Achilles Injury #2

So it's hard to believe that it's been three and a half months since my last entry...and my first bout with the achilles!  Of course, being the ever-so-slightly-in-denial-of-the-extent-of-my-injury runner that I was, I did not rest 100% and kept trying to "retrain" my achilles! I ran shorter distances, or slower runs, or a combination of both, but returned much too quickly.  This was after only about a 2 week sabbatical, which was all I was willing to endure.  The result, which was no surprise to anyone OTHER than me was that I reinsured it immediately, and couldn't even run three feet!  Finally, I had to succumb to the enemy known as myself and commit to resting this bugger for at least 2 full months.  This mentally killed me to consider, because I couldn't imagine not being able to enjoy my favorite past-time, mental / spiritual release, as well as physical activity!  It was like a huge piece of my livelihood was being taken; almost like being stricken with a handicap!  I decided that I was NOT willing to sacrifice my wellness and fitness altogether.  I am very aware that since passing the "40 marker" my metabolism shifts quickly when I don't engage in cardio activity regularly.  My muscle tone doesn't sustain like it once did, either, and I shortly feel very "soft".  I thought back to 10 years ago when I worked out 6 days a week, doing a combination of interval training, step aerobics classes and spinning.  As much as I strongly prefer the outdoors, I bit the bullet and joined the local YMCA, which offers zumba, kickboxing, spinning, as well as a full weight and equipment room and heated pool.  I also see this as an opportunity to get out of the house in a town where I literally no no one other than my colleagues, having only moved here 3 months ago!  REturning to spin class was actually easier than I thought it would be and I discovered a VERY challenging instructor, which makes the class quite enjoyable.  After about 2 or 3 weeks, I also decided to try out zumba, which I did once or twice a few years ago.  The Puerto Rican instructor is vivacious and enthusiastic, and prepares intense dance workouts with salsa / reggae music...and I found a new infatuation with Zumba!  As luck would have it, a week later I fell in the shower and cracked three ribs....no, you really can't make this stuff up! I was really depressed to be injured yet AGAIN after just finding enjoyable cardio that doesn't put the impact on the achilles that running does...REALLY??? Out of commission AGAIN?  Yep...another 2 weeks of non-activity.  It really started feeling like a conspiracy lol. But after 2 weeks, I returned to Zumba full throttle and have gotten very good at it.  Thanks to a colleague, I also discovered what has become like a new birth in my life...a 365 acre nature preserve that runs along the beach and has multiple trails to run....for MILES!  The trails are mostly formed out of hard sand and crushed seashells...they are well shaded and wooded, and I found that running on this surface is not at all hard on my achilles.  This is now my favorite spot to spend Saturday and Sunday mornings.  I started with just 3 miles each time, but am back up to 5-6 miles at a time, with NO problems or injury thus far.  Trail running is peaceful and so much more enjoyable than the road...what a bonus...give it a try!!!