I need some support

I've had to change some of my goals lately.

Earlier this summer, I was aiming to run a 10K in October for the first time ever, begin sparring at the martial arts center that I've become quite fond of, continue to improve my physical conditioning at the same place through their Mixed Martial Arts fitness program, and just plain, get healthy.

It didn't seem to be an overwhelming list.

Actually, I thought it was pretty freaking reasonable.

Well, today my goals have changed. They need to be SMART goals... lol (Sorry, at work we need to start doing S.M.A.R.T. goals and they are insane... so that is an inside joke that most won't get and others won't really care about). Anyway, they need to be specific, measureable, attainable, relevant, and time bound.

In the medical world, this is what all short and long term goals are broken into. I've created thousands of these for athletes and patients and occasionally pretended to create them for myself. BUT today I realized that I need to start being more specific.

It's the beginning of the year and like most kids going back to school, I needed to get some new "kicks". I wanted to get the Asics Noosa running shoes...

I have last seasons' (they have pink instead of purple at the forefoot) and they glow in the dark. BTW... I HATED them when I bought them. I thought they were hideous, but they felt like slippers!! AND they glow in the dark :) I've fallen in love with them...

But, since my follow-up with the doctor yesterday I've come to the realization that I won't be needing them for a while :(

I'm not allowed to do anything more than cycling, swimming and possibly the elliptical for at least 2 weeks. THEN, I get to return to Kenpo, on a self-limited basis... yes, I had to talk her into allowing this part too. Basically, this means that running is out for a while and that means no 10K, and well, no real reason for the really cool, glow in the dark shoes, right??

I'm having increased sensation in my lower leg and foot, but still have a serious sense of instability when I walk on an unstable surface or try to walk quickly. Being a Physical Education teacher makes this whole thing seem very discouraging. I am trying to get the kids pumped and moving. I am attempting to show them how to do functional training for the Fitness Testing we will be administering, including agilities, jumps, and sprints... without actually being ABLE to perform ANY of that!!! 

I decided that I needed to get some additional support and headed to the store. I did some research and although they have walking shoes with the cushioning I need, even those are seriously lacking in the lateral stabilization I wanted. New Balance has some heavier shoes with wider "heel cups", but me and NB sneakers DON'T get along... at all! 

I tried them twice and both times I ended up with a serious case of plantar fasciitis within only a few days of wear. The last thing I need is ANOTHER source of pain. 

I looked at some soccer turf shoes and although they are pretty cool to look at, and as much as I love adidas products, I still gravitate to Asics. So... I grabbed some pretty cool Volleyball sneakers with an athletic insert to give me the cushion I need with the comfort and support of the shoes I love...

These are similar to the ones I got, but mine are PINK and silver... lol!

The lady at the store looked at me like I had 8 heads, but hell, she doesn't have to worry about falling over when she puts her damn foot down... I do!! These felt awesome! Besides, I figured the only other option I really had was a high-top shoe, and I'm NOT going there! 

Tonight, I think I'm going to lace them up and head downstairs to the elliptical for 10mins or so. I just want to start doing something again. I'm also doing some core stuff to help stabilize the area and prevent more inflammation. 

The doctor seemed hopeful that with some additional weight-loss, progressive exercise program, and ice I should be able to make a relatively safe return to normal. I'm a pretty controlling person and the fact that I can't make this better any quicker is frustrating. I'm just trying to focus on not making it worse and keeping the symptoms down. 

My hubby told me to go buy the Noosa's and put them aside for my return. I might end up doing that. I would really like to continue on the journey I started again this summer... and I even had hopes of eventually completing a 1/2 marathon. I'm not counting myself out right now, but I am going to say that I will allow myself the time and patience to achieve it safely. 

I'm putting one foot in front of the other in my brand new, shiny Pink and Silver Volleyball sneakers :)