Bump in the Road

22 weeks into the training program and I have hit my second significant bump in the road. The first was a herniated disc in my neck around week 8. I was fortunate in that the injury was painful but did not force me to miss any of my workouts. After a few weeks of physical therapy I was back in business.

It doesn't seem as if I will be as lucky with this bump. It seems that everyday brings a new ache or pain. Pain is to be expected when training in excess of 15 hours a week...kind of comes with the territory. Recently I began to experience pain in my big toe on my right foot. I pushed through hoping that the pain would subside only this time it got worse. By Sunday night I was unable to put any weight on the area without significant pain.

Monday morning came and there was no doubt that I would have to see a doctor. Fortunately my wife's friend Jen was able to call in a favor and get me an appointment for Tuesday at a well respected podiatrist. X-rays came back negative for fractures or a break...thank God. However, I do have bone spurs on both of my big toes. These bone spurs coupled with the tight fit of my bicycle shoes seems to have caused some inflammation and swelling.

The Doctor doesn't think that surgery will be necessary as the spurs are minor. He recommends that I avoid bike shoes for a couple of weeks (and also that I get a new larger pair) and stay off of it as much as possible. Additionally I need to utilize a pumice stone to work off the callus. Finally he has also recommended that I get periodic pedicures as preventative maintenance. Looks like I'll be spending some time at the beauty shop with the girls.

Following the appointment I went to the gym to give the bike trainer a whirl. I was able to pedal but only at about 60% effort before the pain becomes unbearable. Following this I knocked out 2 miles in the pool and felt pretty good.

Tomorrow I am scheduled for a 1 hour run and an 85 minute bike ride. My plan is to substitute a swim for the run and to see how the bike trainer goes. Beyond that I plan on taking it day to day.

With any luck I will be back to 100% soon but I will not push it with this one. The race is coming up very quickly and I can not afford to have a major setback.