YOU’RE FIRED

No, this is not about the election.  Although I had a dream last night that they had decided to count every single vote again, and we were going to find out who really won today.  CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE???

And what about those poor people still counting votes in Georgia?  I picture them finally getting to the end and then someone says “Now we’re going to start all over again.” 

Anyway… this is actually about my doctor.  I’m still not running, but that’s not his fault (entirely).  My foot is better than it was but not better enough to start running.  As a matter of fact I’m confused about what’s actually wrong with it.  It seems like it might be plantar fasciitis AND something else as well.  Obviously it’s very frustrating, and to top it all off I’m now looking for a new doctor.

I’ve been going to the same sports chiropractor for years.  There are actually two doctors in that practice that I see, and one of them I like better than the other.  The one I like better is hard to get an appointment with (this time I was going to have to wait over a week) so I saw the other one.  I figured since I was mainly there to get shockwave treatments, I figured it wouldn’t matter which doctor I saw.

But I was WRONG.

In the course of our discussion, he suggested that when I’m back to running again, I should think about replacing one of my running days each week with cycling or swimming… because “running is bad for your joints.”

Wait a minute… WHAT?  I’m paying this guy (plenty) to get me back up and running, and it turns out he’s ignorant on such an important subject.   In this article, exercise physiologist Janet Hamilton puts it this way: “Joints are meant to move. And running is arguably one of the most natural movements you can do as a human.”

Well put, Janet!  Of course there are circumstances where you might be putting too much stress on your joints, like running with poor form or muscle strength imbalances, but overall running is beneficial.  I know not everyone will agree with this, and I don’t need everyone to agree with this, but I do need a doctor who agrees.   While I’m trying to figure this all out, there’s been plenty of this:

I’m trying to appreciate all the good right now- the election is over, the holidays are coming up, and I’m still able to be very active.  I have a good life… it’s just missing that extra sparkle that running gives it.  But, I’ve been through this before and I know it will pass.  My foot will heal and life will be sparkly again.