I’ve been having some mild pain in my left heel that seems to get worse after every run. I haven’t been taking it very seriously, but it’s been worsening for two weeks.

This morning, I could hardly walk down the stairs, but assumed it would warm up as I started running – as it had been for the past two weeks.

I was wrong.

About a quarter of a mile into my run, I had to turn around and limp home, defeated.

I’m *pretty* sure I’ve got Achilles Tendonitis.  Not sure if it qualifies as chronic or acute, but the symptoms and location seem pretty dead on.  Even the positions and things that give it relief.  Even the causes (increases in mileage and/or hills and/or speed).  So, I’m pretty sure my self-diagnosis is accurate.

That said, I know well enough that rest is the only cure.  And I watch/listen to all of my DailyMile friends go through injuries and pain and console them during their time out.  But I don’t know how I’m going to handle this.  Seriously.

I’m not very good at taking breaks and resuming things that I’m passionate about.  I’m riding the wave of motivation and passion for running right now.  I’m enjoying new distances and speeds and the ease that comes with this level of fitness.  I’m not ready to take a break.

I know I know.  I can cross train. I can ride a bike!  Ugh.

These are the only sidelines I can get on board with.

So far, it’s seriously been 2 days since I last ran.  I felt pretty good after 5 miles on Monday, but yesterday my heel/ankle was swollen and sore.  This morning was worse.  I’m taking tomorrow off, and Friday if it’s still sore, but I do intend to try running Saturday.

Gah.  One day at a time.  One. day.   Tell me this will be over soon and that I can run the half marathon we planned on the 18th.