I went to the gym yesterday and put in 20 minutes on the bike. I had every intention of doing 30 minutes, but my wife was waiting for me downstairs with my daughter and biking is boring (I'm sure I've mentioned that before). So, I got a pretty hard workout in.... but not terribly long. If biking has to be my only cardio workout, I'll make it work. But, I'm not there yet....
That brings me to my next update. I went to the doc this morning to talk to him about my foot/heel problems I've been having. I was much more impressed with him today then I was the previous visit. I think the main difference was that he had time for me. I guess being a doctor is just like any other job. If you are too busy, it's tough to do a good job. The only difference (in my mind) is that people's life/health are on the line if you don't take the time as a doctor.
Anyhow, good news and bad news. First, the doc told me to run. Interesting... And, he ordered blood work to rule out anything biological (rheumatoid arthritis... and some other things that I don't remember). So, I have to go get blood work done and then go back to the doctor in 2 weeks. In the meantime, it's alright if I run as long as I'm not hurting myself.
Then, if the blood work is negative, I will go to a physical therapist to look at my foot strike and see if I need an orthotic.
I'm encouraged and confused all at the same time. If I go running and get sidelined for a long period of time, I'm gonna be upset. But, it sounds like I have a green light from the doc. Ugh... I can't wait until I get this blood work so that I can go to the physical therapist.
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Yes, I agree that the stationary bike can be dull & uninspiring. Do you ever watch TV or listen to music to try to make it more interesting? At any rate, it gets the job done!
Do you have access to an indoor pool? If so, maybe swimming could be another alternative for you.
Well it's kind of surprising that the doc gave you the green light to run, especially after what you wrote earlier about your foot/heel problems. I guess this is good news, right? Of course, the trick now is to run very carefully, so as to not further aggravate your foot/heel problems!
Hopefully the blood work will come back negative so you can get your foot checked out.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
The gym doesn't have a tv/radio connected to the bike. But, I do have an mp3 player that I can bring along. That will probably help.
Unfortunately... I don't have access to a pool.
Yeah, I'm surprised I've got the green light too. I kinda feel like the doc doesn't understand running much. That's why I'm very interested in going to the physical therapist. A buddy of mine is already going to the same place I would be going and he says that they are pretty tuned in.
Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed. My toes and fingers are crossed.
I think you need to continue to listen to your body.
If you think "Hey this kind of feels serious". Then it is.
The doc said you can run, but if your foot does not say that, then don't.
Right you are Nate. Excite Biking it is. Bleh
Hey Eric,
I'd agree with Nathan. As tempting as it would be to listen to the doc and "run through it", I'd pay close attention to what your body is telling you and rest up a while longer.
I'm the same as you - nothing can replace the feeling of running, but I would explore an elliptical machine and/or a rowing machine if you have access to them.
Try mixing it up a bit on the bike. One minute easy, one minute hard, one minute standing etc etc. It may help to pass the time.
Also, how about pool running? Many pools will loan you an aquajogger to allow you to "run" in the water - not the most interesting exercise, but hey, it's not biking!
Good luck and I hope you're back in action again soon. I know how frustrating being injured is, but please listen to your body...
--Steve
I second Nate & Steve's advice! They've both got some excellent workout ideas! After all, the goal is to still be able to get some fitness benefit without aggravating your injury.
Just thought of something else I've done in the past. Set up a small circuit training plan with maybe 5 or 6 exercises - dumbbell curls, push ups, dumbbell flys, crunches, dumbbell presses, back extensions.
Do 10 reps of each with NO rest in between exercises. Rest 30 seconds and then perform 11 reps of each. Rest another 30 seconds and finish with 12 reps of each exercise. This will certainly get your heart rate up and give you a great strength/core workout too.
Have fun...
--Steve
Eric . . . Did you notice if your doctor walked with a limp or not? :~)
If so, should we re-consider the 'it won't hurt you' advice?
- Bill
steve.... I really like that circuit idea. I may go to the gym and do that right now. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a pool though.
corey... thanks for the support, as always.
bill... Now that you mention it... he did kind of walk with a limp. lol. You crack me up.
You're all right. I know better than anyone what it feels like. I'm gonna take some time off (at least until I get to the physical therapist) and just cross train for a while.
Excellent! Let me know how it goes. It always kills me the first couple of times I do it, but your body soon gets used to it. You can either add weight, increase the reps or tag on another circuit to make it more difficult.
Good luck...
--Steve
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