ASTYM = Back to Running!!

I finally went to a sport's medicine doctor to figure out what is going on with my ankle and foot.  After some X-rays, it was determined that nothing appears to be broken.  I was diagnosed with tendonosis.  The tendon running from my little toe to my knee appears to have scar tissue built up.  The doctor sent me for ASTYM from a Physical Therapist.  I was very nervous for my first treatment, as many people (including the doctor) told me it was quite uncomfortable.  It actually wasn't as bad as I expected.  After a warm up and stretching, the PT did a sort of deep tissue massage using these plastic implements.  Afterwards, I did some more stretching, an ultrasound on my ankle and foot, and electric shocks on the area.  The therapy was on the Friday at the start of the Labor Day weekend, and on that Saturday I was able to go for a mile and a half walk (with 4 runs of 50 paces).  Then on Sunday, I went on a 2 mile walk/run (alternating 50 paces at a walk and 50 paces at a run).  Monday (Labor Day), I went on a 7 mile bike run and then did the 1 1/2 hr P-90X yoga workout.  Tuesday, I ran 2 miles....running the whole way.  I slowed down my pace a bit on the first mile, but I was closer to my usual pace on mile 2.  Wednesday, I returned for a second ASTYM, and then I was able to run 3.1 miles on Thursday.  Another ASTYM on Friday (this time on my knee-hip area), and today, Saturday, I went out for my first long run in a month!! I was able to run 10 miles.  I ran a bit slower than I would usually run, but I was actually a faster pace than I had been doing on my long runs using the run/walk stategy.  Today I ran and tried to keep my pace around 11 or jus under per mile.  I ended up with an average pace of 11:01.  This is within the suggested pacing guidelines for my long runs, so I am happy with this performance!!  My ankle and foot felt tight at times, but I never had more than a little discomfort.  I truly enjoyed being out there again....especially just getting out there to run and not worrying about the pace.  I now feel that I will be able to complete the half marathon, 15K, and full marathon that I am signed up for this Fall!!  I am hopeful that I can now return to following a schedule of runs.