What did I do?

Mike said:

I sprained my ankle on May 1st, with swelling on the inside reaching to the
arch. My sneakers (not running shoes) showed wear on the heal; evenly
between the inner and outer. Does this mean I pronate and basically ran
flat footed for a step or two? Can you buy orthotics without a doctor for
this (and would it help)?

If it took 14-17 days to get over continual pain (when on it), what grade of
a sprain was it? Could I have broken some minor bone?

I'm not a doctor. Nor do I play one on the internet. Get thee to a
doctor.

Quoted message said:

Has anyone reinjured themselves hiking, biking or leg pressing after a
jogging mishap? What's your average downtime after such an occurrence?

Somewhat generic questions. Do you only want answers related to foot
injuries or any injuries? I have managed to have no significant
running injuries, but hurt my hip playing softball. It triggered
sciatica pain, and that pain only went away fully after about 6months.
I still have to stretch regularly, years after.

Quoted message said:

The Merck Manual of Medical Information says that of people who take on a
fitness program, 60% will quit within 6 weeks due to an injury. I injured
myself on week 5. The FAQ said week 20 is the breakthrough time. How do
you get by the injury prone period; roughly weeks 5-15?

Do not overdo it in the beginning. Increase no more than 10% every
other week.

Quoted message said:

Also, since this newbies got you here. What does b/fartlek and taper mean?

fartlek -- speed play. a training run where you increase speed for
short distances randomly. It can be fun as a group run, where each
takes a turn setting a target.

Taper is for longer events, say at least half marathon. It is a period
of reduced training effort in the finsal weeks before the race.

Check out the running FAQ. It was just posted here recently.

Enjoy the run
ed