The last couple of months have been difficult for running. Since I had my toenails removed, I have been experiencing pain along the inside (medial) aspect of my right leg. One doctor thought it might be tendonitis and might have been caused by not resting long enough after having the nails removed. Of course, this opinion was rendered in the surgeons lounge and basically consisted of me telling him I thought I ran too soon after removing the nails and stressed something. I had a lump on my leg. When he pushed on the lump I had pain. Tendonitis.
This made sense to me; I ran three days after I had the toenails removed, and while the nails have given me no problems since their removal (until they grew back and turned purple again!) I figured I probably changed my stride without even realizing it, which may have stressed the tendons.
Two months later, the pain is getting no better. My mileage is down and my pace is at least a minute longer, sometimes more, than what I usually run. Ice and Ibuprofen helped to a certain degree.
I delayed going to the doctor. Basically, I knew what the quack was going to say: Stop Running. For awhile.
Three days for me is awhile. Six weeks–I may as well just slit my wrists.
Well, long story short (too late!) I ended up getting an MRI. My tibia is cloudy–there is edema or swelling indicative of a tibial stress reaction. This differs from a stress fracture in so much as they don’t actually see a fracture.
The doctor told me to stop running for at least six weeks.
I asked if I could get another opinion.
He told me my nails were ugly too.
So what am I supposed to do for SIX freaking weeks. He told me to try swimming. I actually enjoy getting in our pool–after I run. It helps me cool off! But enjoying the pool for me involves laying on my inflatable Penn State raft and tanning.
So send the guy with the gimpy leg into the pool. Is he trying to drown me?
I could take up the stationary bike. I don’t know where I’d take it, because I hate that. I hate indoor exercise of any sort, unless it involves typing on my computer.
My family is taking bets on how long I will be able to last. Today is ONE WEEK.
I swam thirty laps in the pool without dying, but I did get a Charley horse in my other leg. Great! Now I won’t be able to walk!
I guess I’ll just have to ride my stationary bike . . . to NOWHERE!
I’m betting that I won’t make six weeks.
It might come down to choosing between leg pain and losing my mind.
And I don’t have much left to lose!
theeyelife 
Check out water aerobics or water walking classes at the local Y. This is what I do 2-3 times per week and it’s a great workout. It’s a girly thing in a sense but occasionally men join especially former athletes who appreciate what being in water while exercising can do for you.