I don't write about my injuries because they aren't a pleasant topic. I was thinking that perhaps by not writing about them some readers might wrongly assume that I have none. None are debilitating but they are still unpleasant if I haven't rested, stretched or taken ibuprofen.
The most prevalent of my overuse injuries is my plantar fasciitis. Long and hard pounding on asphalt, increasing my overall intensity of workouts over the week will bring on this painful foot condition. I can remember feeling it even a bit before I started running, probably brought on by hiking. When it is at it's worst, its painful to get out of bed and walk for the first minute or so after rising. The things that have helped it are stretching my calves regularly and (when it's at its very worst) rolling my feet bottoms on a frozen soup can.
My right knee can swell a bit after an intense workout or series of days without a break. I rarely need to ice it but a day or two of rest is usually enough. The tendons around my ankles can be painful and require the same treatment as my knee.
I am grateful that I haven't really had a sharp pain in either of my knees like I did early last fall. Rolling out my iliotibial band on a foam roller has really kept that pain at bay, even this winter in the cold. I almost felt it just a bit yesterday between my 12th and 14th miles. I just slowed down a bit and tried to keep conscious while running.
All of the other little things that end up hurting are so varied. I can say I am always feeling something somewhere. I know some might question why I choose to exercise in a way that causes me any pain but the benefits seems to far outweigh the problems.
