Plantar Fasciitis in Distance Runners: Why Heel Pain Becomes a Serious Problem During Long Training Cycles Plantar fasciitis affects countless distance runners worldwide, representing a deeply frustrating, stubborn inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue that spans the sole of the foot. Endurance athletes across the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia frequently battle this painful overuse injury, which typically manifests as a sharp, stabbing sensation directly under the heel. The discomfort is notoriously severe during the first few steps in the morning—as the fascia has contracted overnight into a shortened position—and while it may temporarily dull into a throbbing ache during a workout, it regularly flares up with heightened…