In an effort to clear up my Achilles tendon issue I’ve now operated on my shoes once again.
I did this a while ago as detailed on an earlier post . This time, I’ve cut down the heel tabs on two pairs of road shoes that I rotate. I do think that the initial Achilles strain was caused by doing too much barefoot running too soon, but I suspect the heel tabs on my shoes are perpetuating the niggle as they press exactly on the swollen part of the tendon.
It’s early days, but I think this is helping quite a bit.
So what about the unusual running injury? Well, maybe this would not have happened if I’d not been wearing shoes, but I think I’m glad I was. Today, after five miles of a swift 6 mile run I managed to step into a pothole and upend myself in what was probably — to any onlookers — comical fashion. I didn’t find it too funny though. I thought I’d snapped my ankle as it turned inwards forcing me forwards on to the road and an impressive graze on my knee. Fortunately, I was able to hobble home after a brief rest where I was lying. I’ll have to be careful with my ankle, it’s swollen slightly and from the experience of myself and others I know these ankle twists leave the joint a bit weak and susceptible to repeat occurrences for a week or two.
In general, the week has been light on mileage although I have managed 3 barefoot runs; the feet seem to be toughening up a little more, managing a barefoot run of 3 miles on the road without problems.
Total week mileage: 32
Barefoot: 5.5
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