Hope To Run Again Before End Of The Year

Hello Blog !  I'm Back !

 So I guess I will begin where I left off.  On March 3rd I went for a run and my right calf got very tight.  I cut the run short and walked home.  The next day I worked out on the elliptical because the calf was still sore.  That night at work we got a call and I "ran" from the front door of the police department to my car.  On about the 3rd step I took something bad happened to my calf.  It felt like it ripped in half.  It burned too.  I was still able to walk, but it hurt.  It never swelled or became discolored.  After a couple days walking was fine.  But anything more strenuous than that hurt.  I waited 3 weeks and the pain seemed to be completely gone.  I tried to run a few steps in my house to test it out.  Again after just a couple of steps it hurt again.  But thankfully nowhere near as bad as the 1st time. Weeks passed with no twinges or pain at all.  Then I would be playing with the kids in the back yard, take a quick step, or jump over a water puddle.  The pain came back each time.  This cycle has continued since March.  I was so bummed.  Every time I start to feel good about my fitness I end up with a setback.  I quit working out all together.  Gained about 16 pounds too.  Had to get clothes out of the attic I thought I would never have to wear again because they were from my  "fat" days.

Finally a couple weeks ago I saw an orthopedic.  He said what I already knew, severe calf strain.  Told me to go to physical therapy.  I have had 2 appointments so far.  They pointed out how my hips and back are a little misaligned.  Also my hamstrings are so tight they may be putting added pressure on my calves.  Gave me some exercises to loosen up the muscles and realign me.  They also said I should get back to exercising too.  So I went to the gym after my 1st appointment.  Swam and rode the air resistance bike.  Felt good to sweat and breath hard again.

Swim - 1000 yards - free/breast mix - alternate every 100 yards - 19:51.09

Air Resistance Bike - 10 miles - 38:14.52

That darn bike.  No freewheelin' or downhills like a real bike.  It is like climbing a slight incline the entire ride.