coolcin, your treatment for your achillies tear was exactly the same as mine. PT, massages, electrolis,  although it wasn't that painful.  The most pain I had was the 2 days I had to get around without the walking boot.  Every time I even remotely put in pressure on my foot it was agony.  Even with a makeshift cane it was painful,  After that, the boot was heaven!  One thing that worked to my advantage was that I began to walk with my boot two days after the injury.  I personally think this helped me to recover quicker.

I have learned to listen to my body carefully.  You actually have given me more advice than you think.  You have given me an idea of what this recovery process may entail as well as let me know that some of the things I have gone through recently (calf tightness, ankle ache, etc) are not unusual.  Thanks a lot for your opinion and good luck in your running       !

UPDATE:

I ran the 5 mile race this past weekend.  The weather conditions were PERFECT for running (about 72 degrees with a slight wind blowing).  No humidity or heat like the previous week. My performance was actually a lot stronger in this race also. It was a mixture of street/pasture/trail run which added to the diversity of it.  I did some pretty good time on the flat surfaces but intentionally slowed up when I got to the hills.  I just about walked up all the hills as I was not taking any chances of aggravating my achillies. The leg felt pretty good and strong throughout the race and my breathing began to return to some form of normacy.  In the last 1/4 mile, I actually got up the nerve to sprint to the finish. Not quite the fastest sprint I have ever done but still satisfying.

I am continuing to run at least 3 times during the week and alternate that with about 3 days of crosstraining. Thank goodness there hasn't been any real pain in the injured leg.  This gives me the courage to continue on to try to reach my goal(s).

Clearwater Halfathon  12/13/09

WDW Half Marathon - 1/11/09

zookeeperrunning, congrats on YOUR 5 mile run also.  Sounds like you are getting back in the swing of things.  I also felt a bit of fatigue during my 5 mile run but not as much as I did the previous week of my 5k run.  I guess that will disipate as we get further along with our running.  It is still kind of weird when you think about the level that we were running compared to where we are  now.  But as you said, we are at the day where we can both be thankful we are running again. Going through the injuries really puts things into perspective.

I actually hadn't heard a lot about the national run day but I will look into it.  A friend of mine had wanted me to run with him in a Veterans memorial race on that date so I might be somewhat committed.  That is a marvelous cause you are dedicating your run to (so sad to see one pass away so young).  Good luck in raising money for the charity and have a great run.

I guess it really is true when they say misery loves company because hearing about you guys (dbbolt and zookeeperrunning) going through the same thing as me makes me feel a little bit better...which I know is REALLY bad to say .

Dbbolt, I was also pretty happy to be able to walk although maybe not as much as some others since I had never really stopped walking in some form or other with the boot on.  I guess all of us being competitive, going slower than what we are use to is frustrating.  You mention having to get new running partners, I can identify with that.  I had finally gotten to the point where I could be in the same hemisphere with my Wednesday runners (not exactly running their pace but at least able to stay at least a block away, they are VERY fast),  After the injury, I knew I wouldn't be able to do this anytime soon.  What was even more disappointing is that my neighbor who I got into running about 10 months ago and who I could run at a pace at least 2 minutes faster then is now running at least 1 - 1 1/2 minutes faster than ME!  The funny part of it is that at one time I ran a little slower so that he could keep up, now HE has to run a little slower so that I am not gasping for air.  Don't get me wrong, I'm proud that he has continued to work on his running during the past 5 months of my recovery...it shows a great committement on his part to running.  It's just that it is frustrating to not be able to get your body to do what you once did all the time.  A good thing is that he is still running with me and has run with me in a few races already.  It is still good to have a running buddy at the races and even if I cannot run like before at the moment, at least I can still compete on a regular basis, so it is not all bad. Like you dbbolt, I have been doing some bike riding which actually has been a change of pace and fun. Right now I don't think I am overtraining...I have made it a point to take more days off during the week than I once did to avoid this.  You're right that Florida as a whole is fairly flat and can be hot.  However in some parts (like Lakeland where I am running this weekend) has quite a few hills.  I would love to run in New England one day.

zookeeperrunning, you started running sooner than me so you have been dealing with this type of situation longer.  I have to say, unfortunately, that I haven't had one of those 'wonderful running feelings' as if yet.  I really wish I could get one again.  I'm okay with getting out the door to run, but I am not really feeling the joy when I run.  One thing you said that rings true with me is the mental struggle.  Usually after I have run two miles, I am fine for the remaining miles.  Now, I am thinking about the run more and having a hard time keeping my focus.  My breathing has gotten a little bit better but I am still having a hard time getting a good rhythm.

I am going to also work more on the core strengthening to see if it helps with my breathing.  Once I can get that part together, the rest may follow. I am grateful that I am running again but I guess it is just natural to want to do better.

Thanks to both of you for your comments and advice and good luck in getting the 'funk' out of your running!