Day 9 - Plantar's Pee-Nuts

Thanks so much everyone for your support and comments on my last couple of posts!  It means a lot to me, so keep them coming.  I often will respond, so you may want to check back occasionally.  On to today's post...

Say it with me, "Plantar Fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is overly stretched. A number of factors can contribute to this. It is more common in women (of course), and you're more likely to have this condition as you age or if you are...

• Are overweight.
• Take up a new form of exercise or suddenly increase the intensity of your exercise.
• Are on your feet for several hours each day.
• Have other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Tend to wear high-heeled shoes, and then switch abruptly to flat shoes.
• Wear shoes that are worn out, with weak arch supports and thin soles.
• Have flat feet or an unusually high arch.
• Have legs of uneven lengths or an abnormal walk or foot position.
• Have tight achilles tendons, or "heel cords."

So there it is folks, everything in bold applies to me. The good news is that the worst thing that is going to happen is that I will be in pain.  I was really worried that it was a sprain or tear, so if I had to choose I guess this would be it.  The doctor advised that I rest my foot, avoid the treadmill, and stop hiking.  I was like, ummmm I'm gonna hike.  Then the doctor was like, "Keep to flat surfaces."  FLAT SURFACES!  I laugh in the face of flat surfaces <insert evil chuckle.> I'm going to hike with group as usual, go at my own pace, tape my foot, try my new trail shoes, ice it nightly, and stretch it regularly throughout the day.  If it becomes unbearable I will make other adjustments but not until then.  This is just something I really want to conquer.

TODAY'S EPIC EVENTS

• I got a package in the mail from my wife containing my new iPod loaded with a special Fitness Ridge Playlist she made!
• I reached a new speed and level on the bike during Cardio (18 mph / Level 15)
• Chocolate covered strawberries...nothing more to be said.

Since there are no pics for today, here's a little something different for your entertainment, or at least mine :)

YOU KNOW YOU ARE AT THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT WHEN....

1. Cherry flavored GasX sounds like a tempting midnight snack.
2. You find yourself hoarding almonds, apples, bananas, or all three just in case you get hungry.
3. The contents of your make-up drawer now consist of duct-tape, Glide, Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Band-Aids, Neosporin, and Biofreeze/IcyHot.
4. On your way to lunch you pass at least 5 people wearing a silver version of the Hugh Hefner robe.
5. You demand to see the Chef because you're certain that the girl next to got a larger piece of dessert.
6. It's 58 degrees, your given the choice of Mountain Class or swimming...you run to get your bathing suit.
7. A fight breaks out in the dining hall over a bottle of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce.
8. You ask, "What's that smell, " and realize it's you.
9. At least once a day you hear, "Ohhh, I like your stretch pants!" or "What kind of bra are you wearing?!"
10. You are mid-squat on the seated leg press machine, sneeze, and pee your pants...OK, maybe that one was just me.