Brian Johnson

I started running last winter after years of not running. Eased back into it very slowly...very slowly.

Apparently not slowly enough or maybe my stride was wrong? Oh, and I was running barefoot.

Anyway, I'm not sure if there was a particular event that triggered my heel pain or if it was something that built slowly over the months but now I have pain at the back of my heel, at the very bottom. NOT on the sole. From what I can tell this is achilles tendonitis.

Fortunately it's not debilitating or even painful. I experience stiffness and very mild discomfort first thing in the mornings or after not moving for a while. I've stopped running altogether (which sucks big time because I was enjoying running for the first time in my life!) and am trying to "take it easy" on my heel in an effort to let it get better. But that doesn't seem to be happening weeks later.

Anyone out there have any experience with this sort of injury? What did you do? How long did recovery take? Cyclocross is fast approaching and I was counting on my new running strength to be my "secret weapon" to help me suck less in the races.

I'm seriously bummed and would appreciate any advice, kind words, etc.

Thanks!
Brian J.

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My father asks : "Do you live here or ride bikes?"
http://liveorridebikes.blogspot.com

My life as a Crossniac:
www.crossniacs.com