Hi guys!
My name is DanO, I’m 23 years old and recently suffered a setback in this year’s Boston marathon training with the onset of Achilles tendinitis. This is an incredibly difficult injury to cope with and I have approximately a month to figure out whether I’ll be running.
I’m using this blog to reach out to sufferers and to those with the knowledge and resources to help me heal and recover in the fastest and safest way, as well as to reach out to others for support and advice.
Today is Sunday, March 18th - about the 4th week of active rest - and I’ve been stretching, rocking the elliptical, weight training, and aqua jogging about 6+/- days a week with absolute NO-road running.
It’s my DARN right Achilles that has been sore and worse has been it’s progress back to full health. Right now I’d guess I could run about 3 miles on the road light before the shooting pains start up and thus why I’m off the roads completely and letting it heal faster without the impact. I know I’m in a lot better “achilles condition” than a lot of you (you rupture folks, I envy your persistence and bravery!) but for me I’m so disappointed and almost heartbroken by this injury.
The reason being has been I’ve taken the indoor season off to really commit to my Boston - first ever - marathon endeavor. But as lesson learned with us inexperienced, young guns was that I’m not invincible. I ran through pain, I ran with old shoes, and my body rejected the impact I was forcing upon it.
And so know here is where I stand. For the next 2.5 weeks I’ll remain indoors to active-rest activity. The marathon is approximately 28 days from today and I so desperately want to run. I’m using KT tape for support, going to work in comfortable shoes, and WISELY (a little TOO late) working out in the Brooks Launch brand new pair unlike my incredibly worn-out, ill-supportive Saucony rides. Please advise on any exercises, stretches, or techniques to follow for recovery or ask anything.
I love the feedback and I’ll be exploring through other blogs to view posts and comment where the help is needed 
7 responses so far ↓
mljackson60 // Mar 18th 2012 at 9:30 pm
I’m sorry. It sounds like you have been taking it as easy as possible. Have you seen a doctor? Any advice there?
sirdaniel421 // Mar 19th 2012 at 1:05 am
thanks mljackson60 - I’ve been meaning to see a doctor but have been so busy with work and other activities that it hasn’t been on the top of my priority. I’ve bumped it up on the list and should be seeing le one quite soon! arrgggghh
Leni // Mar 19th 2012 at 8:37 pm
Hi DanO, I’m curious to see what your Dr advises. I too am a runner & had tendonitis in my right achilles…for about 3 months before it ruptured. I only layed off it for 2 weeks before I caved and started running again. The pain really wasn’t that bad so I ignored it…bad idea! Not wise to ignore this problem! I know it’s a huge bummer to miss this race but it’s can’t be worse than enduring the slow progress of a full rupture. Good luck & keep us posted..Maybe your youth will be a positive factor.
ryanb // Mar 20th 2012 at 10:43 am
Something to consider: I spent quite a few years racing bicycles. On several occasions, we had new riders join our club/team- runners who were suffering from injuries and/or tendonitis. Usually, their doctor had told them to lay off the running for an extended period of time; or even “forever”.
Without experience on the bike, they’d usually start out a little clumsy. And, they lacked some of the specialized muscle strength. But, both of those things develop very quickly, and invariably, those guys developed into very strong bike riders. Their cardio base, knowledge of training principles, nutrition, etc. transferred directly to the cycling world very well. Some of them went on to be more accomplished cyclists than runners.
That’s probably not a whole lot of help right now; but I’m hoping to help you accept that even in the worst possible circumstances, there will be good options and opportunities available to continue athletic pursuits.
ali // Mar 20th 2012 at 2:55 pm
DanO , amongst other things, I had an assessment by a podiatrist, who prescribed some inserts/orthotics which helped. Not saying it will get you on the marathon, but its worth considering even just to rule out any underlying biomechanial problems.
myfy77 // Dec 27th 2013 at 3:47 am
I know DanO’s post is a little older but I’ve a similar issue. This past Sunday my left Achilles started to hurt at mile 13 of a training run. I’ve never had a problem before but I would bet I have been over training and not taking enough rest. I’m a whack job sometimes! So I guess my question to anyone with a similar experience is this: I’m walking with no pain now, I’m icing multiple times a day, heat therapy with massage in the morning, and I’m taking a break from running. When can I expect to do a test run and is it even remotely possible that I can run the Boston Marathon in April? And yes, I will be calling my doctor first thing tomorrow. I truly appreciate any advice anyone had to offer.
kimc // Dec 29th 2013 at 11:10 pm
myfy77
I’ve been a runner for 37 years and recently had surgery for chronic tendonosis. If you this is your first instance of Achilles pain while running, that is positive. I think you will be able to run Boston. If you qualified for Boston, then you’ve got lots of running under your belt.
You’re walking without pain. Great! Take a few more days off, then try running again, but just an easy few miles. Don’t try to jump back in where you left off. You’ll lost more time from training by doing too much, too soon. Tendonitis easily becomes chronic, so listen to your Achilles and give it the rest or easy return it needs. Remember: you can’t hurt yourself by doing too little right now.
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