lowest in 20 years ,I lost my upper body. A couple of people commented how thin I looked, and they are right; my neck and shoulders look so scrawny. Hitting out of the rough - which I was in often..lol - became tougher, and I noticed other activities were a bit harder to accomplish. It can't all be from turning 50, can it? The lightbulb finally went on...it is time to lift weights. I have been on a program for about 6 weeks now, and it is not designed to get me bulked up, but to build strength.When I look, I can see the feint trace of a muscle... It has helped, I feel stronger and while I have put 4-5 pounds back on, I am still about 180lbs. I hope by working my core and legs that I will see the benefits in my running.
My objective this winter will be to continue building my strength and slowly building a running base. If nothing else I will feel better, while my times and golf score will hopefully follow.

Been there and did that last winter. Now I was too fat but same principle as I had lost my upper body strength and with a winter of working out, I stopped losing distance and maybe even gained some distance and more accuracy. In addition, I was able to hit the ball out of the rough with regular success.

A Bosu ball with the following DVD has helped:

http://www.amazon.com/Bosu-Sports-Condi ... B000X03OQY

The kettlebell work out also seems to really help the golf muscles.

Was able to run without pain but then started to substitute runs for weights and oddly enough, the old injuries are aggravated. My goal is to continue with regular use of weights on a year round basis and if that costs me a few minutes in a marathon, so be it.