So first, yes I know I should seek a professional opinion. I imagine I'll end up at the docs as this doesn't feel quite right. But I wanted to see if anyone had experienced something similar here.
Some background: I completed my first tri
(sprint
) two weeks ago. I trained up to it properly, tapered, and completed the event with no issues
(felt great, actually
). I took a day off and then did some weights and light cardio. I then went on vacation and did nothing for those six days, even though I packed my running gear
(bad boy!
). I got back from vacation and really lacked motivation, so got nothing in but a easy 30 mile ride last Wednesday. On this past Sunday, my wife and I went on a 60 mile bike ride. This was the longest ride of the season
(longest previous was 55
), but we took it really easy. Stopped off at a beer festival for a few tastes, had a nice long break in a park, etc. Likely averaged 13 or 14 mph factoring out breaks. Not a hard ride by any stretch. And nothing to denote an injury during the ride.
We got home late and we were both hungry, so I only stretched briefly and went and made dinner. I started to notice before bed that my heels were starting to ache. I went to bed with a little discomfort, but nothing horrible. I woke up in the middle of the night with both achilles tendons in a lot of pain. Pulling toes backward, pushing toes out, or laying in a neutral position all were painful. The lower heel was tender to the touch, especially on the right heel. I popped a couple Advil and managed some fitful sleep. Today was not much better. Managed thru work with Advil and immediately iced when I got home
(which really helped
). The right foot is still tender to the touch, although the pain in the left side has subsided some. It's still difficult/impossible to walk normal.
I've had no history of achille problems before. I had a mild case of PF a couple months ago, but I managed with ice and by backing off on the hill running for a week or so. So it seems really odd to me that out of no where, I'm having problems with both heels. Nothing changed with seat or pedal geometry. Shoes are the same. As far as I can tell, my riding style hasn't changed. Would two weeks of mostly rest
(1hr in gym, 30 miles on bike
) be a set-up for an injury such as this? Any thoughts on another culprit?
Outside of the normal prescribed rest, ice and elevation, any suggestions on recovery? We're scheduled to ride Seattle to Portland in two weeks and I'm a little concerned. Thanks.