Reality cont.

Given my frustration with the inconsistent progress that I have had with ART so far, I decided to try a sports massage. So, today I went for my 1st one (ever - yes, I don't know how I have gotten this far without one so far - well, yes, I do...it's because I'm too cheap - and, yes, perhaps if I had been doing this regularly for "maintenance" then my problems would never have gotten to the point where they are at now).

The massage therapist seemed extremely knowledgeable and everything was focused on the pain that I have been experiencing while running rather than just a general massage to feel good. In a nutshell, my lower legs are a mess. She was extremely concerned about several adhesions that seem on the way to becoming scar tissue. While today was a good start, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. She said that continuing the ART won't hurt anything (except my wallet), but she did recommend further massage sessions to focus more intensely and for a longer duration on the problem areas (which seems to be just about everywhere on the lower legs). She also offered some other suggestions for things to do, such as strengthening my hip flexors to lift my knees higher for better form, icing my legs after I run, stretches for my calves and shins, as well as reminding me about things that I already do and/or know about (e.g., the ban on wearing heels).

I feel so desperate to latch onto anything right now that will offer me hope of getting this problem resolved. This deterioration in my running really affects my daily life, notably my mood (K will attest to that). We're running the Turkey Trot tomorrow morning. I opted to save a few bucks (and some of my pride) and run in the untimed division. The only goal right now is the same as it has been each time I lace up my shoes lately - to have a good, comfortable, pain-free run. I deserve that.

My mom and brother both arrived today to spend Thanksgiving with us. While it is certainly nice having them here, the reality also is that it reminds me how much I love our space. K has been a VGB (very good boy) today and he took my mom for lunch at HomeSlice once she got here since I didn't get off work until a couple of hours later. I'm going to miss him when he's in Ohio Friday-Monday. I don't do "apart" very well.