Happy Valentine’s Day! My week started off normally but took a sharp left turn on Tuesday. As I mentioned in this post, I decided to try somatic movement exercises to clear up the lingering pain in my foot. My book arrived…
… and I spent the week reading it and doing the exercises. Full review of the book and process will be coming up! In the meantime, I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Rundown. It was an unusual week but here it is!
Monday
Day off as usual.
Tuesday
Ran three miles, followed by Runner’s Touch exercise and pullups. It was during this run that I listened to the podcast about somatic movement to heal chronic pain. I was able to access the video of the plantar fasciitis routine on the website, and she recommends taking a break from any activity which could be exacerbating the problem, so I reluctantly decided to take three days off running. Then, because the exercises involve loosening the low back, feet, and calves, I wasn’t sure if anything else I was doing (deadlifts, planks) might also interfere with the process, so I made the radical decision to take three days off of all exercise, other than the somatic healing movements. This is where things got weird.
Wednesday
Did nothing other than the eighteen-minute somatic movement routine. I entered into a strange, parallel universe… one where people sleep a little longer, move their bodies in gentle ways, don’t run around outside or lift heavy objects. Who am I? What’s going on?
Thursday
Again only did the somatic movement exercises. To clarify, I’m referring to them as “exercises” but it’s really slow, gentle movements. It’s not strengthening or even stretching. You’re very consciously contracting and then slowly, slowly, sloooooowly releasing the muscle, to re-set the nervous system.
Friday
Day three of nothing other than somatic movement exercises. I literally had a moment of confusion as I was getting in the shower- wait! I’m not all sweaty? Why am I showering again??? Ha ha… funny to think most people live like this all the time!
Saturday
Enough is enough! I ran! Three miles and it felt amazing. There’s nothing like taking a little time off to make you super-appreciative of being able to run. Also did the somatic movement exercises afterwards.
Sunday
Ran four miles, followed by walking lunges and planks. It was a cutback week for sure, for both running and strength. I’m glad I did it, but I’m excited to get back to regular training next week. As I said, I’ll be doing a full review of the somatic movement process soon but I will say one thing- it’s not a magical quick-fix. Darn! That’s what I was hoping for (ha ha.) I’m going to continue to do the routines while getting back to regular running.
Lastly, congratulations to everyone who ran the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon and Half today, including my husband who ran the Half! The weather was beautiful.. .for sitting on the beach. Not so much for running a race, and I feel especially bad for the marathoners. Most of them are finishing in hot, humid conditions. Even with the weather conditions, I’m sad I wasn’t able to run it this year. Well, there’s always next year!
Anyone doing something fun for Valentine’s Day? And who ran the marathon/half today? I’m looking forward to reading some race recaps!
39 Responses
Sometimes that break really does a body good! I’m pretty good with breaks — but not forever.
Ugh! Nothing like a hot & humid race in February! Congrats to your husband.
Yes, a break ca really help but like you said- not forever.
I’m running the FLL Half next year. I deferred last year due to injury and this year due to COVID. Was bummed last year as it might have been the coolest since it slid to January.
Glad you found something that’s hopefully helpful in the long run
Okay, I’m hoping to run it next year too! We’ll see each other there!
The somatic movements sound interesting! I will definitely check out your post when you write it. I’m always interesting in learning about ways to heal the body. I’m sure it felt weird to not work out at all for those few days this week!
Yes, it was really weird- i felt like a different person!
It’s amazing what a short break can do for the body! The movements that you mentioned sound really interesting and I can’t wait for your book review.
Yep, my foot definitely felt better after that break.
I’m really interested in this since I have RA on top of being a runner! So I’m dealing with all kinds of weird chronic pain issues. It’s funny when I take a day off or two; my everyday activities feel so easy, lol! I hope you’re feeling better soon. Damn PF!
I think these techniques are definitely for everyone- your case is a little more complicated with the RA. I’ll get the review up this week!
I will be very interested to hear your review of the book. When I had bad PF, I did take off running for about 6 weeks it was the only way to truly get rid of it for me. I also have to be careful about what kinds of shoes I wear all the time and can’t be barefoot on hardwood floors in the house. Yes, I bet it is weird to find yourself with lots more down time! Hope your foot continues to feel good.
Oof… six weeks off? Nooooooooooo…
Good for you for trying something new. I don’t think I would have the patience for that, but I’m interested in learning more.
Coco, I thought the same thing- that it would be SO BORING. But it’s not- it’s actually kind of mesmerizing in a weird way.
Oh wow, there was an in-person race in Ft. Lauderdale! Is Covid pretty under control there? I haven’t heard of many marathons yet! My husband and I are on state 23 of 50 and haven’t done Florida yet, though I don’t think I could handle that kind of weather for a marathon! Congrats to your husband for finishing!
Hoping the exercises and days off have helped your foot!
If you’re looking to run a Florida marathon (someday) I would recommend finding one in Northern Florida! Here in South Florida you can’t be guaranteed of a cooler race, ever- even in the winter it can be in the 80s.
Congrats to your husband on the half. A hot sweaty race doesn’t even sound fun to me right now! I think the same way – if I haven’t exercised, why am I showering? LOL! Happy Valentines day!
Thanks Lisa! I hope yours was a good one.
Gotta say a hot and humid race sounds like a slice of heaven given the sub-ZERO temps I’ve been enduring forever (or maybe just the past 10ish days or so). I had to laugh at your comment about taking a shower without sweating before …did you really even need that shower LOL
I know- I’m sure my husband would pick the hot race over your sub zero temps!
Sometimes a bit of a break is needed. I’m really interested in hearing more about your book.
Congrats to your husband!
I’ll get the review of the book up this week- it’s really interesting!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
When I had my PF, the only time it felt good was during runs. How’s that for ironic?
I had a local 8K. I want to return to the half, but I am not sure when I’ll have the nerve. Hopefully, later this year.
Congrats to your hubby! I hope he had a great race, despite the weather.
Yes! I’m having the same thing- my foot feels fantastic while I’m running and right afterwards. ???
I’ve been dealing with foot pain for over a year. It sucks.
Boy was it a scorcher today.
Glad your time off worked.
Darlene, what is your foot issue?
Neuroma on one foot which has now caused a hammer toe. Bunion on the other foot.
Started end of Nov, 2019.
Ha, as much as I am disliking this cold weather, I am not ready for hot and humid either. No races here yet for me. I am not sure when I will be ready for them.
One thing my husband said was really unpleasant was, they lined up in corrals and then he had to wait 45 minutes for his wave to go. They were all standing there in the heat with their masks on, ugh. Hopefully we’ll have a different scenario soon.
Ha – I find it odd having a non-sweaty (or freezing cold, at the moment) shower, as I run 4-5 times a week there should be 2-3 times I have that but still feels odd. Well done for having the commitment to doing the exercises, and hope they help.
Thanks Liz. It’s REALLY hard to get in the shower when it’s freezing cold out!
I had a less active week last week too. That book looks really interesting! I would love to be rid of my chronic pain!!
Seems like a lot of people had cutback weeks for various reasons! I’ll let you know all about the book.
It’s so strange when I take time off from workouts, it just seems like there are HOURS back in the day;-) Hopefully the exercises will help.
Yeah, I did seem to have a weirdly huge amount of time in the mornings!
Can’t wait to hear about this somatic movement you speak of. I’m sure a bit of a break does a body good. More than that though, and us runners go crazy! Congrats to your hubby! You’re so right about the weather. It’s been divine for sitting by the pool. My runs have been short and early.
Yes, just a short little break makes us appreciate it even more! A longer break makes us cranky. 🙂
I’ve not heard of somatic movement exercises so I’ll be interested in reading your thoughts in your recap. Doesn’t it feel good to work out again after a few days off, especially when everything just clicks on your run?
Have a great week!
I hadn’t heard of it either, but it’s a really interesting subject! I’m excited to share it… coming up soon.