Weekly Training Update (Dec 22nd - Dec 28th)

Mon - PT + 1.5 mile run (75% Alter-G...8 min pace) + 40 min elliptical

Tues - 1.85 miles (15 min, 75% on Alter-G...8 min pace) + 40 min elliptical

Wed - 2 miles (75% on Alter-G...8 min pace)

Thurs - Christmas

Fri - 30 min elliptical + PT + 2.5 mile run (20 min, 80% Alter-G...8 min pace)

Sat - off

Sun - 15 miles on Elliptigo

Total Running: 7.5 miles

Alter-G Treadmill

Now that I'm starting to run again, I starting thinking about ways to healthily transition back into running.  I went to the Alter-G website, and I found a place in Valpo that has one to use (Orthopedic & Balance).  After several phone calls and checking with the insurance, I was able to get approved for 6 appointments.  This includes not only the Alter-G and also PT.  The only catch is that they have to be used by Dec 27th.  Therefore, I used the Alter-G 2x this week, and have 4 appointments scheduled for next week.

The Alter-G is pretty cool.  It was set at 75% of my weight.  It felt good being able to run with only partial weight bearing.  The medial side was still sore, but it still felt good feeling lighter.  One frustration that I had with the Alter-G was that when I strap in, the enclosure goes up past my hips, and it upsets my arm carry.  Towards the end of the run, I seemed to get used to it.  I was only going about 8:30 pace, but it felt good because I felt lighter.  I'm excited to lose some weight, and get back into shape.

6 Month Post-Op Appointment with Dr. Porter

I was originally supposed to have my 6th month post-op appointment in January, but with my insurance changing I was able to get it moved to Dec...so, it was more like the 5.5 month post-op appoinment.

The appointment started with a cybex test.  They strapped my foot into a machine that measured the strength and speed that I could move it back and forth.  They varied the resistance 3 different times, and I did it 6 times on each  resistance.  Both feet were measured.  After the test, a printout of the results was analyzed by the physical therapist and Dr. Porter.  I was told that my strength measured at 96% percent.  Basically, I have my full strength back.  Porter also did several other tests, including measuring my dorsiflexion angle (both feet were the same) and calf circumference (right was about 1 cm smaller...which isn't considered significant).  Overall, it seemed like my appointment went well.  I was encouraged to keep up with the PT and to continue to increase my running.

My main concern was my medial pain.  Dr. Porter doesn't seem to be concerned about it, and thinks that is should go away in time.  Hopefully things will continue to progress nicely.

Weekly Training Update (Dec 15th - Dec 21st)

Mon - 50 min elliptical

Tues - 2 mile on Alter-G + PT

Wed - Dr. Porter Visit

Thurs - 1 mile run on track (8:00) + 30 min elliptical

Fri - 2 miles on the Alter-G + PT

Sat - 55 min on the elliptigo (14 miles)

Sun - 12 min (about 1.5 miles) + 30 min on the elliptical

Weekly Training Update (Dec 8th - Dec 14th)

Mon - 1 mile of run/walk (1/2 mile run, rest, 1/2 mile run) about 7:30 pace + 30 min elliptical

Tues - Orthopedic and Balance Visit

Wed - 1/2 mile run (about 5 min) around valpo.  40 min elliptigo (9 miles).

Thurs - 50 min elliptical

Fri - 3/4 mile run (6 min) around valpo.  40 min elliptigo.

Sat -12 miles on elliptigo

Sun -13 miles on elliptigo

Skiing in Vail

Myself, my brother, and 2 friends decided to continue our Colorado tradition.  We flew out Thursday (Dec 4th) and returned Sun (Dec 7th).  We skied for 2 days in Vail.  Leading into the trip, I was a bit nervous about trying to ski.  I decided I would give it a try, but also be careful not to overdue it.  Generally speaking, my Achilles seemed to hold up well.  It was a little sore at the end of the first day, but it never went beyond the normal soreness.  Outside of my Achilles, the rest of my body was pretty sore.  I could tell I was out of shape...my arms, quads, calves, and hammies were feeling it.  This could also be partially because of my run from yesterday.  Overall, it was a great trip, and I'm excited to keep getting healthy and go again.

1st RUN BACK

Dec 1st (Monday) marked my first run back since my July 1st surgery.  I ran 5 x (1 lap jog, 1 lap walk) in the CPHS fieldhouse.  I was able to get in around 1/2 mile.  It was very exciting to run again.  It wasn't very glamorous; I felt flat, not very fluid, and out of shape.  Hopefully things improve from here.

Dec 4th (Thursday) was my second run.  I did about 3/4 mile.  It was a combination of walking and jogging around the CPHS fieldhouse.  I was actually planning on running yesterday, but I was still pretty sore.  It was nice to get in another run.  With two runs under my belt, I'm excited for the future.

5 Month Post-Op Recap

Overall, things seem to be continuing to improve.  I spend at least 45 min just about everyday doing PT.  I can tell it is starting to get stronger, but I still have a long way to go.  I've built by cross training on the elliptical upto the point were I can start to safely transitioning into running.  This next month should be exciting!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Weekly Training Update (Dec 1st - Dec 7th)

Mon - 1/2 mile of run/walk + 50 min elliptical

Tues - 50 min elliptical (quads sore from yesterday)

Wed - 35 min elliptigo

Thurs - 3/4 mile of run/walk + 30 min elliptical

Fri - Skied in Colorado

Sat - Skied in Colorado

Sun - off

New Toy - Elliptigo

I've been looking for an elliptigo for a little while now.  I was searching craigslist and found one for sale in Valpo.  I ended up purchasing an elliptigo 3c.  I'm pretty excited about using it as a way to cross train.  Not only now, but also after I get healthy.  I know it's starting to get cold out, so I'm not entirely sure how much I'll get to use it in the near future.  Hopefully I'll be able to use it a couple of times before the snow comes.

Weekly Training Update (Nov 24th - Nov 30th)

Mon - 70 min elliptical (new PR)

Tues - 65 min (rough...I think I was tired from yesterday)

Wed - 60 min elliptical

Thurs - 45 min aquajog

Fri - 65 min elliptical (53 min normal elliptical (6 miles)...12 min AMT (adaptive motion trainer. Open Stride.)

Sat - 65 min elliptical (50 min normal elliptical (6 miles)...15 min AMT (adaptive motion trainer. Open Stride.)

Sun - off

Rescheduled Doctors Appointment & Cybex Test

I was originally scheduled to have my 6 month post-op appointment in mid-January.  However, my insurance is changing at the beginning of the year, thus making it smarter for me to have the appointment in December.  I am also scheduled to take a cybex test.  This is the first time I have heard of a cybex test, and I'm still not entirely sure as to what it entails.  When I googled it, most of the info that popped up was related to NFL testing.  It appears as though it is a way for me to test the strength of my Achilles.  I guess I'll find out December 17th.  After the cybex test, I will see Dr. Porter.


When I talked with Angela about rescheduling my appointment, I also mentioned the medial heel pain that I am still having.  She gave me the green light to continue with the cross training and PT as long as the pain does not increase, and that is goes back to baseline the next day.  That being said, I am still going to wait on the running, but it helped give me a little direction.

Weekly Training Update (Nov 17th - Nov 23rd)

Mon - 55 min elliptical (6.2 miles...solid workout.  felt good.)

Tues - 55 min elliptical (6 miles)

Wed - 50 min aqua jogging (20x30 hard/30 sec easy)

Thurs -60 min elliptical (7 miles...new pr)

Fri - 55 min elliptical (6 miles)

Sat - off

Sun -45 min bike (13 miles)

5x50min of Elliptical (in 1 week)

This week I accomplished a fairly significant task.  I ellipticalled for 50 min, 5 days out of the week.  I have built upto this over the past 2 months.  The reason this is a big deal is because this is what I was supposed to accomplish prior to being cleared to start running again.

Despite my milestone, I am hesitant to start running because of the medial pain I am still experiencing.  I am going to reach out to Porter to see if he has any insight on how to best proceed.

Weekly Training Update (Nov 10th - Nov 16th)

Mon - 55 min elliptical

Tues - 50 min elliptical

Wed - 50 min elliptical

Thurs - 30 min aquajog

Fri - 60 min elliptical (6.5 miles)

Sat - off

Sun -55 min elliptical (6 miles)

Weekly Training Update (Nov 3rd - Nov 9th)

Mon - 50 min elliptical

Tues - 45 min elliptical

Wed - off

Thurs -50 min elliptical

Fri - 55 min elliptical (new PR...5.85 miles)

Sat - IL State Meet - lots of walking

Sun - 10 miles on the bike at the Y (35 min)

4 Month Post-Op

I know I haven't been updating the blog as much...mainly because there hasn't been much to report.

Overall, things seems to be heading in the right direction.  The PT is going well, and I seem to be managing the elliptical.  Initially, I was not a fan of the elliptical.  It was pretty rough at first, but now that I've gotten used to it, I don't mind it as much.

As for the PT...I have a pretty consistent routine.  For the past several weeks, each night I do 20 eccentric heel drops, 20 heel raises (with both feet), 10 one footed heel raises.  I repeat this entire sequence a second time.  I then balance on 1 foot for 90 seconds on a balance disc.  After that I do a standing calf-stretch (against a wall) for about 45 seconds.  I then proceed to the thera-band.  I do about 100 planter flexion, 60 inversion, 60 eversion, 60 circle clock-wise, 60 circle counter-clock-wise.  Before bed, I usually massage it for about 7 minutes.  Over the past several weeks, I've make a point to increase some of the PT excersies.  For example, I am not able to do some of the heel raises while wearing a backpack with 10-15lbs worth of weight.

My main concern over the past 6 weeks has been the medial pain.  On Sept 24th, I went to the doctor, and he made it sound like the pain was pretty much normal.  Since then, I haven't been too concerned, but it still does bother me.  In mid-to-late October, I felt like there was a little bit of a break through were the pain was substantially less.  Since then, it has come back (to a degree), but it does seem to be getting better.  It has it's good and bad days.

Weekly Training Update (Oct 27th - Nov 2nd)

Mon - 40 min elliptical

Tues - 35 min elliptical

Wed - 40 min elliptical

Thurs - off

Fri - 45 min elliptical

Sat - 50 min elliptical + lots of walking at state meet

Sun - off

Weekly Training Update (Oct 20th - 26th)

Mon - 35 min elliptical

Tues - 35 min elliptical

Wed - 40 min aqua jog

Thurs - 40 min elliptical

Fri - 50 min aqua jog

Sat - 45 min elliptical + lots of walking at the xc meet

Sun - off

Weekly Training Update (Oct 13th - 19th)

Mon - 30 min elliptical

Tues -30 min elliptical

Wed -30 min elliptical

Thurs - 30 min aqua jog

Fri - 35 min elliptical

Sat - 30 min aqua jog

Sun - 40 min elliptical

Weekly Training Update (Oct 6th - 12th)

Mon - 25 min elliptical

Tues - 25 min elliptical

Wed - off

Thurs - 30 min elliptical

Fri - 25 min elliptical + 20 min Aqua-jog

Sat - 25 min elliptical + 20 min Aqua-jog

Sun - Walked around the Chicago Marathon (lots of walking)

XC DAC Conference and Lots of Walking

Pretty eventful day today.  The day started with a cross country meet at sunset hill farm in valpo.  It was conference.  I knew is was going to be wet and cold, so I decided to wear a shoe instead of the boot.  This is the first meet I've worn a shoe at.  Fortunately, it seemed to go well.  In fact, the more I walked, the better it felt.  I don't know how far I walked (maybe 2 or 3 miles), but it was probably the most I've done since the surgery.  Also, it was about 37 degrees, and it actually snowed for part of the race.  Pretty crazy since last week it was in the 80s.  Unfortunately, the team didn't race very well. After the meet I went to the Y and got in a good workout (see other post).  It was nice to get out some of the frustration from the meet. 

On a side note, my medial side is still bothering me.  Perhaps I am just over analyzing it, but it seems to be getting stronger, and the pain is not getting worse (I feel like I'm getting better at single leg heel raises, but there is still some pain).  Hopefully it will get better with more PT and time.

Weekly Training Update (Sept 29 - Oct 5th)

Monday - 20 min elliptical

Tues - 30 min aquajog

Wed - 20 min elliptical

Thurs - 15 min elliptical

Fri - 35 min aquajog (25 with belt, 10 without)

Sat - 25 min elliptical, 5 min aquajog, 5 min swim.  Also did a lot of walking at the XC meet (first meet without wearing a boot)

Sun -Off

Same Old - Same Old

Not a whole lot to report.  The medial side pain is still bothering me.  I've backed off the PT a little bit, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.  Starting next week (tomorrow), I am going to start to log my training.

Third Post-Op Doctors Appointment & PT Session (3 month)

Even though I won't hit the 3 month post-op date until next week, Il had my appointment scheduled for this week.  It was pretty early in the morning, so I ended up having to take the day off of work.

When I got there, Doc examined the wound/scar and seemed to think everything looked good (there is still a small scab, but it doesn't seem to be a concern).  He measured by dorsiflexion and recorded the measurements for both feet.  He had me walk around a little bit and do some heel raises.  According to him, everything seems to be going well, and that I should continue to elliptical, and do more of the physical therapy stuff (more on that later).  As for running, it appears that it is still several weeks away.  He said that once I can elliptical for 50 min (5x days a week), I can start to ease into running.

I did talk with him about the new pain on the medial side of the foot.  He did not seem overly concerned about it.  He explained that pain there is somewhat common, and that it will take time before it goes away.  According to his explanation, when they detach the Achilles from the base of the heel, they do not detach the entire Achilles.  The portion that's hurting was likely not detached.  Because it was not detached, and the rest was, things are a little out of sync.  I believe it has something to do with the tightness of the Achilles.  Hopefully in time, things will sync back up and the pain will go away.

After the appointment with Porter (lasted about 15-20 min) I went to PT.  The PT went well.  I ellipticaled for 10 min and then talked with her about moving forward.  She gave me a program to gradually increase my ellipticalling to 50 min (5x per week).  After some calculating, I'm guessing I'll be there sometime around Mid-November.  I am also allowed to start calf stretching against the wall.  This will be my first time doing any type of PT that has involved dosiflexing my foot since the surgery.  I can also start to increase my balancing on 1 foot.  I am going to start standing on a pillow/air-cushion.  I can also continue to use the thera-band.

For the immediate future, the PT lady suggested that I back off from the 1 legged heel raises because it tends to make the new pain I am having increase in intensity.  I will plan to follow this advice, for the next few days, and then slowly get back into it.

Overall, I was pretty pleased with the visit.  I'm glad I was able to get my questions answered (mainly about my pain on the medial side).  It sounds like I am on the right track.  I just need to continue to be patient and trust that in time things will improve.  On a side note, I did ask about skiing this winter.  To my surprise, Porter seemed to be OK with the idea...as long I was able to run.  Based on my calculations, this may be very much a possibility...I'm just trying to not get my hopes up too much.

First Time in the Pool...New Pain Still Bothering Me

It's been an eventful couple of days.  I've been able to get on the elliptical for 3 days (10 min each time) (wed, thurs, and fri), and everything felt good.  Yesterday, was the New Prairie Invite.  It was a long day, and a lot of walking around.  I wore my boot, and I'm glad I did.  Today I went to the Y and aqua jogged for 10 min.  This was my first time since the surgery, and it felt good.  It felt the same as my other foot.

I am a little concerned that the inside (left) part of my heel is still bothering me.  The pain seems to have transferred to that area.  It's been about a week now.  The pain is more towards the base of the heel (I'm guessing it's were the Achilles attaches to the base of the heel, but towards the inside part of the heel.  I have notice that after walking around or doing the PT, it the pain moves north to just below/on insertional point (but on the inside/left).  The pain feels similar to the pain I had on the other side.  For what it's worth, the part of the Achilles that used to hurt feels great.

Last School Day in the Boot (fingers crossed)

I am hoping that today marks the last day of the wearing my boot to school.  I've been alternating days for the past 2 weeks, and I due to be done wearing it.  I got in 10 min on the Elliptical.  I really don't like the elliptical, but it's one step closer to running.

Elliptical - Take 1

I did the elliptical for the first time today.  It was only 10 min, but it felt good.

New Pain Starting to Develop (2 steps forward, 1 step backward)

Overall, things seem to be going well, however, I am having some pain on the other side of my foot.  It is sore towards the inside part of the foot, below the ankle, towards the back by the Achilles.  (See last 2 pics).  It feels similar to the pain I was having prior to the surgery, but on the other side.  I'm not overly concerned right not, but I do want to make sure to monitor it.  I'm hoping it'll get better as I continue to strengthen it, and get used to walking in shoes again.

Feeling More and More Normal (XC Meet & Cutting Grass)

Not much to report, other than things seem to be going well.  The scab is still there.  I am still focusing on the PT, and hopefully it'll continue to improve.  The desensitization is improving as well.  This weekend I have an xc meet, and I also plan to cut the grass (first time since the surgery). 

First Full Day in Shoes!

Today was a bit of a milestone for me.  I went to work in shoes, and it went well!  I noticed that it felt the best after it loosened/warmed up.  If I was sitting for a while, it would be more sore when I would get up to walk around.  I'm still walking pretty slowly, and I'm not too fluid.  I'm sure it'll get better over the next couple of days/weeks/months.  I will wean off the boot every other day for the next 1 to 2 weeks.

Wedding Reception & XC Meet

Today was really busy day, and I was expecting to not hold up as well as I did.  In the morning I had to go to Lansing, IL for the Rich Dust XC meet.  It was really wet and sloppy, so I wore my bad boot.  After the meet, I spent some time setting up the reception hall for the Jodi and I's reception.  I then went over to Ryan's place to grab some food and relax.  I then went to the reception.  I wore the boot because I didn't want to risk anything.  By the end of the day, I was pretty worn out.  The next day, I was expecting to have some swelling around my ankle.  However, it ended up being fine.

Shoes In the Evenings & Scab is Reforming

I'm still weaning off the boot with shoes in the evening.  It's feeling pretty good.  I have noticed that the scab has started to reform (still very early stages).  If you look closely at the picture where the scab used to be, it wasn't fully healed.  Still doing standing heel raises, thera-band work, and self massages.

The Remaining Scab is Gone

It's official, the wound appears to be healed.  Last night the remaining scab came off.  While getting comfortable in bed, my heel brushed against the sheets, and it came off.  I could feel a slight pinch when it happened.  I immediately turned on the light, and took a look.  It seems to have healed nicely, however, there is almost a divot or dent where the last part of the scab used to be.  I'm not sure if this is normal, or if it will eventually heal more.  In the morning, I decided to still put a band-aid on it, just in case I was missing something (I still think I'm paranoid about it becoming infected).  I'll see how it adjusts over the next couple of days.

2 Month Post-Op Overview

It's been a bit of a whirlwind these past 2 months.  The jury is still out as to the ultimate success (or failure) of the surgery, but I am getting more confident as the days pass.  These past couple of days have gone well, and for the first time in 2 months, I'm starting to feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I know I still have a long way to go, but having some of the little successes along the way really make a difference.  Hopefully things continue to improve, and I'm able to get a little bit better each day.

Walking in Shoes - Getting Adventurous

Based on my 6-week post-op check up, I am allowed to start weaning off the boot.  For the next week I am allowed to be in shoes in the evenings.  I experimented this weekend, and it was a challenge.  I was not in pain, but I am still very weak.  I walk very slowly, and it is not fluid.  However, I will say that after 2 evenings of practice, I was getting much more comfortable.  I felt like it was starting to feel normal again.  The PT is continuing to go well, and I think I'm in a good stop.  Hopefully in a week, I can start to alternate boot days and shoe days.

Feeling Good

Things seem to be progressing nicely.  The inflammation went down from the meet on Tuesday, and wound is almost heeled.  I can't imagine it'll be more than a few more days.  In the evenings I've been taking the boot off and doing a little walking around without shoes (not very much at all).  The PT is going well.  The heel raises continue to get easier, and I can feel myself getting stronger.  Overall, I feel like I'm starting to get back to normal.  It feels good.  Hopefully the future continues to be bright.

First XC Meet of the Season

Today was the crown point invite.  This is the first cross country meet of the season.  The girls ended up winning, so that was cool.  As far as my Achilles...it was a little much.  First off, venue (lemon lake) was really wet.  It had rained pretty hard the past couple of days, there was no avoiding the wetness.  Knowing this beforehand, I decided my old worn out boot.  Even though it's not as nice as my normal one, it was a good decision because my nice one stayed clean.  I was a good boy at the meet, and didn't run around or anything.  However, between school and the meet, I was standing on my feet for a long time.  For the first time since the surgery, I could really tell my foot was swollen (I guessing from just being on it for an extended period of time).  On the plus side, it doesn't hurt, and wound continues to improve.

Back to the Grind (First Full Week of School/Teaching Begins)

After a semi-relaxing, but semi-busy weekend (I DJed Satuday night; luckily it was a pretty basic set-up.  It did start to get sore after I stood for a while, so I made sure to take some sit down breaks), I'm back to the school grind.  It usually takes a week or two for my body to adjust.  The past few years when I had been training for the Chicago Marathon, the first week or two back to school really effected my training.  My body is just not in "teacher" shape yet.  Overall, things went well today.  I emailed Dr. Porter an updated picture (see below), and I made a point to indicate the achy portion.  I am almost certain it is just from being on my feet again and teaching.  Hopefully I'll be OK in a few days.  He responded, and said that everything looks good.  Hopefully the final portion heals quickly.

Second Day of School

Well, I made it through the first 2 days.  It was still achy/sore today...pretty consistant with yesterday.  I made a point to sit at my desk more, and explain things while sitting on my stool.  Hopefully I can recover well this weekend, and continue to get stronger.  The PT is going well.  I'm getting better at the heel raises, and the thera-band stuff.  It also seems to be healing nicely.  Hopefully only a few more days with the scab.

First Day Of School

Well, today was the first student day of school.  I wasn't sure how it would go, but it ended up being OK.  As a teacher, you stand a lot, and you are constantly walking around the classroom.  Although I've been on my feet for the past few weeks, this is an entirely new category.  By the end of the day, I could definitely feel my foot.  It was achy towards the base of the heel.  I wouldn't say it was painful, but it was sore.  At this point, I'm not too concerned.  I think it will just take some adjusting over the next few days.  If I notice it gets worse, then I will have to figure something out.  I emailed Dr. Porter a picture of the wound, and he seems to think it's on the right track.  He said that I should continue taking the Keflex and email him another picture on Monday.

Pics (Aug 16-20)

Aug 16th

Aug 18th

Aug 19th

Aug 20th