By Sarah, Long-Distance Runner
I’ve always loved running. There’s something about the rhythm, the clarity, and the sheer sense of freedom it gives you. I’ve run marathons across the UK and even a few overseas. But a couple of years ago, something started to change.
Out of nowhere, I started waking up with stabbing pain in my heel. At first, I brushed it off—typical runner’s niggle, I thought. But it got worse. It got to the point where the first few steps of the day made me wince. Training became inconsistent. My pace slowed. My motivation dipped.
Eventually, I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
The Struggle That Followed
If you’ve ever had plantar fasciitis, you know the frustration. It’s persistent. It lingers. You stretch, you ice, you rest—yet it doesn’t seem to fully go away. I tried everything: new shoes, orthotics, foam rolling, even dry needling. Some things helped a bit. Others, not at all. But nothing brought lasting relief.
The hardest part wasn’t even the physical pain—it was the mental strain of feeling like I was losing something I loved. I’d see others out running while I sat on the sidelines, wondering if I’d ever get back to form.
When I Discovered Something Different
I first came across Tend at a sports wellness event I attended in London. I remember passing by their stand and feeling a bit sceptical—another recovery tool, I thought.
But after chatting with one of the team members and trying the device on my calves and soles, I was surprised. The vibration felt... purposeful. Not just buzzy. Deep, focused, almost like it was tapping into something under the surface. That night, I noticed my foot felt lighter. Less tense.
I ended up buying one—and it quickly became part of my toolkit.
Integrating Tend Into My Recovery
Every morning, before my foot hit the floor, I’d use Tend on the arch and heel of my foot. I used it again post-run, and even while working from home. After a week, the difference was obvious. That sharp first-step pain? Mostly gone.
Tend gave me a way to manage the pain, improve circulation, and actually feel like I had control over my recovery again.
Helping Others Along the Way
I started talking about it in my running group. One of my friends had Achilles issues. Another had general calf tightness. They gave Tend a try—and they were amazed at the relief they felt.
Now, I bring Tend with me to training meets, and it’s always a talking point. It’s become one of those “how did I live without this” tools for so many of us.
Back to the Run
Today, I’m training for my next half-marathon. Pain isn’t completely gone—and maybe it never will be—but it’s manageable. I feel strong. I feel confident. And most importantly, I feel like I’m running with my body, not against it.
Tend has been a turning point—not just in how I recover, but how I approach self-care. For any runner out there battling injury or tightness: don’t just push through. Find what works.
This worked for me. And I hope it works for you too.