I shared yesterday that the second half of my training run went amazingly well. Little to no pain. However there were a few miles in the first half that were very painful. I couldn’t figure out if it was something small, an overuse injury, or worse!?
Post run, I have been icing, rolling the bottom of my foot, and resting (as much as a stay-at-home mom) as much as possible.
This morning, I wrangled the crazy crew and we headed to the big city to our nearest Fleet Feet (Sacramento). I met a young lady who had a listening ear (and was graced with patience as my three boys were in FULL EFFECT exploring the store!).
I explained to her when I started getting foot aches and pains (the MOMENT I began running in my Kinvara 3’s that I purchased online). I told her I only ran in those shoes for long runs… and 4:5 of my long runs have had pain of some sort (foot/ankle/knee).
She watched me run and my gait wasn’t an issue. She assured me that I am a “neutral runner with relatively good form.” (Not bad for attempting to run with a smidge of pain). Her suggestion was a possible defect in the shoe that I purchased. (I agreed). I tried on the Saucony Kinvara 4 (the shoe I was previously running in with no issue) in a half size bigger. I felt immediate satisfaction. There was cushion and support.
I did what most marathon guru’s say NOT TO DO… I bought a new pair of racing shoes 2 weeks before race day!
While there, she performed pressure point trigger therapy on my left calf (the same side as the foot that ached). It hurt good. So much so that in just a few short moments, I felt immediate relief and less pain!! Perhaps a tight calf was part of the problem!?
I seriously wanted to HUG her I was so happy!
When I got home, I was checking out my shoes. I also noticed that there was a markable difference between the two models (just a year off). The Kinvara 3 had a loose seam (not sewn to the shoe but flapping and bulging to where my owie spot was). The Kinvara 4 was sewn into the shoe. Perhaps this slight bump over the miles caused tendon inflammation and pain?!?
Tomorrow morning, I will be rounding up the troops for another lesson in grace, patience and humility as I visit a local chiropractor. It is my hope that he will take a look and evaluate my foot. I am confident that my pain isn’t a serious one… nothing broken or fractured. But I am hopeful that he will be able to provide some relief and aid in helping me be on my feet running again!
I can already tell that my foot is feeling better. I am resting, icing, rolling, and will be doing the trigger point therapy on my calf again tonight!
Heather @ Not a DIY Life says
The Kinvara line has been MY shoe since they came out. But when I got the Kinvara 3, something wasn’t right. So much do that my heels were bloody even after 2 miles! I switched to the Virratas & love them. I’m glad to hear that the 4s are better for you. I might have to try them.
My chiro had done trigger point therapy on me. I love it!
Rachel says
Yikes!! That is the SAME report I have been hearing (since sharing my dislike of the kinvara 3 with others). I was shocked. I DO like the Kinvara 4 and had no issue with them. The Virratas are good too… but a bit TOO minimalist for me 😉
Jen M says
Glad to hear that you got some relief from the pain and that you have some new shoes! I hope the chiropractor helps tomorrow!
Steph says
Hugs! I’m glad you’re getting answers! I know rolling the heck out of my legs has been helping me the last few days so hopefully it’s something that’s easily fixed and forgotten by the time you toe the line. Good thing you’re in taper mode!!
Laura P says
Wow, it’s amazing how the right pair of shoes can make such a difference! Glad you are getting everything worked out.
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Never tried Trigger Point, but I’m so glad to hear your pain is better! How simple a thing can wreak such havoc! I wish we had a Fleet Feet near me. That place sounds amazing!