Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Physical Therapy Dance

Wow, is it April already?  And I haven't posted yet?  So unlike me. 

I'm going to be honest - my heel still hurts and it consumes me constantly.  Sad, but when you can't walk most days and wonder if you will ever run again, it's extremely stressful and causing me to evaluate what I'm doing: If you need something, seek it. If something no longer serves you, let it go.  PT helps some, trigger point massage helps some, but in the end, the pain is still there; combing the internet and reading a million articles which all contradict one another - absolutely has my head spinning.

I cannot say I have always handled this disappointment with grace and gratitude.  I could dive into that deeper but instead just want to say thanks to all those who have been understanding.  It's so hard when we say yes to something and God continues to say no. I wonder if it's a matter of timing, effort, perseverance, or faith. Or maybe God speaks the way I do to my children sometimes when I know they cannot or will not understand or accept my reasons: "Because I said so."

My head hurts - I'm driving myself crazy trying to find the magical cure and my head's had enough!  Most of us listen with our heads; but that's where all the noise and chatter reside. The heart speaks with a quieter voice, yet it says the things we most need to hear - and my heart says it just needs to take a break and let go a little. I am ready for my head to quiet down so my heart can speak up and I need to take a little break from my obsessing over this heel.  I need to focus on eating well, de-stressing, biking and enjoying some of the simple things in life I have not allowed myself to.  After a few weeks, I'll see where I'm at and rethink this madness....

... but I think it's going to make a noticeable difference.  I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime....

My good friend, Matty, has a hilarious blog - seriously, he makes me laugh everyday and beyond just the daily smile on my face, he emails me frequently just to make sure I haven't snapped.  Some days, I'm sure he regrets asking as I fire up my typing skills and send him an earful (and often tearful) reply.  But he hangs in there with me so when Matty decided to do a video dance/singing contest thingie and asked me to participate, I couldn't say no (after an initial anxiety attack!).  If you don't follow his blog, you really must - he will truly make you laugh.

I scoured my brain cavity for something to video about; I can't dance nor can I sing well (just ask my kids!).  I can't run, no running video here.

I can do physical therapy exercises pretty dang well ...  well ok then, so let's do a video about it.

Hopefully this little number will make you laugh...or think to yourself it's the dumbest thing you've ever seen (as my son Brendan told me!  Ha) - either way, here's my submission for the contest:






Awesome, right?  Yeah, I thought so.  Now if you can pleeeeeaaaaseee do me a favor and go over to Matty's contest site and vote for me, I'd greatly appreciate it (I'm begging, folks!).  I'd get to win the most unbelievable prize....(aside from  a million dollars); who wouldn't want a canvas of Matty doing some sort of inner-thigh clam shell exercise while two flamingos are figuring out how to peck him to death?  Oh man, I'd love that hanging in my physical therapy exercise bathroom for total daily inspiration!   Click here to vote
(just don't look at the other videos, ok?)
The much-needed infamous canvass poster
Thanks guys, you're the best. 

Run strong (for me)!

57 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anyone rockin' Men Without Hats gets my vote!

Thomas Bussiere said...

Love the video. Glad to see you staying hydrated. During me past running injuries, I would search the web for answers and it would only make me feel worse with little hope for any kind of recovery. Now, I run further than ever before imagined with no problems. Sometimes the body needs a little time off to heal, but don't give up on your dream or the hard earned level of fitness you worked so hard for. Go ride a bike and hit the gym until the injury has healed.

Teamarcia said...

Darn it! Its said an error occurred, try again later.
Don't worry I WILL! That is the most awesome prize.
I think I need to figure out how to haul Blanche out to CO so we could ride, except she's not a mountain girl like you CO badasses so I'd be deflated and SOL.
Waaaaah to the heel being a constant source of pain both physical and mental for you. I know you know this, but it's easy to forget: you WILL emerge stronger in spite of all this crap. Believe it girl! XOXO

C2Iowa said...

video will not load. looking forward to more post - but you already know that one.

thanks for the new link. vote is cast; too bad the video failed.

Jenn said...

Oh Jeez Jill! I'm on my phone so can't even adequately comment but even on my tiny screen, I got a good laugh!!! I would love to come and hydrate with you!!! And you definitely get my vote:) Happy Tuesday!

Christi said...

That was an awesome video! I think the bike wound really jazzed it up!

Keep on healin'!

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

why limit yourself. take a couple of months off from running and/or thinking about your heel. for some it does take that long or longer for this injury to heal up. stay happy jill.

Evolving Through Running said...

Great video ... you got my vote. I'm with Jamoosh - gotta love a little Men Without Hats.

Sorry that your heel is continuing to misbehave. Really hope you get over the hump and can get back out there running. Pulling for you!

Irene said...

Staying hydrated is VERY important. :)

Hang in there, girly! Sometimes taking the back seat is a good thing, besides, someone else gets to do the driving... Heal thyself!

Matthew Bradford said...

Look how many people love you and your post just went up. You are so good to so many, Jill!

Thanks so much for the shout-out and I can't tell you how much it means. Often times it feels like nobody really cares what I write or who I am and it's great to have found an incredible avenue to meeting special people like yourself.

Thank you, Jill!

Liz said...

Nice video! I've been doing most of those exercises too, but not as elegantly as you. I'm also doing lots of calf strengthening moves to help with the PF, and pilates for my core, which is where the problem all stems from, apparently. Keep strong, I really sympathise and wish you a return to running roon.

Liz said...

Oops, I meant soon. ^^ Doh...

Marlene said...

You have done such a good job of holind your head up high. I'm sure I'd be in rehab by now. :S

Don't give up hope, but I do hope that giving yourself a break from all of this does some good for your soul.

Voted for ya!!! GOOD LUCK!

Anonymous said...

Heel up my runner, non running, injury from afar friend..I'd run strong for you but I can't run! HAHA!!!!!!! Guess I'll be watching Matt run in Denver. Let's go DRINK! LOL

One Crazy Penguin said...

OMG. I'm voting like a million times (can I vote more than once? I'll go check...). My favorite part is the hydration. One must learn to drink ones sorrows away.

Stupid towel needs to learn how to dance.

Sorry to hear that the heal isn't improving. I'm always here if you need an ear :)

chris said...

I always open up your post before I get on the T (no internet) since I know they are long:) Loved the video! OMG, so funny! I was literally laughing out loud in the train! Got my vote, too!

chris said...

OK, Chris is Ana-Maria, darn husband leaving his account open!

Amanda@runninghood said...

I'll be back to vote FOR SURE!!! As soon as I pick up my little gal from preschool. This is the best post of the day so far!!! Love it. You had me smiling big. Love the beer and especially seeing YOU! I feel like I know you so much better now. Way to use your skills...workin it! I'm so impressed with your determination to do what it takes to heal here...wow, you really have your therapy down. :) So I'll be back to comment again after I read the post and vote for you! Love the vid!xo

Ulyana said...

huuuuuuuuuuuuuugs, hope it gets better soon. YES, de-stress and enjoy the little things. I thank my surgery for giving me opportunity to do that, because i'm always "go, go, go". Hopefully, you can enjoy your little silver lining :)

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

I've been thinking about you and hoping things are better. so sorry Jill!

I got an error too. will try again.

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

That is HILARIOUS. Off to vote.

Suzy said...

Proper hydration...that's what I've been missing from my PT exercises. Gonna fix that one. :) Love your video. Off to vote.

Molly said...

holy cow, you are KILLING me with this, you are so funny.

I zeroed right in on the brew, yum.

I have while tile floors in two of my bathrooms, I despise them.

Keep up the good work!!!

I'm off to vote : )

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

Jill you rock!! hahahahahaha!!

Keep that head up! Thinking of you! Will vote too!

ShutUpandRun said...

I voted. Great video, but the scab on the knee is the cherry on top!

misszippy said...

I was going to send you my regular check-in email, but I guess you've done the work for me! Blah, that's all there is. But I like what you're going to try to do. Anything that might help is worth it.

Love the video--will vote right now!

XLMIC said...

I voted for you AND wrote you a postcard ;-)

funderson said...

I've been too depressed about my own not running for a bit to even read any blogs lately, but I'm glad I read yours today. You've been toughing it out this long..I can suck it up a bit..geez...

Jenn said...

I'm back Jillie!! I am so loving your reflections in the first 3 paragraphs! Yes, yes, listen to your heart!!! Relax, destress. It's been such a long road! You need a break. I do understand, I'm not always good at verbalizing that. I'm a fixer and wish I could just fix the whole situation for you. Anyway, I'm praying for peace and happiness for you the next few weeks! I seriously got a great laugh out of this video:)

ajh said...

I'm on my way to vote. Of course you should win.
I think of you a lot and ache for you and your dumb dumb dumb heel. I wish I knew what to do but sometimes it seems like a crap shoot as to what will work and what won't. Hugs - big ones!

Ron said...

sometimes PT of ONLY the foot isnt enough. I find a lot of times the weakness/biomechanics of the hip offer the heal a bad position and therefore gets overworded and WA LA-heal pain. Just a thought.

Lindsay said...

umm. i told my readers to vote for you. so hopefully they listened. i felt bad for you having a unicorn and bear as a friend.

HappyTrails said...

I feel for you, sweet girl. I know the despair you've been feeling. Why does it happen? I don't know - other than life can happen. God doesn't design it, it just happens. We don't like it but I try to remember that good things can always come from the bad even though the good isn't always real clear. I know, following the Graves thing. Will things ever be back to the way it used to be? I don't know, but I will keep trying and you will, too.
Hardship sometimes opens up new and fresh opportunities we may not have explored before. That's my line and I'm sticking with it! Hugs - :-)

Kate Geisen said...

Your video not only made me laugh, but it also gave me some great PT tips. So double thank you!

I know you're so frustrated with the continuing problems...crazy making stuff. Sounds like you're trying to keep (or get to) a healthy perspective. Last year, when I had my thumb pinned back in place and couldn't ride my bike, I was so thankful to have just found running so that I didn't sit around eating food. I hope your bike can be that consolation for you. And if I ever make it out to Colorado, I'm bringing my bike and visiting you and you'll kick my butt with your mad skillz but I'll still have a blast hanging with you.

Jason said...

Might be the funniest thing I have ever seen on a blog. And were you nervous and is the reason you dropped the pencil and then couldn't get it back?

Keep your head up. It is not easy but an answer will show up soon.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Videos are so fun - you look and sound exactly as I would have expected!

Kandi said...

Brilliant!

Coy Martinez said...

Love it! I'll vote!

Anonymous said...

i'm off to vote! loved the video!

:D

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I love your attitude, i need to take lessons from you

A Prelude To... said...

Wow! You are GOOD! I bet your toes will be able to tie those little cherry stems into knots by the time you're done rehabbing :D

Connie said...

I just found your blog today and it feels like perfect timing. You described exactly what I've been feeling over the past month while suffering through an IT band injury. Thanks, your video made me smile too :)

Bubble Boy said...

You make PT seem so FUN! Of course I voted for you. Loved the video and the rolling acknowledgements at the end! Sorry to hear the heal is slow, but you will run again!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Thanks for the kind words about Boston, we're gonna have a blast!

Aimee said...

I am so sorry that your heal is still giving you so much pain. I really wish I could send you the cure so that you could be healed b/c I know how frustrating it must be. But, I think your new outlook is awesome. And, I can relate to it completely b/c I've been dealing with this IT band injury too. Injuries just suck!

The video is hilarious! I am totally going to vote for you! :)

Black Knight said...

Done! I voted for you and I didn't have a look to the other videos.
What a pity I cannot also vote Jill for President because I live in another country.

Katie said...

That video is awesome!! Love it :D Off to vote :)

DRog said...

At least you are still laughing! sometimes anyway:)
way to hang in there find the positives....now...gotta vote!

D

Mikey B said...

Knowing exactly what you mean. My head says "run", but the foot says "No" and all you can do is pray for change. Or at least a reason "why?". I'm not sure who will recover first, especially after this week's relapse. Perhaps I will take up a new sport like midget rodeo or cat juggling.

Praying for the day we can both run the same race.

Mikey B

Chris K said...

I just voted 984 times for you Jill. It took me 47 minutes, but you begged. Jill says, "Jump", Chris K says, "How high Jill"?

WTF with that heel?! I'm reminded of the time I went to a woo woo personal growth retreat. The Facilitator said, "What you resist, persists". Interesting.

Adrienne Langelier, MA said...

Oh, that's great!!

Positive thoughts go out to you and the ahem, heel!

Matty is from Houston too. Sweet:)!

Thanks for the kind words on my blog.

Jen said...

I'm so sorry about your heel. That's a really long time to be injured!
I've been doing similar exercises. And they are harder than they look!

Anne said...

I should have read this sooner because voting is closed. Great sense of humor ... keep doin' The Safety Dance.

The Green Girl said...

I kept trying to figure out how to vote and then I saw Anne's comment that voting was closed. Sorry I was too late!

Average Woman Runner said...

Thanks for your comment about the Brooks. I'm not sure about the heel fit on the adrenaline - I'll try to get a sense of that when I put them on tomorrow. I do know that the Ghost that I'm wear testing right now is being demo's because they changed the heel cup! I think they were making it more snug but I don't know for sure? Anyway, if you liked the Ghost, I would try on a pair later this fall or whenever they come out with their new line of Ghosts because if they get positive feedback from this test, it seems like they're bound to have a new heel.
So sorry about the PF. I had to take a year off from running while I was in college to rest my heel :( I still feel it creep up now and then so I have to be careful to stay limber. I'm hoping that the barefoot running ( just a few minutes each week) and new foot-strike keep that and the ITB inflammation at bay.
Good luck. Love the video!

Steel Springs said...

Awesome video. I love the Safety Dance! Good luck with that heel. Hang in there.

Raina said...

Berndan has a job with me if he's ever free for video editing!

Oh, how did i miss this post? I think it was up and then it was taken off and reposted or something. Darn!

I just want to say that the first part....the second paragraph...I can really relate to.

Hope you are doing well tonight, Jill. Hugs!