Amanda's Story:
In March of 2015, I was getting excited for spring and to go to New York to work the Tribeca Film Festival. I was running on the treadmill everyday, as I had done since I was 17, and suddenly started noticing a shooting pain in my right heel. I didn't think much of it however, and arrived in New York, very eager to run along the Hudson River, my favorite thing to do when I used to live there. I made it a couple minutes before I realized my form was out of whack and started feeling pain in my right hip, as well. I spent the next two months working long festival hours on my feet, and running around the streets of New York in sandals, with no idea it could be a chronic injury.
I moved back to Chicago that summer and decided to Google it, diagnosing myself with plantar fasciitis. I made an appointment for a consultation at Athletico, and after seeing an orthopedic specializing in sports medicine, my diagnosis was confirmed and I was prescribed to physical therapy. I was instructed to start each session with about 10 minutes of foam rolling. I had to hold back tears as I foam rolled my IT band, because my plantar fasciitis was causing me to limp, causing pain to my hip and entire lower body. My physical therapist focused on gaining strength in my glutes and ankles, in order to release pressure from my heel when walking.
I was very discouraged at times because most people I talked to told me that plantar fasciitis never goes away. I had signed up for the 2015 Chicago Triathlon, but couldn't do it as I was unable to run. I decided to try yoga, and after about a month I was starting to see the pain slowly slipping away. I did hot yoga almost everyday and that combined with physical therapy started to make me hopeful that I may run again.
After a one year break from running, physical therapy and hot yoga, I ran along Lake Michigan in May of 2016, sending pictures to my family along the way, and was able to do the 2016 Chicago Triathlon. Looking back, I am very proud of myself for being so patient, and not allowing myself to return to running until I was pain free, and for dedicating at least an hour out of each day to do my physical therapy exercises. My injury has taught me how important stretching is, given me great appreciation for yoga and taught me that recovery does not happen over night, so do not get discouraged.
If you'd like to contact Amanda about her story, email info@enrgifitness.com and we will connect you.