I have always been very active. Exercise doesn't exist for me but playing soccer, running track/cross country, playing volleyball, raquetball, rollerblading, I love it all. As a physician assistant, I continued staying active as an adult. I had joined a semi-pro women's soccer league when I began having foot pain.

My fears were validated when the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis was confirmed, November 2005. My running days were over--it hurt to stand much less walk. My pain became so severe that I would try anything for relief. After $6000 for out-of-pocket expenses (not covered by insurance) for everything from cortisone steroid injections to acupuncture, foot massage, rolfing, I finally tried wearing ortho boots (up to my knees) for 6 months! I lost 15 pounds of muscle weight and was very depressed with my situation. I finally consented to surgery when one boyfriend witnessed me falling to the floor after getting out of bed and refused to accept this as 'normal for me upon getting up first thing in the morning.

I was eager to put the pain behind me and had surgery April 2008. I continued to wear my "stormtrooper boots" as my patients termed them when I returned to work.

A few months post-op, I was still having pain and was very frustrated. I ran into my surgeon and I'm sure he got a mouthful when he asked how I was doing. He mentioned that I could have a nerve entrapment in both feet and that may be why I was still having pain, but in a different pattern.

I again went through various treatments and realized I wasn't getting better. This time, I had surgery only on my right foot in March of this year, 2009. I returned to work on my 'scooter', a kneeler that was a cool contraption and then resumed the boot for a few weeks.

As my right foot continued to improve, so did my left. I'm not questioning why anymore, just happy that they're getting better. I again encountered my surgeon while working and he asked why I wasn't running if my feet were better. He suggested I may need to push it a bit and force my feet to remodel.

So I began running in June and worked up to 1.5 miles twice a week with a few days of recovery after each run. A friend of mine had mentioned she was going to do a triathlon, a goal I'd set for myself 10 years ago. I mentioned this to the surgeon and he said I'd probably have pain afterward but mentally, it would be good for me.

That was Thursday, July 16th. I talked to my friend, Suzy, that night and realized there were 3 hours until the internet deadline and I signed up.

Swimming was very good for me as a stress release when my feet began hurting and a week prior, I had fixed up my bike and taken it out for 6 or 7 miles. This was my only 'preparation' for the triathlon.

Suzy and I did a 'pinky swear' before the race began. My verbal goal was to finish but, personally, I wanted to complete the race in less than 2 hours. My time was 2 hours and 50 seconds but I was very proud of myself! Suzy, true to her pinky swear, stopped and rested, then walked with me, when my feet began hurting and then went numb.

I was very glad that I'd spoken to my surgeon or I'd have probably stopped the race. Now, I will cross triathlon off my list and will be signing up for another one next month. The sense of accomplishment for anyone is great. I'd given up on my dream in the last few years and was proud to wear my numbers for an extra day...I just 'pretended' the ink wouldn't scrub off. Truth is, I didn't try that hard! :)

Jennifer from Florida

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