I know others have much more serious medical ailments than I do, but this stress fracture has caused me to undergo a wide range of emotions, especially over the past few days. But basically, it comes down to this:
It hurts more NOT to run than it hurts to run.
The weather's getting nicer, and every day on the way to and from work I see runner's on the road, and around the reservoir near our house. I wish I was out there. It felt so good to run. And I was so happy to have found a physical activity that I loved.
I was feeling much better last week, i actually got myself off crutches for a few days. (under the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, of course, to play it by ear and try weight bearing). I was limping, and my groing would hurt after a bit of longish walking, but there was no way I would bring my crutchea to work.
By Saturday, at work, (which requires a lot of walking and a lot of standing), I was hurting. I could do this, I thought, just some positive thinking, it's fine. No problem. But I had to be honest with myself. I ran into my orthopedic surgeon's partner in the hall, who suggested I get back on crutches.
So I swallowed my pride, ran home to get one crutch ... And it was the best decision ever.
So I've been using one crutch at work for the past couple of days. I've had a same conversation a million times a day ... "yeah, stress fracture... femoral neck... Yeah running... No I didn't fall... Yeah it hurt more so I'm back on crutches."
And invariably, the others' comment is,
"well, I guess no more running for you!"
No.
I swallowed my pride, accepted my pain, and realize the need for healing and recovery, but that's one thing I will not accept.
I am a runner.
I will run again.
I will run the Atlantic City Half Marathon in October 2012.
I will run the Walt Disney World Marathon in January 2013.
I will run the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge in January 2014.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
I signed up for the Walt Disney World Marathon (in secret!)
Shhh!!! I have a secret. I registered for my first marathon, the Walt Disney World Marathon!
Why is it a secret? Well, hopefully it won't be a secret for long ... but I am currently recovering from an injury (those who are following my blog know that I had a femoral neck stress fracture, and had been on crutches for two weeks). Most people are telling me "no more running!" or "you're crazy if you run again!"
But is it crazy?
I say absolutely not. Long distance runners Kara Goucher (2012 Olympian, 3rd place 2008 NYC Marathon, 3rd place 2009 Boston Marathon), Meb Keflezighi (2009 NYC Marathon champion), and others have suffered stress fractures and have come back with a vengeance.
The key to recover smart. And train smart. That is my goal.
There is no question in my mind that I will be returning to running ... when I'm ready. I need to set goals, and one of those goals is to run the Walt Disney World Marathon this January 2013.
I want to keep a positive attitude and if I announce this too soon, others will continue to discourage me, and frankly, I do not believe that is good for overall healing and recovery.
I am excited about this being my first marathon, and for the fact that it is the 20thWDW Marathon! Walt Disney World is my favorite place on earth ... how exciting would it be to run my first marathon through those theme parks, that setting, the atmosphere, the feeling of YES I'M AT DISNEY AND I'M RUNNING!!
I've posted this before, but they unveiled the new course for the 2013 walt disney world marathon:
awesome. I can't wait. shhh! it's a secret!! (but not for long!)
Why is it a secret? Well, hopefully it won't be a secret for long ... but I am currently recovering from an injury (those who are following my blog know that I had a femoral neck stress fracture, and had been on crutches for two weeks). Most people are telling me "no more running!" or "you're crazy if you run again!"
But is it crazy?
I say absolutely not. Long distance runners Kara Goucher (2012 Olympian, 3rd place 2008 NYC Marathon, 3rd place 2009 Boston Marathon), Meb Keflezighi (2009 NYC Marathon champion), and others have suffered stress fractures and have come back with a vengeance.
The key to recover smart. And train smart. That is my goal.
There is no question in my mind that I will be returning to running ... when I'm ready. I need to set goals, and one of those goals is to run the Walt Disney World Marathon this January 2013.
I want to keep a positive attitude and if I announce this too soon, others will continue to discourage me, and frankly, I do not believe that is good for overall healing and recovery.
I am excited about this being my first marathon, and for the fact that it is the 20thWDW Marathon! Walt Disney World is my favorite place on earth ... how exciting would it be to run my first marathon through those theme parks, that setting, the atmosphere, the feeling of YES I'M AT DISNEY AND I'M RUNNING!!
I've posted this before, but they unveiled the new course for the 2013 walt disney world marathon:
awesome. I can't wait. shhh! it's a secret!! (but not for long!)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Two weeks, thank you
It has been two weeks since my last run ... an injury sidelined me, and today I give thanks, because today is the first day that I am completely off crutches.
I am still limping, mind you, and certain positions still ache, and stairs aren't easy, but I didn't even think about crutches today.
That was fast. Now, it is far from over, and I am not allowed to do any impact exercises, but wow, a few days ago I could barely weight bear. What surprised me was this progression. Of course I have been researching femoral neck stress fractures and femoral neck stress reactions. Many sources cite a 6 week crutche/non-weight bearing period because of the location, high risk of nonunion, risk of progression to full fracture, etc. I was actually apprehensive when my orthopedic surgeon said I would on crutches only 1-2 weeks. But he was optimistic, and he was right.
Now, don't get me wrong. I will not be jumping into anything. I will be careful. I will follow doctor's orders.
I do NOT want to get injured again.
I will run healthy. I will run happy.
I will run.
I am still limping, mind you, and certain positions still ache, and stairs aren't easy, but I didn't even think about crutches today.
That was fast. Now, it is far from over, and I am not allowed to do any impact exercises, but wow, a few days ago I could barely weight bear. What surprised me was this progression. Of course I have been researching femoral neck stress fractures and femoral neck stress reactions. Many sources cite a 6 week crutche/non-weight bearing period because of the location, high risk of nonunion, risk of progression to full fracture, etc. I was actually apprehensive when my orthopedic surgeon said I would on crutches only 1-2 weeks. But he was optimistic, and he was right.
Now, don't get me wrong. I will not be jumping into anything. I will be careful. I will follow doctor's orders.
I do NOT want to get injured again.
I will run healthy. I will run happy.
I will run.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Walk before you run
You need to walk before you run. And today I'm walking!! I've been on crutches almost two weeks now, and started to weight-bear about 3 days ago. Today I'm walking -- limping, but walking, definitely less use of crutches.
and soon I will run again!
My goal, however, is to prevent this, and any other injury, from happening in the first place.
I am not a sports physician, an orthopedic surgeon, or a professional athlete, but I want to learn as much as I can about sports-related injuries, for myself really, since I do not want to be sidelined again.
Concepts regarding this for further exploration: gradual progress, proper form, and proper shoes. Controversial? We may look into this further in upcoming posts. For now, let's get myself better and ease back into activity, exercise and eventually running again. My sights are still set on the Walt Disney World marathon and the Goofy Challenge. But there is no hurry.
and soon I will run again!
My goal, however, is to prevent this, and any other injury, from happening in the first place.
I am not a sports physician, an orthopedic surgeon, or a professional athlete, but I want to learn as much as I can about sports-related injuries, for myself really, since I do not want to be sidelined again.
Concepts regarding this for further exploration: gradual progress, proper form, and proper shoes. Controversial? We may look into this further in upcoming posts. For now, let's get myself better and ease back into activity, exercise and eventually running again. My sights are still set on the Walt Disney World marathon and the Goofy Challenge. But there is no hurry.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Free Swag from Brooks!! (this is torture i can't run!)
So, as I'm sitting around doing as much as I can (while seated) due to my injury, wishing I could be outside running in this gorgeous weather, I get tortured by a package I get in the mail from Brooks ... a free running kit!
(please note: I have absolutely no financial or other relationship with Dicks Sporting Goods or with Brooks Running. I am merely a consumer).
I almost forgot about this, but a few weeks ago (before I was sidelined with a femoral neck stress fracture) I purchased a pair of Brooks Pure Flows from Dicks Sporting Goods. There was an ad for a website for something called Run Happy University . I suppose I registered and weeks later I get this cool running kit ... full of stuff I can't use because I'm not allowed to run right now. ARRRRRRRGHHHHH!!!
(btw, looking back at the website, looks like purchase IS required.)
Well, if I can't use it now, let's see what's in it:
1). a welcome letter further promoting this Run Happy University thing. Haven't explored the website much,
2). A nice blue tote bag -- I guess to put all this stuff in.
3). a water bottle -- one of those cool reusable, foldable water botts. 16oz. I have never used one of these, but you can't have too many water bottles. need a couple for home, one in car, one in bag, etc. (I'd been reusing poland spring bottles, aquavida bottles, and the like, hehe)
4). an official brooks run happy training log, with some stickers inside to mark "race day," etc.
5). Strawberry GU chomps energy chews. definitely have to try these (next long run, come on!). I've been using Clif Bloks myself, which I like.
6). Chocolate Outrage GU energy gel. -- haven't really used gel in runs, I don't like the idea of mess, and so far I like energy bloks.
7). Lemon Lime GU Brew electrolyte drink tablets. to make your own while running.
8). Body Glide balm -- will save for marathon
9). Body Glide powder -- ditto
oh, here's something I can use now:
10). Perform Pail relieving gel!!
oh, and there's one more thing in the bag ... what's this, no:
11). a booklet entitled, "A Step by Step guide to running INJURY FREE."
Well, thanks Brooks, maybe I could have used you a couple of weeks ago, before I got injured. haha.
No, all in all a nice little sample package. not bad for free.
Walking a few steps now without crutches, but I still need it most of the time. Will keep updated.
(please note: I have absolutely no financial or other relationship with Dicks Sporting Goods or with Brooks Running. I am merely a consumer).
I almost forgot about this, but a few weeks ago (before I was sidelined with a femoral neck stress fracture) I purchased a pair of Brooks Pure Flows from Dicks Sporting Goods. There was an ad for a website for something called Run Happy University . I suppose I registered and weeks later I get this cool running kit ... full of stuff I can't use because I'm not allowed to run right now. ARRRRRRRGHHHHH!!!
(btw, looking back at the website, looks like purchase IS required.)
Well, if I can't use it now, let's see what's in it:
1). a welcome letter further promoting this Run Happy University thing. Haven't explored the website much,
2). A nice blue tote bag -- I guess to put all this stuff in.
3). a water bottle -- one of those cool reusable, foldable water botts. 16oz. I have never used one of these, but you can't have too many water bottles. need a couple for home, one in car, one in bag, etc. (I'd been reusing poland spring bottles, aquavida bottles, and the like, hehe)
4). an official brooks run happy training log, with some stickers inside to mark "race day," etc.
5). Strawberry GU chomps energy chews. definitely have to try these (next long run, come on!). I've been using Clif Bloks myself, which I like.
6). Chocolate Outrage GU energy gel. -- haven't really used gel in runs, I don't like the idea of mess, and so far I like energy bloks.
7). Lemon Lime GU Brew electrolyte drink tablets. to make your own while running.
8). Body Glide balm -- will save for marathon
9). Body Glide powder -- ditto
oh, here's something I can use now:
10). Perform Pail relieving gel!!
oh, and there's one more thing in the bag ... what's this, no:
11). a booklet entitled, "A Step by Step guide to running INJURY FREE."
Well, thanks Brooks, maybe I could have used you a couple of weeks ago, before I got injured. haha.
No, all in all a nice little sample package. not bad for free.
Walking a few steps now without crutches, but I still need it most of the time. Will keep updated.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Baby steps
The beauty of many beginner runner programs, most notably the Couch to 5k program, as well as a run-walk program like runDisney's training consultant Jeff Galloway's, is that they start slow and simple, and build up your mileage (or time running) slowly. Danny Dreyer, of Chi Running, calls this Gradual Progress.
Baby steps.
This is beautiful. Take Cool Running's original couch-to-5-k program. You start with a lot more walking than running. In fact, on Day 1 you only run (actually jog) for 60 seconds at a time. 60 seconds! interspersed with longer periods of walking. Then day by day (with ample rest in between), you increase the running time and eventually decrease your walking time until (if all goes well), eight weeks later you are running 30 minutes continuously, or 5k.
This progress has many advantages. The steps are challenging enough to keep you motivated, and help you celebrate "small victories," and give you a sense of accomplishment each day! However, they are not so challenging that you give up. The gradual progress also allows your body to become accustomed to exercise, to become conditioned, to increase physiological thresholds (VO2 max, etc) so that you can "tolerate" harder exercise for longer.
This was a wonderful feeling when, for me, in the the midst of my initial couch to 5k training, I felt I could keep running. and I did. even when it was hurting. (and maybe that's why I got a stress fracture).
In any event, today I'm taking my own baby steps...
Yesterday my orthopedic surgeon told me I can start weight-bearing on my injured leg, and start to try to walk. Next week I should be off crutches. Then in a couple of weeks I can start non-impact exercises, like the elliptical, then eventually running again!!
Baby steps.
I hope I learned my lesson. Today I took my first steps without crutches. I am limping along, one shuffle at a time, but it feels good to not have to ask for help carrying everything, cleaning up, making a meal. I still need crutches most of the day, but, although I'm still looking ahead to run the Walt Disney World marathon and then the Goofy Challenge, I am so happy today because yesterday I was unable to do this without a huge ordeal:
Baby steps.
This is beautiful. Take Cool Running's original couch-to-5-k program. You start with a lot more walking than running. In fact, on Day 1 you only run (actually jog) for 60 seconds at a time. 60 seconds! interspersed with longer periods of walking. Then day by day (with ample rest in between), you increase the running time and eventually decrease your walking time until (if all goes well), eight weeks later you are running 30 minutes continuously, or 5k.
This progress has many advantages. The steps are challenging enough to keep you motivated, and help you celebrate "small victories," and give you a sense of accomplishment each day! However, they are not so challenging that you give up. The gradual progress also allows your body to become accustomed to exercise, to become conditioned, to increase physiological thresholds (VO2 max, etc) so that you can "tolerate" harder exercise for longer.
This was a wonderful feeling when, for me, in the the midst of my initial couch to 5k training, I felt I could keep running. and I did. even when it was hurting. (and maybe that's why I got a stress fracture).
In any event, today I'm taking my own baby steps...
Yesterday my orthopedic surgeon told me I can start weight-bearing on my injured leg, and start to try to walk. Next week I should be off crutches. Then in a couple of weeks I can start non-impact exercises, like the elliptical, then eventually running again!!
Baby steps.
I hope I learned my lesson. Today I took my first steps without crutches. I am limping along, one shuffle at a time, but it feels good to not have to ask for help carrying everything, cleaning up, making a meal. I still need crutches most of the day, but, although I'm still looking ahead to run the Walt Disney World marathon and then the Goofy Challenge, I am so happy today because yesterday I was unable to do this without a huge ordeal:
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Change in Hope
When I started running 6 months, I hoped that I would get to a point that I could run 20 minutes continuously. I did. I hoped that I could finish the Manasquan midwinter 2 mile beach run without stopping. I did.
I hoped, that with the c25k program, that I could run 30 minutes and run a respectable 5k race time. I did.
I hoped that would feel fit, healthy, and lose 20 pounds with this new, enjoyable habit of running. I did.
I hoped that my long runs would increase to a 13.1 mile half marathon. I did.
Today, I have a follow up appointment with my doctor, and my hope now is that I will be able to put weight on my leg and walk, and eventually rehab myself to run again, and train again, to a half marathon, then to run the Walt Disney World full marathon, and then the Goofy Challenge.
I definitely will.
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