PF - No not Changs

How many of you have battled Plantar Fasciitis (PF)? Most know its problems. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue on the heel bone’s bottom surface, extending to the toes. It can prevent you from starting. I’ve battled it since December. I tried rest, massage, stretching, night splints, motion control shoes (which caused my knee pain), cold therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, ice rolling, and more, but the pain persisted. I’m considering corticosteroid injections, but I don’t like that idea. Does anyone have advice? Losing weight is a significant challenge, but it’s even harder when you're limping due to PF.

I continue to bike, walk, and practice yoga to improve my balance. Yoga is the most effective. However, standing for hours is challenging, affecting my tennis officiating since I’ll be on my feet for 6-10 hours daily. I have assignments 8 out of the next 10 weekends, including volunteering at Surph the Murph. I need to minimize the impact of standing all day, as I limp for a few days after events.

Today at tennis, a 12-year-old boy acted out, making us frown. I recalled a story I told him to explain his behavior. Afterward, I felt bad for not running as much and have been grumpy. These life lessons apply to everyone, not just junior players. I’m sharing this story to remind you of the importance of controlling your emotions and being mindful of your comments to others. Enjoy!

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the fence. On the first day, the boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled. He discovered holding his temper was easier than driving those nails into the fence.

Finally, the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it, and the father suggested that the boy pull out one nail daily to help him control his temper. After a few days, the young boy finally told his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things angrily, they leave a scar like this." You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how often you say I'm sorry; the wound is still there. Ensure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you regret later.

Carry on my friends.

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

SteveQ

Wow - you HAVE tried everything! Corticosteroid injections just make it hurt less. They don't do anything to solve the problem. If it's lasted this long, you probably have a bone spur in your heel, and it might require surgery to correct.  That sounds familiar.  Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 11:35:25 AM CDT

Anonymous

Sorry about your problems. I battled bad PF this spring/summer. I iced a lot and strengthened (pick up a bath towel with my toes). I switched to Superfeet Green insoles, and that helped. I also taped my foot using the low-dye taping method (you can google it). This taping helped a lot. Good luck. Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 8:54:54 PM CDT

Karen G

I did the injections- it's not for the pain it's to get rid of inflammation so you can heal. That is why sometimes you need more than one to get it to work. I am not aware of any bad things but I had good results and it did not hurt as bad as I thought it would.  Friday, October 1, 2010 at 11:34:56 AM CDT

Excited and busy

There have been four reasons for the decrease in blog activity over the past year. 

1. With two surgeries and recoveries, I have gained weight and just feel like crap. I have officially made the 50-pound point. That means I gained 50 of the 94 I lost in 2006. 
2. I need only a little physical activity to get me back on track.
3. The job that supports my habits has been exhausting. Although we haven't faced a layoff like many, we’re down about a third of our staff, and things are starting to pick up. I’ve been working 55-60 hour weeks, and my son and girlfriend keep yelling at me for not writing down the overtime. I get my job done, but I should write it down so the higher-ups see we need more staff. I also officiate tennis on weekends, but I’ve taken a few off and feel less exhausted.
4. I’ve accepted the nomination for USTA Northern Board and Sectional Chair of Officials. It starts with a low salary, but they add a zero every year. Like volunteering for races, it has built-in satisfaction.

In light of this, I want to share the Superior 100 volunteer time that has inspired me. The Surph the Murph is scheduled for a few weeks, and I anticipate receiving further inspiration as I aim to establish an aid station this year. I am hopeful for favorable weather conditions similar to last year, which would provide a comfortable and cool environment for the runners. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to spend 10 hours at a campfire while supporting my friends. 

If you want inspiration, see the link for this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU. 2024 follow-up:  Ben Davis gains all his weight back and more.  He is over 400 pounds. I feel for him as I have never been able to sustain lower weights unless I worked out hours each day!

I lost 3 pounds last week with good workouts. My right Plantar Fascia is still painful, so I may get a cortisone shot. I hate it, but it’s been all year! I biked 102 miles over the weekend! I love the cool morning rides. I may go the whole month without filling the car!

This is the peak of the season, just in time for the inevitable decline. May I join you on the trails soon? Please contact me if you are currently off the trails and wish to begin. As an overweight individual, I am slow and could benefit from the support. It is an enjoyable activity!

Carry on, my friends.

Should be an update

During my fulfilling volunteer experience at ST 100, I have encountered an overwhelming workload that necessitates my immediate attention. Consequently, I have prioritized relaxation after a demanding workday by watching “The Notebook.” This film served as a cathartic release after a challenging meeting, allowing me to process my emotions and embrace the unpredictability of life.

The film’s exploration of various emotions prompted me to reflect on the importance of maintaining faith and resilience in the face of adversity. It reminded me that seeking explanations for unexpected events or succumbing to self-doubt are counterproductive. Instead, I should focus on moving forward with determination.

This experience also brought to mind the challenges faced by a fellow blogger who candidly discusses her struggles with a significant life change. Despite the distance between us, her blog has provided me with invaluable support and encouragement. Her family’s unwavering love and support serve as a testament to their strength and resilience.

The blogger possesses the necessary tools to overcome her obstacles and achieve her goal of participating in the NYC Marathon. With perseverance and dedication, she is well on her way to success.

But you know, the Notebook and my fellow blogger got me thinking… Will my heart ever be able to let someone get so close that they can truly live for the moment with me, or support me through a tough time? Opening up always means there’s a chance of getting hurt. It’s like how I feel about my DNFs at the ST 100—I wonder if I’m not motivated enough to train to avoid feeling so bummed out after a DNF. It might seem like a strange connection, but in my head, I’m just wondering…

But just like a 100-mile race, we have to keep our hearts in it, or we’re going to fail. In The Notebook, the man dies doing what he loves (which is a huge part of his life), and he’s keeping the love of his life. May we all find love and never let it go. Even if it’s just one mile at a time, the end is so worth it.

At least, that is what I have read from the pals, now proud owners of the elusive red jacket!

Carry on my friends, and never look back without a smile.

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Beth

Thanks so much for thinking of me and all of your encouraging thoughts. I think running is a great allegory for life. We all fear rejection or failure and come up with devices to cushion the blow. One of my favorite quotes is, "If you never fail, you aren't trying hard enough." I try to remember that and take a risk. Then, I will not punish myself if I fail and instead pat myself on the back for bravery. You've had so much courage in many aspects of your life and inspired me and others. Thanks for all of your support. It means so much to me.  Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 9:42:13 PM CDT