Sunday, December 5, 2010

Adapt. Or Die.

I'm feeling dramatic tonight, as you no doubt can tell.

I'm taking an offensive strategy toward the aggravated nerve in my left foot because (I hate to say this) I've started having the same symptoms in my RIGHT foot as well. And I refuse to let this stupid neuroma knock me off both my trotters.

No moving beyond the minimal for my two days off. I will not walk on this foot (and now feet) unless absolutely necessary for 48 hours.

Funny to say this, but can you imagine how frustrating it is to NOT be able to move when all you want to do is walk, run and work out as much as possible to make your goals before Christmas? I'm going meshuggeneh over here.

But part of the problem with an inflamed nerve in the foot is that you are always irritating it, my doc said, every time you take a step. So I'm not taking any extra steps, just for these two days and I will hope and pray it makes a difference.

That doesn't mean I can avoid the gym. No...a different strategy is called for. I went to the gym and did a combo of bike and rowing. Finally figured out how to get a good bike workout: crank up the resistance level and do the alpine challenge.

It keeps pressure off the tootsies and (if you believe the machine count at the gym) I burned nearly 500 cals. Walk there is 1.5 blocks, so just 3 blocks there and back.

Feeling weird things in the feet -- lots of tingling and burning spots and throbbing nerves. Can only hope that's a sign of healing, since I don't have the same pinched feeling I was getting with every step.

This injury is annoying and debilitating. But I am grateful it is nothing more serious. I don't wish to underplay it -- if it develops into a chronic condition I may need surgery, and I really hope that does not happen. It's not life-threatening at all, but could be (already is to a large degree) a serious complication to my lifestyle.

Still...it could be worse. Much worse. So I'll count my blessings, put my feet up in an attempt to reduce any swelling to the nerve, and think good, positive thoughts.

Somehow don't think it's possible that my athletic career can go down in defeat this way (hahah -- get it?), but if so...I'll have to find other ways to keep myself active.

Adapt or die. Right?

8 comments:

  1. I think it's awesome that you are still working out in spite of your foot pain. Some blogs I read give up all together on burning calories if their lower body is injured. Drives me batty! Keep moving that upper body and do what you can when you can do it. You rock, Ish!

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  2. Adapt or die - what a great mantra! Such a good way to bust through any potential excuses. Good for you for working out, injury and all!

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  3. Adapt - or die - or just be miserable!

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  4. It is true, you could sit there in apathy and just eat away the time, or you could chose to modify, adapt and move on.

    Good for you!

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  5. Adapt and find a way to make it work no matter what the obstacles just don't hurt yourself. I'm starting to learn to listen to my body and not push it out of commission. Hope it feels better soon. Keep the faith.

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  6. Have you tried the chiropractor yet? Not sure if he/she could help but a thought.
    You are still so good at the going no matter what. I am not sure I could do that. Just be careful.
    Take care and God Bless!!!

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  7. Wow, I feel your pain! Rest that foot and I hope that it doesn't get any worse.

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  8. Ha - love the attituted - adapt or die!

    On my exercise on demand, there is a whole section on "seated" exercise - probably with seniors in mind, but you could add weights for your upper body. Just a thought!

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