No Pain, No Pain!

It was the second test run. And I was nervous.

I didn’t want to do this mini experiment in front of everyone.  Nope, not even before close friends.  I wanted to do this on my own, in the comforts of my home, and on my decrepit, practically orphaned, but reliable treadmill.

If this 2nd test run failed, it would be easier for me to deal with another bout of sadness.  I would just quit if I felt pain or discomfort in my injured area, change into my pambahay, grab a cup of coffee and nibble my frustrations away with some blueberries while watching yet another replay of The Bachelor.  I wouldn’t have to slow down any running buddies to a walk or dine at UCC consuming more calories than I actually burned by walking Erap-style on the road.

But, if this little experiment succeeded, if I could actually run again without any pain or discomfort, then I could proceed at my own easy pace or even stop anytime if I didn’t want to aggravate the injury.  Even in the silence of my own study where my treadmill is homed, I could rejoice on my own and savor every single moment of a short experimental run after having been out for so long.

DEALING WITH MORTON’S NEUROMA

I had done my research online and scared myself to death with all the threads about Morton’s Neuroma being a persistent runner’s injury.  (You would’ve been glad to NOT be my personal friend at this point because you would’ve received incessant texts from me about possible alcohol injections and surgery just to get this nasty injury out!)  But, I managed to draw out some helpful tips on how to deal with the injury that I practiced for the test run.  These were:

1. Keep shoe loose in the toe box – I used my Women’s KSwiss Kwicky Blade Light.  I’m still unsure if I should be using this considering I got the injury while wearing them for 6 months, but I’ll see how it goes.

2. Run on soft surface – hence the treadmill

3. Use orthotics – I used my newer Spenco orthotic insoles (I have three pairs which I rotate! Hah!)

4. Use metatarsal pads – I didn’t know what the heck were metatarsal pads.  Man, before this injury, I didn’t even know what a metatarsal was!  But I did remember that I was given samples of footcare products from New Zealand a few months back so I hunted around the house for them.  True enough, I found metatarsal pads…and more!

– I attached this Neat Feat Metatarsal Pad to my middle toe (just like in the illustation on the packaging) and felt relief underneath my injury –

– I wanted to attach this Neat Feat Forefoot Insole under my Spenco but thought it may be overkill. I’ll try it some other time –

– No use denying I have a bunion. If you see me in flipflops, you’ll spot it a mile away anyway. I’m thinking of trying this soon too since bunions make one more prone to having Mortons Neuroma –

I’m posting images of other Neat Feat products in case you may spot something you need…

– See the 3B Action Cream above?  I tried that in place of Body Glide for one long run.  Oh looord, I chafed like crazy.  No, I wouldn’t recommend that.  I guess Neat Feat should stick to Feet. –

– Products for women’s feet –

THE TEST

So, there I was, on a fine cloudy Sunday morning yesterday, dressed in full running gear at 7 a.m. ready to hop on the treadmill. The metatarsal pad felt awkward but it did provide relief at the injured area.

By this time, I thought, most of the 21k runners who signed up for Yamaha Run would be nearing the finish.  There were no thoughts such as “Drat, I should’ve been there.” or “I could’ve PR’d in that race.” I was focused on only one thing: Running at least 30 minutes without a single hint of pain.  If I could just have that, I would be the happiest runner in the world.  (Funny how life can throw you a curveball and reduce your goals to what you used to take for granted, eh? )

I started with a 5 minute walk and increased the pace to a conservative 6.  That was it for me.  No sense in pushing any faster to the level I was accustomed to.  I ran and ran and ran.

THE RESULTS

I couldn’t believe it.  I couldn’t feel a hint of pain.  None at all!  After 10 minutes, I slowed to a walk.  Then, I increased the pace to a run and did another interval of running.  No pain!  Holy crap, no pain!  I finished 3k with absolutely no pain.  What a feat!  A Neat Feat! (Corny.  And, no they didn’t pay me for that!)

Let me tell you that in that moment everything just fell into place.  Like there was a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.  Like I found my rhythm after being sidetracked for God knows how long.

I’m not fully recovered yet, but wow it’s good to finally get out of limbo land and know that I’m finally headed somewhere.  Looking forward to seeing you all on the road soon.