Tomorrow should be my longest bike ride ever – 56 miles. I’ve been itching to crack 50 for awhile now and have been so excited about this ride (and meeting Maggie)! I signed up last week to participate in the Rev3 Quassy preview ride, where they take you along the raceday course so you know what to expect and can feel more prepared. It’s more official than just a bunch of people meeting to ride; coaches and mechanics are there, plus you get a number! AND FREE FOOD AT THE END. (That sold me, as you can imagine.) Evidently they’ll also have a debrief post-ride and will talk about swim course strategy, the run course, overall race strategy, and do a Q&A with coaches. I love this!
However, the weather doesn’t look so promising:
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY NOW.
At first thought, I feel like I need to go regardless because, well, what if it’s it rainy on raceday? Don’t I need to practice? But, I also don’t want to crash and hurt myself (or anyone else!). Decisions, decisions. (Update: coach just emailed me saying: “to go ride on roads that you don’t know in difficult/dangerous conditions sounds like a bad idea even without my coaching input.”) Ouch. Guess that’s my answer? Such a bummer. So frustrating that my money continues to be wasted on races and events that I can’t do due to injury or weather! I’ll keep my eye on the weather for now…maybe, just maybe, things will change? (No, it doesn’t work like that? Boo.) Regardless, I’m still super pumped for the Rev3, even if I don’t get to preview the course. 22 DAYS!
Sorry Penelope, I guess you have to wait a little longer for 56 miles.
Switching gears…big news. I went to a different doctor yesterday who specializes in sports medicine and works mainly with athletes. He seems to think that…
…wait for it…
…that I never had a stress fracture. (!!!!!) In his opinion, it was Posterior Tibial Tendonitis (PTT). He recommended I keep running (yay!) but get orthotics (evidently there’s this fancy kind that you put in an oven then step on, and they mold to your feet. Intrigued.) and strength train. So, there’s that. I don’t know what to think. I like the “keep running” part, and PTT does make a little more sense than a stress fracture. I’m not in pain, but my muscles do feel a little tight.
Here’s the basic gist of it (from orthoinfo.aaos.org):
“Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (this may be different from tendonitis but sounds similar to me) is one of the most common problems of the foot and ankle. It occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn. As a result, the tendon may not be able to provide stability and support for the arch of the foot, resulting in flatfoot.”
![[source][/source]](http://kararuns.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ptt.jpg)
[source][/source]
“The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important tendons of the leg. A tendon attaches muscles to bones, and the posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. The main function of the tendon is to hold up the arch and support the foot when walking.”
This may explain why I originally felt the pain in the ankle area. Also maybe explains my extremely tight calf muscle (but both could probably be affected by a stress fracture too, I’m sure). I do notice when my PT does manual work on my calf, it really hurts. Especially after a run. (But doesn’t really feel tight while I’m running…?!) The other day when I saw him, he was pushing really hard down the side of my lower leg and it literally felt like it was burning. Could that have been this tendon?!
I asked Brendan to take a photo of my feet the other night (isn’t he a gem?) after seeing that PTT can sometimes be seen using the “too many toes” test. “When looking at the heel from the back of the patient, usually only the fifth toe and half of the fourth toe are seen. In a flatfoot deformity, more of the little toe can be seen.”
Come one, come all! I’ll diagnose you via iPhone cameras and Google! (KIDDING I AM NOT A DOCTOR DO NOT LISTEN TO ME)
I feel like my left foot does cave in a little, but who knows. Could be the camera angle. I know nothing. Side note: I’ve always been told by EVERYONE in the shoe business that I have PERFECTLY NEUTRAL FEET! Someone once told me my feet are a “shoe manufacturer’s dream”. I swear to you, exact words. LIES ALL LIES!!
But I’m still just lost. I guess I’ll just keep going unless I feel pain, and work on strength training as the doctor said. Unfortunately I didn’t feel like I was able to ask all the questions I wanted. But I do have his email address…(cue evil laughter). Poor guy 
So that’s where I’m at now.
Thoughts? Opinions? Have any fun plans for the weekend? Do tell!
So you aren’t going to do the ride?? That is tough!! Especially since it is only a 40% chance of rain! I would go…but that is just my opinion. (If you do go and crash…don’t blame me??)
Like you said it could be raining on race day!! Then what? you don’t do the race? Is it close to you? You can make a decision in the morning? If it is not raining…just go! Believe me…I have missed out on rides that were “supposed to” rain and didn’t…and then I am so sad/pissed!! You do whatever you are MOST comfortable with!!
Good news about your running!!!
I am going to central Oregon for a training camp! I will be riding a shit-ton–in elevation!
You convinced me…you win!! And I didn’t crash so you’re in the clear
I knew I’d be super upset if I didn’t go. Enjoy the camp!!
Bummer about the rain ruining your biking plans! Ugh! I’m glad that you got some clarity on your issue, that is awesome!!
I ended up going; glad I was able to! Rain wasn’t bad at all. And yes I’m so glad too! Hopefully his advice works!
Glad you can keep running but use caution. That was the tendon that I tore last summer. OUCH! Take it easy and work the rehab exercises.
Oh no! You’re fine now, right?
I think my Saturday plans are going to be ruined, too, by this horrid weather. Such a bummer!!
Boo! Hope you’re still enjoying your day
Glad you are okay’d to run! Have you tried KTape? Came across this on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPwY0h50juQ. If it does not pour rain, I would try to ride, just to get some experience riding in those conditions. Stay off the painted lines on the road, as they can be real slippery when they are wet!
Thank you Gene! I ended up doing the ride and kept thinking of you when I would ride over the painted lines
I appreciate the link, I do have some KTTape so I’ll have to test that out!
I was diagnosed with PTT a month or two ago. It came on all of a sudden and hurt like hell every time I walked around with shoes on. Barefoot was OK but once I had anything rubbing along my ankle/tendon, i couldn’t walk. I had to take a week+ off of running. Went to PT and did a bunch of ankle stabilization and strengthening exercises, iced, Advil, and it is pretty much gone. I mean, I know that I still have a ton of muscle imbalances but I can run and feel fine. Don’t know if that helps but definitely do your PT exercises!
Thank you Christine! SO glad to hear that it’s pretty much gone for you. I appreciate you letting me know the things you did, that helps a lot! Crossing my fingers that I’ll be good as new soon…will definitely continue going to PT!
I was diagnosed with PTT a month or two ago. It came on all of a sudden and hurt like hell every time I walked around with shoes on. Barefoot was OK but once I had anything rubbing along my ankle/tendon, i couldn’t walk. I had to take a week+ off of running. Went to PT and did a bunch of ankle stabilization and strengthening exercises, iced, Advil, and it is pretty much gone. I mean, I know that I still have a ton of muscle imbalances but I can run and feel fine. Don’t know if that helps but definitely do your PT exercises!
Be careful!! That’s tough. Glad you got his email!!