Without a doubt the Achilles rehab work I went through earlier this year has helped me get through the training ceiling I had reached: since my three week lay off from running and walking ended in late January 2011 there has only been one week where I haven't run. I've also lost a few pounds!
But my calves and Achilles remain tight and the soreness doesn't completely go while out running. The positive is that I can actually keep moving, whereas 6 months ago I'd be brought to a stop. While the current state of affairs would be fine if all I wanted to do was run a few miles a week it's no good for the Marathon des Sables: currently I'd be lucky to get to Checkpoint 2 on day 1.
A new trick I've learnt is keeping my legs outstretched in front of me and placing a Boots frozen cold compress under my Achilles. Twenty minutes of that and I'm up walking around as if nothing has happened . . . until my calves and Achilles seize up again.
That deals with the symptoms, but the cause hasn't been found: I've been trying heel lifts without success and different makes and model of running shoe: the ASICS Gel Nimbus seems to give me the most cushioned and comfortable ride so I'll give these a shot for a while.
Dr. Speight had mentioned some months ago it might be worth my while seeing a podiatrist about orthotics but I'm reluctant to do so considering the expensive waste of time that's been in the past.
I've been sticking to the plan of no more than 3 runs a week and keeping to the 10%-per-week mileage increase rule; on a couple of occasions I've been out with my OMM 32 litre rucksack with a kilo or two to start getting used to it.
For the next couple of months I'll be in double-digit weekly mileage territory so I'll have to see how things hold up.
