Sunday was another 5K race to benefit Angels on the Bay . Frankly, I chose this race because it was geographically attractive. The race took place at Syosset-Woodbury Park, literally a stone's throw from where I live. It was a gorgeous early Autumn morning with cool temps in the low 60's; sunny and no wind. I wanted to see how my heel would weather a 3 mile run all on pavement. It turned out to be a good outing. A few walk breaks but no pain while running and I managed to finish in 29:21 (pace: 9:26); a full 2 minutes better than the previous week. In fact, I came in 2nd in my age group. Throughout the remainder of the day, I iced my heel and today it is still sore but improving as the day wears on. Tomorrow I see Dr. Tumen. I wonder what he'll advise.

What a beautiful day for a run, particularly in such a beautiful park as Bethpage State Park. Sunny, mild and dry. The cross country trail was covered with wood chips which added to the comfortable cushioning. This was the venue for the New Island Hospital/Lt. Michael Murphy 5K race which raised money for the New Island Hospital and honored fallen Navy Seal Michael Murphy. This event was so well organized for both runners and walkers.

As the star spangle banner was sung on the polo field, I looked around and felt that this was very special. When the horn went off, everyone charged across the polo field into the woods where the trail weaved through the trees. I just took it easy and the heel felt ok throughout. I took a few walk breaks and felt a bit winded at times but was surprised how I had maintained much of my conditioning. When I came around at the end and saw the finish clock ahead with 31:07 I could hardly believe my eyes. I had hoped to break 35 minutes; this was unbelievable. As I raced to the finish Michael Tumen, the race director, was cheering me on. I finished at 31:29 or a 10:08 pace. I was very pleased.

Following, I made sure to do lots of stretching to lessen the heel tenderness and when I got home I iced a few times. The heel feels ok! I feel great! Am now looking at another local race next Sunday. Maybe this is the start of my return to regular running? Regardless, today was wonderful!

Three days after the cortisone shot and it's as if I never had one. Some tell me that sometimes they don't stick. In any regard my heel pain persists, sometimes more intolerable than at other times. These past few days it seems to be moderating. My workouts have been confined to elliptical and stationary bike. I continue to take my prescription anti-inflammatorys.

Tomorrow is my 5K cross country event. My plan is to do it! I figure I can always take walk breaks. I will do lots of stretching beforehand and ice afterward. I've been sidelined so long, I've got to be out there. This event can't be much more that 3 miles on the track. Well, stay tuned for tomorrow's race report. Wish me luck!

Last Thursday, I saw Dr. Michael Tumen, a podiatrist I have visited in the past in Massapequa, NY. I was on a mission to receive a cortisone shot in my heel. He examined me and took a few x-rays, revealing that I have heel spurs on both feet. We discussed the mechanics of plantar fasciitis and then he gave me the shot, to put the fire out as he put it. I was very encouraged by his remark that "we can fix this." Since, my heel has been ok with periodic tingles but no fire. I took a couple of days off, sticking to the elliptical only. I continue to ice, stretch and take anti-inflammatorys. This morning I went to the high school track to walk/run and felt a little fire but have been icing since and am not concerned. The funny thing is the other heel has also been a little tender lately. I am cautiously optimistic but not holding my breath; that said, I have registered for a 5K cross country run next Sunday. More to come.

Injuries Suck!

This summer has been a train-wreck for my running -- beautiful for running, but my "equipment" would just not cooperate. My Plantar Fasciitis (PF), on and off, and right calf muscle derailed any real running; August was a complete washout. My calf had soreness and tightness in different places with varying intensities and though physical therapy (PT) provided some relief, no significant improvement to the underlying condition occurred, thus keeping my runs limited to 1/4 or 1/2 miles jogs, interspersed with walking.

So at present, I am a walker with regular thoughts that my running days are over and with contemplations of becoming a biker. It's become a day-to-day matter of trial and error with exercises, PT, shoe inserts and alternating shoes. I discovered KURU footwear, designed with PF in mind, but they don't have a running shoe yet. So my daily walking is ok, but not enabling me to run like I used to. For awhile I thought maybe I was having hydration issues ..

It is so difficult pinpointing the root cause with my leg. Maybe with the change in seasons I'll see a change with my leg ... and maybe I won't -- Time will tell!