I know, dear blog, I haven’t updated in a while, but really! A lot has been happening! I promise from here on out to keep you posted!
So what’s been going on? I completed yet another round of P90X. Still not seeing the results I want to see, but geez! I am strong! I’ve seen some progress on my log, but no physical difference. I’m a little disappointed about it, but, hey…I’m not going to bug out about it. I’ve been where I am weight-wise for the past…year (?) and it doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere so I’ll let it hang around for just a bit longer, then it’s outta here.
Running! You might remember I seem to have a problem running. I believe I have chronic exertional compartment syndrome but is it worth going to see a doctor and getting an official diagnosis? I’m not sure. It’s not like I HAVE to run, although I do enjoy it once I get past the pain. It doesn’t always happen, however, sometimes I have to cut my run short because my feet just won’t work anymore due to circulation and nerves being cut off.
Very simply put, chronic exertional compartment syndrome is where the fascia surrounding the muscle isn’t elastic enough to allow the muscle room to expand during exertion. Usually happens in the lower leg or forearm. In my case, of course, it’s the lower leg. Sometimes the muscle can herniate through. If you remember one of my earlier photos after running, I have that very thing going on. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. I tried running in my 20’s but had the same problem. Of course, back then, I just thought I needed more training, but it hurt too bad and didn’t continue. Back then we didn’t have computers, the internet and Google. I know, hard to imagine. But now, thanks to Dr. Google, I’m pretty sure of what it is.
A proper diagnosis would require an invasive procedure in which needles are stuck into the compartments to test the pressure, both at rest and after exertion. I’ve heard it hurts a lot. Not that I’m worried about that, but if it is compartment syndrome, apparently the most effective treatment is surgery. I’m not sure it’s worth it, although it would be nice to know what it’s like to run without the pain and burning in my lower legs.
So, I’m not writing to whine about it! I’m writing because although I’m not sure I’ll ever be a long-distance or fast runner, I have managed to enter two races: my first one was a 3K just to see if I could do it. My second one was a 6K. That one was actually easier!
The 3K, being only 1.86 miles, had a lot of hills (killer on those outer shins!) and I ended up with shin splints because I didn’t stop to massage my calves and shins along the way. I pushed as much as I could to where I could barely walk, but I finished!
The 6K was much easier because after about 1 mile, I stopped to massage my shins and calves and it was a mostly flat course in downtown St. Louis. And after 2 miles, my shins and calves quit hurting! A miracle! Like I said, some days are good runs.
Here are a couple videos about the races.
This one is the 3K:
This one is the 6K: