Desperate Runner

- My xray results. No fractures here. -

“Are you desperate?” This was the question that my good ol’ doctor posed before me soon after he reviewed the tibia xray I submitted to him last Thursday. After visiting him regularly (perhaps “way too often” is a better description) the past weeks, he ruled out a fracture and was definite that my injury was a muscle problem that could only be cured by strengthening exercises that would take, as he said, at least 6 weeks to have some effect.

“Desperate? Me?” I thought. Then, without hesitation, I replied “YES. Super desperate, doc. I need to run again asap.” And, that’s when he told me to meet him at Moro Lorenzo Sports Center on this day.

This afternoon, I found myself at Moro Lorenzo with the good doctor before me surrounded by a dozen athletes who were probably still in their mothers’ womb while I was already riding my pink BMX outdoors. (Never had I felt so old and decrepit—injured and bloated na, matanda pa!) My doctor introduces me to Kristine, the head physiotherapist, who I met last year when Adidas gave me a foot assessment. Then, Kristine introduces me to the therapist who will take care of me. The guy looked like a younger Robert Downey, Jr. with the charm and brains of Dr. McDreamy. Oh, I thought it was embarrassing to have to show him my feet, but what the hell, he was probably a decade younger than me too.

He interviewed me for a long 15-20 minutes, asking every detail of my injury and jotting this down on a sheet. He stared at my feet for the longest time that my toes almost blushed. He checked how I walk, gave me a range test, taped my foot, and so on and so forth. Needless to say, it was the most comprehensive assessment I had ever been through.

Basically, he had the same evaluation as my doctor. Overpronation is the main culprit. My left foot overpronates which causes too much strain on my shin muscles. He taught me strengthening exercises then saved the best part for last… acupuncture.

It was my first time to get—how shall I say it—acupunctured? It was definitely a new experience—the bite of an ant followed by an inner squeezing, twisting, and burning of muscles, sometimes highlighted by an explosive pain when the muscles suddenly twitches. Ooooh, not an experience that I particularly enjoyed. However, if I had to choose between “releasing” of muscles through massage or acupuncture, I would, without a second thought, go for the latter. It was just more bearable.

I ended the session with my leg looking like a mummy. I had kinesio tape wrapped over my shin and tape all around my foot. Then, before I left, I asked my favorite question “So, when can I run again?” Dr. Robert Downey replied “Not this week.” So much for the Rush to Mizuno Run that I was hoping to join (I even registered for it last Friday). This Bull Runner didn’t even put up a fight. I accepted his answer and limped my way out of the clinic. Looks like I’m getting better at dealing with life’s little injuries.

Posted on 06.23.08 to 07 Therapy & Injury. Tags: Uncategorized. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 29 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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29 Responses to “Desperate Runner”

TBR:
naku may shin splints din ako sa first 9 mos of my running. bad trip yan. but i changed my running form, naging mid foot striker ako. surprisingly, nawala na yung pain til now.

Anwyays, does that mean youll be wearing adidas na?

jon said on Jun 23 08 at 8:28 PM Reply
Sorry to hear that you won’t be running in Mizuno. Your persistence in finding a solution to your running problem is admirable and I do hope you find a long term solution soon.

Just an observation, you are using the Mizuno Wave Precision 8 which I also use. From what the Mizuno sales people told me after they analyzed my feet, these shoes are for neutral runners. Perhaps you should use another model for motion control instead?

prometheuscometh said on Jun 23 08 at 9:22 PM Reply
Hi! I’m weennee, an avid reader of your site. I run four to six days a week..and developed pain on the left outer side of the lower leg. Also went to moro lorenzo and felt the same way. I was just far too old to run!

Hang in there and hope your leg feels better!

weennee lagdameo said on Jun 23 08 at 9:26 PM Reply
Awww… that’s awful. I’m sure everyone has been looking for the Bull Runner the past few races.

Passion Runner said on Jun 23 08 at 9:38 PM Reply
When I learned that the Manila Run was postponed to July 6, I had mix emotions. I was happy, yes, but also sad because I can’t join the Mizuno Run this June 29. I have been longing to meet my IDOL (you, of course) in person and I was hoping this Sunday would be “D Day”. But I can’t possibly run 5k for 2 consecutive Sundays. If only I were 2 decades younger–sure, why not?

After reading this entry, I also had mix emotions. My heart grieved for you because I know how desperate you are to run. But I was happy (sorry…) because now I won’t be sad that I’ll miss the Mizuno Run for you won’t be there anyway!

Nora said on Jun 23 08 at 10:14 PM Reply
Hi inspirunner, i hope this time the acupunture therapy will work and will have you running in no time. I hope you get well really really really soon! i guess patience is the key to a better shin

gen said on Jun 23 08 at 10:40 PM Reply
hi tbr, too bad you’re not running this sunday.. =( i also had an injury on my right shoulder due to badminton and there were no fractures and same as yours, it was only a muscle problem which required strengthening. but since then, i have stopped playing badminton because i had no time to strengthen my shoulder muscles and i didn’t want to get another injury which is why i’m shifting to running as my form of exercise. anyway, don’t be like me. strengthen those muscles and i hope your injury gets better so that you could go back to running. =)

sherwin said on Jun 24 08 at 12:39 AM Reply
TBR – Did the injury start when you changed shoes? I always stick my tried and tested shoes. sometimes when I change shoes different parts of my foot, leg begin to hurt and I go back to my old faves.

Regards

Mark P said on Jun 24 08 at 7:48 AM Reply
homaygad! what’s his name?! hahahaha you should’ve thought of your dear friend marga when you met the cutest PT alive. baka pwede ako magpacheck before mizuno run! hahahahaha!

marga said on Jun 24 08 at 8:12 AM Reply
All this to fight another day…see ya soon on the road. Think of it this way, now you’ll have more time to work on other..say abs, breathing etc..

Idnod said on Jun 24 08 at 10:08 AM Reply
I pray that you get to run soon. I really feel for you. I would commit suicide if i did not get to run 1 , 2 , 3 days what more for months. But dont worry your in the right path to recovery.
We miss you in the round in AAV.

Patrick concepcion said on Jun 24 08 at 10:33 AM Reply
i can’t help but commiserate with you and feel your pain-not being able to run that is.if you don’t mind,may i share with you a not-too-little chinese secret tucked away in a binondo building? ever heard of ONG SHIO?the bald, toothless,kung-fu, shaolin master type mashochist,err,masseur-therapist?try giving him a call or visit for your shin muscle.i had a very,very bad hamstring injury(black and blue) one tuesday night.went to the china man wednesday morning.then was able to run the runnex 10k that same sunday.i just thought i’d be able to help someone in distress and as desperate as you.of course,i have nothing against the professional therapists and all but i have a distinct liking for old chinese types.trust a stranger like me,it would be over before you finish counting from 1 to 10.spread the word if he will do you good.and if he fails,spread the word all the more.you still got time and hopefully be able to run the mizuno THIS sunday if you haul yourself to binondo sooooon.241-2438/3248409/323-4774.

bugobugo85 said on Jun 24 08 at 10:53 AM Reply
You’re not joining the Mizuno run??? I was hoping to meet you! I just got into running and your blog sort of inspired me to run seriously. I hope to meet you in the Milo elims on August 3 then. — one of your fans

-G- said on Jun 24 08 at 2:27 PM Reply
Thank God! No Frac. I would love to see you run again. I can feel it in my heart how desperate you are to run. You must be thankful am not near you because if so I would tease you and let me you see me have a joy in running hehehehe…take your time TBR there is still a day comes this Sunday I will be laughing my way your not around and you wont be there hehehehe… am just joking… you know how much I care. get well soon TBR just to see you run is much more overwhelming in my heart a thing can compare to winning a race or much more. my prayer’s. Take care and God bless…

Alfred said on Jun 24 08 at 5:18 PM Reply
what can i say???? i feel for you too cuz one day of missed practice run at the oval gives me the blues.. but HANG IN THERE!!!!! everything has a reason, remember that..

lugs said on Jun 24 08 at 5:36 PM Reply
Am glad to read quite a number of inspirational words of worthy soul. too bad the 2008 Olympic Day Run was move on June 29 the same date with Mizuno what a disappointing series of events but am glad the Manila Half Marathon is move on July 6. I will be signing up with that and the One La Salle on July 13. I’ll still have to weight things for Olympic is something considered the Greatest Show on earth and what a way to start a competition race. everything is still up on air. just have to decide. will update you soon.

Alfred said on Jun 24 08 at 5:50 PM Reply
Hang on TBR! Im sure you’ll be running in no time. I agree with prometheuscometh. You might need to try another model or brand. I have the same thing. Im flat footed and my left foot overppronates. I also had my foot assesment at Adidas Singapore after having some complains from knee down. Though still have some pinch of pain from time to time, nawawala din agad. Right now i use two kind, Mizuno Inspire for my short runs and Adidas Supernova control 10 for my long runs which suits well with my flat feet. Both for overpronation. Another suggestion is you might want to look at having a custom made insoles. There is one in pasig who customized for pro basketball players and other athletes.

Take care and God bless!!

JunC said on Jun 24 08 at 7:14 PM Reply
Sorry. Its not Mizuno inspire pala but Mizuno Wave Elixir. Yung Wave Inspire pala yung 2nd choice ko.

JunC said on Jun 24 08 at 7:31 PM Reply
One thing…may I ask (TBR) if your shoes show obvious wear on the inner part of the sole? I just want to compare signs of wear from different people cause I seldom meet pronators.

Till your come back – ttfn

Idnod said on Jun 24 08 at 7:34 PM Reply
Wow, lots of support from everyone. : ) So what happened to the spenco arch support? Aren’t these supposed to alleviate your problem?

It seems you’re getting the best care now. However you have to do your part to make it work.

markfb said on Jun 24 08 at 10:00 PM Reply
Wish there was a picture of you limping away, you can put it up next to your next finish line photo. Well at least it seems like you are making progress. Did they talk about your shoes and made shoe recommendations? Waze Mizuno’s might be out. Great shoes but no pronation support, at least the last time I checked.

Rick said on Jun 25 08 at 4:28 AM Reply
Wow thanks to everyone for the words of sympathy, concern, and encouragement!

Prometheuscometh, I agree. I asked KC of Mizuno about motion control shoes a few months back. Unfortunately, they dont carry those locally. They sell Wave Elixir, Nirvana, and Inspire though.

Weennee, aren’t they just great over there? I hope they were able to help you. My shin splints have significantly improved ever since that acupuncture experience. Run safe!

Passion Runner, I’ll be back before you know it.

Awww nora, so sweet. Thanks! Don’t worry though. I’m not that depressed about missing the next race. My bike has been keeping me sane.

Sherwin, injuries suck. You take care as well.

MarkP, I haven’t found the perfect pair yet. I thought my Wave Creations were The Ones but now I realize that I should’ve listened to my doctor months ago and gotten motion control shoes.

Marga, sayang nawala na shin splints mo! haha

Idnod, ab work…now that’s what I need a lot of motivation for.

Patrick, I’ve been biking on the road. Haven’t bumped into you though. Hope to see you around.

Bugobugo, hey thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely keep him in mind.

- G -, i’ll probably be there to watch.

Alfred, good luck with the races!

JunC, sounds like our left feet are twins! hahaha. Thanks for the tips! Yes, I need new shoes when I start running again.

Lugs, I felt like that the 1st couple of weeks. But i’ve learned to accept it.

Idnod, what’s really weird is that wear is on the outer part. It may be due to the fact that I used the same shoe for shopping in HK…haha.

Mark, I mentioned the same thing to my PT. How could I have gotten injured with the spenco insoles? I guess there were still other factors that contributed to the shin splints such as: running on concrete, overtraining and running uphill.

thebullrunner said on Jun 25 08 at 9:54 AM Reply
I honestly think there are a lot of runners lurking around your blog site and the moment you talk about your injuries and your long and winding road to recovery, you get a lot of people to speak up! Tignan mo ang past entries mo. I think a lot of people just want to see TBR back on track.

I’m still sticking to my tried and tested gym trainer, Jheck Camacho. He is a PT by training and a wide reader on sports conditioning…that’s why he has a scientific approach to strength training. However, I work out in a different gym from yours. Tell me when you’re ready to switch.

Tina said on Jun 25 08 at 11:05 AM Reply
You’ll be running your way soon just keep up with the Physical theraphy.

Haile said on Jun 25 08 at 11:22 AM Reply
Good to read all your comments guys, as I check the calendar goodness am up for a 3 consecutive sundays of marathon from 29,July6,13, but still have to finalized the July races and Aug. More power TBR. keep running..

Alfred said on Jun 25 08 at 11:28 AM Reply
i feel sorry for you tbr, i know how being injured feels like, hope your injury gets well soon in time for the one la salle run, now i have to run 3 straight sundays because of the postponement of the manila half marathon, good thing that i only run 10k, and to prevent any aches and pains on my shin, thighs and ankles, my practices are just being kept to the gym, particularly the spinning classes, too much running makes my knees ache.. get well soon

mel said on Jun 25 08 at 12:47 PM Reply
“My bike has been keeping me sane”
TBR dont change your name to ” The Bull Biker ” ha..

lovekoto69 said on Jun 25 08 at 10:08 PM Reply
my self-diagnosis is leading me to believe that i have shin splints, but i’m in denial right now, especially with an ultra looming this coming weekend. hopefully my leg will hold up and will prove that my diagnosis is wrong.

e-rod said on Jul 16 08 at 7:54 AM Reply
For those who have not had time nor come across this, please read on …

I was fortunate to have learned this from one of the best long distance runner of NCAA T&F Team decades back and have kept me (my legs) running without injury (fortunately).

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13827

May we all have looooong enjoyable injure free running lives.

Idnod said on Aug 05 08 at 8:56 AM Reply