General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!! Rss Feed  
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2014-10-01 6:19 PM

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Subject: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
I am four-ish weeks out (25 days) from a full ironman and today I was put in a boot for achllies issues. Doc says no running or elliptical for 3 weeks, but can swim, aqua jog, and bike. The week before the race I was told I can run easy and 'see how it feels'. I feel that my fitness is good, I have done 2 half's this summer, this isn't my first IM, and was aiming for about a 12:30-12:40 race. I know I can complete the distance and I would like to not have to walk the entire marathon. Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this and does anyone have any experience using the Galaway Method? I thought this method may be less taxing on my foot and may help me get through the run since I will be undertrained. Thoughts?


2014-10-01 6:24 PM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
if you are 4 weeks out, you should have probably hit all (or almost all of your long runs right?)

I did galloway for IM Chatt with no issue - i didn't have a goal time like you do, I just wanted to finish but I think you should be ok - workout what we can - swim/bike etc
2014-10-01 6:25 PM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!

Depends on what the "achilles issues" are.  Possibility of doing more long term damage by a forced death march in an IM, and if so worth it?

2014-10-01 6:36 PM
in reply to: ChrisM

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
I have done very few long runs....I had not been running for about three weeks before I actually broke down and went to the doctor. I have run 16 miles as my longest run before I stopped to rest it....And my time goals are no more.

The issue is low near my heel. The pain it's now concentrated on either sides of my heal radiating underneath. I went to the doc because the pain changed from 'normal' achllies pain (that has been chronic for about 2 years) to the heal pain and I became more concerned.
2014-10-01 11:00 PM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!

I am just coming off 6 months of recovery from achilles issues. The "boot" didn't help, but PT did wonders. I would find a therapist ASAP and see if there are some good stretches and strengthening exercises you can do. Usually they are small movements and help to stretch the Soleus muscle that surrounds the achilles which does wonders for inflammation and pain. I would definitely check with the Physical Therapist to make sure it is strong and flexible before you race ( or any training) so you don't end up with long term/permanent damage.Good Luck!

2014-10-02 3:14 AM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
well it's good to listen to your Doc...but you might evaluate day-by-day using the boot.

I've been using the boot for a few months and it's been tremendous in helping my heel heal...

I found every night was progress basically..so you might see what happens over each week (to be conservative) and perhaps it will
strengthen enough to continue some running in your IM plan.

Don't give up! PF sucks and it's hard to get rid of. But conversely, you might be able to gain enough benefit from wearing the boot each night and still continue to run. This would most likely be against Doc's orders, so it's up to you.



2014-10-02 5:44 AM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!

I have been dealing with achilles problems for 3 years.

If me, I would

a) Aquajog. This really helps preserve some fitness
b) Speak to my doc if other forms of treatment could be using along with the boot.
ART, acupuncture and eccentric heel drops did wonders in short periods of time.
2014-10-02 7:38 AM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
Yes, this problem had been going on for about 2 years. Recentally the pain moved down into my heal and radiating under my heel and was more painful so I got concerned with this change.

I will be aqua jogging, I have been getting ART regularly for about 3 years so I have gotten a lot of stuff done on this area. Right now doc says no stretching, I asked about eccentric heel drops, I had been doing them and a lot of stretching but right now I think that's going more hard then good. Right now he wants to 'shut it down' no no movement and after a week I will start doing some PT for ROM etc. I will be doing electric stim (my friends had a machine) up to once a day.
2014-10-02 9:12 AM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!

I partially tore my left Achilles back in 2010.  Tried rest for about six weeks with no improvement, then ended up in a boot for three months, follwed by six  weeks of therapy.  Wasn't able to run for about almost six months.

My orthopedic surgeon told me I have degenerative Achilles tendinosis and am prone to rupturing either of my Achilles.  He advised my to avoid any sports that require sudden starts & stops, jumping or quick changes of direction, i.e., basketball, tennis, etc.

When I was able to start running again I began using the Galloway method as I built my mileage back up.  Not for cardio reasons, but to give my Achilles a periodic rest to keep it from getting swollen and sore.  I played around with different run/walk intervals to see how long I could go before I started to get any pain or discomfort.  I've gone anywhere from 1:1, to 6:1, but 4:1 seems to be my sweet spot.   

Good luck, hope you heal quickly.

Mark

 

2014-10-02 2:50 PM
in reply to: haley913

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Subject: RE: Ironman in 4 weeks and today I got 'the boot'!!
Geez, I think the IM is lost. Unless have been misdiagnised and really dont have ahcilles issues . Would you be happy doing the swim and bike and posting a DNF?
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