Therapy That Keeps Me Running

It is unseasonably warm here in Alaska. We are even having to haul in snow for our Iditarod Dog Race. Check out this video from the Associated Press. Unbelievable!  It is Alaska….right?

 

No we don’t have much snow, but we have had plenty of ice! I have gone from running on icy trails to running on ice free roads on absolutely gorgeous days like today.

And the fact that I am actually running still is a blessing! I continue to have heel/achilles problems that have prevented me from getting in the miles or even run as much as I would like. But, Dr E (my chiropractor), as mentioned in my last post, is doing everything he can to keep me running.

A couple of things that he is trying is a combination of ultrasound therapy and low level laser therapy. The former apparently works to:

-relax the tissue

-increases blood flow

– breaks down scar tissue

-decreases swelling

-decreases chronic inflammation

While the laser therapy works on a cellular level to promote healing and prevent chronic problems (this mechanism of action is a little complicated – check out the website for more details).

In addition,  I am doing strength training with the Bosu Ball. Dr E recommends that I complete daily single leg stands starting at 1 minute each leg.

I have not been able to do a full minute without grabbing onto the banister to re-balance myself. Interesting enough, my right leg is much weaker than my left. My left leg is the one with all of the achilles problems!! Hmmmm…..I don’t quite get that.

To also help with strengthening and flexibility, I have returned to my yoga practice. I’m not sure that this can be called therapy, but it is definitely therapeutic. It begins with this view that I see when I walk into Anchorage Yoga. The entire wall is this symbol of Ganesh. Love it.

And the actual room, always so peaceful! And HOT – 105 degrees! But feels so good.

And speaking of yoga, and just a little random side note… I absolutely love this photo of my daughter that was taken during her yoga teacher training graduation.

Okay back to therapy, I mean running…..I am hoping that the combination of everything I am doing, along with a change in diet, and all the hard work will pay off this year. I have so much support including my beautiful daughter shown here (she is the one in the sitting position) and I am sooo looking forward to running the NYC Marathon. It is my dream!