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In the grand scheme of things, this is nothing…

But…

I suspected it strongly on Tuesday after my morning run in St Louis, and just received the official diagnosis from my Orthopedist of another femoral shaft stress injury. This one is in the opposite leg, but is nevertheless my second in 7 months. Best case scenario is that this is a “stress reaction,” which would mean 4 to 6 weeks of no running. Worst case scenario is a full-blown stress fracture, which would be the typical 6 to 8 weeks like before. Since it does not yet show up on an x-ray, we’ll just have to wait for my four-week follow-up to know which one it is.

While this is obviously frustrating, it is also forcing me to re-evaluate everything with regard to running. As part of this re-evaluation, I have made the decision that I am no longer going to allow the B.A.A. and their outrageous and inequitable qualifying standards to rob me of my ability to run and enjoy other great races.

Don’t get me wrong, I still want to run Boston, and I’m still going to strive to excel in running, but at this point pushing myself past my physical limitations for the sake of a 3:10 marathon just doesn’t make any sense. I love to run and I love to race, and right now I’m not able to do either. There are WAY too many other great races out there for me to sacrifice all of them in the hopes of running a BQ.

With this injury I’m going to take a step back and re-assess everything. This includes my goals, my training plan, my mileage, my schedule, my shoes….everything. I simply want to be able to (1) Run/train with my friends, (2) Stay in phenomenal shape, and (3) Participate in great races across the country.

As for next steps, I’m going to hit the pool again for some glorious aqua jogging (and other allowed cross training activities), focus on getting healthy, forget about all races until this fall, and do what I can to ensure a successful race in New York in November.

Beast Mode…On Hold!

Desi Davila ‘Miserable,’ Barely Running (RunnersWorld.com)

Well, here I am in week 5 of injury recovery from a femoral (femur) stress fracture, and thought I would share some more random thoughts….

• As much as I despise doing the stationary bike, elliptical machine, and aqua jogging, it has been a whole lot better since I was released to do the elliptical. All of them are still monotonous, but being able to alternate between three, instead of two, has been much better.
• I’ve mentioned before that since my injury I’ve been reading novels like crazy. Well I had completed one in the entire year leading up to the stress fracture, and am now about to finish number 10 since then (5 1/2 weeks).
• I’m sorry that I’ve not commented more on the posts of others during the injury. Reading about running has been very hard while I’ve been on the bench, but I really do want to read all about everyone’s races this weekend, especially @Davidsgoals who is doing his first marathon in Chicago!!!

P.S.

• Almost Forgot….I’M BAAAAAAAACK!! Got the clearance from my doctor this morning. Plan to resume the “Quest for Boston” later tonight. Will be a slow process getting back up to my regular mileage, but I can’t wait to hit the road. Thanks to everyone for their support throughout this process. I appreciate it!

inthewright replied to your post: Injury Recovery – Notes From the Bench

Two things. 1) I also miss running with you, especially since it will be getting dark and cold soon, and most of my runs are lone wolf these days. 2) You should just buy a penthouse downtown with your very own lap pool. 🙂

Sounds good…Are you offering to contribute to the “downtown penthouse” fund?

• Lord willing I will be able to start the “return to running” program a week from tomorrow. I have my next follow-up visit with the MD on 10/3, and if the x-ray looks ok I’m expecting him to turn me loose. This program will be mentally tough, because it will take 2 to 3 months to get back to where I was previously, but I can’t wait to hit the road/trails again.

• I knew that running was my emotional outlet, but didn’t realize how much of an impact not running would have on my overall mental state. Some of the cross-training that I’m doing helps, but it’s not the same as running.

• When I think about my natural abilities as a runner, I was not blessed with a low resting heart-rate, high VO2-Max, or high maximum heart rate. My “talents” mostly revolve around discipline, hard-work, and pushing through discomfort. With my cross training activities, I can obviously still focus on discipline and hard work, but the type of discomfort I’m pushing through is much different than with running. It is mostly trying to overcame an overwhelming sense of boredom (aqua jogging, stationary bike, elliptical machine, etc).

• One of the things I miss the most is running with Nathan. He is a great friend and christian brother, and we had a great summer training together. I know that he’s going to kill the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon, and I hate that I will not be running with him.

• I also miss running with my group. It was good to see several of them on Saturday spectating during the Women’s Half Marathon.
• I like to read, but usually only ready 2 or 3 books a year, and certainly not very fast. However, I’m now on my 7th novel since the injury (4 weeks). Not sure what happened there 🙂

• As for aqua jogging, the pool is awful. I can’t imagine being in a place where I would CHOOSE to make swimming my primary form of exercise, unless I lived near open water. Here are some of my observations about the pool:

  – I’m convinced that the chemical to water ratio of most indoor pools is about 95/5 

  – The older ladies own the pool (water aerobics), and will run you over if you get in their way. 

  –  You are slave to someone else’s schedule. Sure you can aqua jog, provided the pool is open and its not (1) swim team training (2) water aerobics (3) lightening outside and there are not 500 people in the pool. A couple of weeks ago I saw 5 people attempting to swim laps in two lanes. Crazy.

Well, there it is. Hope everyone is having a great week.

You have no idea how much I appreciate the support and encouragement!

seechrisrun replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

I know the frustration. I missed a few months with back/hip issues and had to give up my Boston entry. After it was all over, I had learned to appreciate running more and be a better and smarter runner. Keep your head up. It will get better.

catchthemontherun replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

Man that sucks, didn’t realize you were hurt. It’ll come back quick, but I think its harder mentally when someone says “you can’t run for x days”

bostonmarathon2012 replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

Damn!, I am sorry, getting hurt is one of my big fears. hope your recovery stays on track

lifewithkim replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

I know this is so hard. Still praying for you.

runningmyownrace replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

I’m sorry- I know it really stinks. I was out 5 weeks this spring but cross trained with biking, etc. and had to slowly ramp back up just adding a mile at a time. After I came back I noticed no difference in my paces or fitness. You can do it!

lagirlontherun replied to your post: Injury Recovery – 2 Week Follow-Up Visit with MD

you are still beast mode – just recovery beast mode! prayers of swift recovery to you.

Had my 2-week follow up visit with my MD today regarding the stress fracture. While the first visit was fairly positive, this one was a little different.

The injury is healing well, but now that it is showing up on a standard X-Ray, It looks like all races are probably out for the rest of the year. He said that we’ll make a final decision on the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon (November) at the next visit in three weeks.

No running at all for at least 3 more weeks, then 2 to 3 months to get back to where I was mileage wise.  On a positive note, I am now allowed to do weight training, walking, and elliptical. 

I know I haven’t posted much lately about my injury recovery, but honestly I’m having a hard time mentally dealing with it, and writing about it has not been easy.

However, I am still fighting like crazy to keep my fitness up as much as I can, even though I HATE the pool (I’ll probably have a nice long rant post about the pool sometime soon). Also, in the grand scheme of things this is NOTHING, and I continue to be extremely blessed!

Thanks to everyone for their continued support! Keep “Beast Mode” going out there, and good luck to everyone on your fall races.

This morning marks one week since my last run, and I just felt like writing out some thoughts from the roller-coaster week that has followed…

• I have a new respect for those that can’t run due to injury. I had no idea how hard it would be to hear other people plan runs, listen to others talk about great runs, or see people running down the street, and know that it is something I simply cannot do. I’m determined that I’m NOT going to ask people to stop talking about running around me, but instead am going to grab hold of this and use it as fuel to keep me going on my rehab.

• I’m trying very hard to stay positive, but I’ll have to admit that it has been an emotional roller-coaster. I go from being encouraged to frustrated to energized to demoralized. I know that I was in the best shape of my life. It is hard to think that a certain percentage of the hard work I put in over the past 12-weeks will be for nothing. I try to push this thought out of my mind, but it is hard. I’m determined to be better than ever as soon as I’m fully healed.

• Aqua-jogging is awkward, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good of a workout it is. I’ve put in over 3 hours since Tuesday, and I think I’m finally getting the hang of how to do it effectively. I’ve received quite a bit of ribbing about doing this, but I’m just trying to turn this into more fuel for my recovery. I’m not looking forward to “long runs” in the pool, but I guess we’ll just see what happens.

• I don’t have a real bike, so I’ve been forced to use a stationary version as another cross training option. I never listen to music while running, but find that the only way I can get through any amount of time at all on the bike is by either listening to music, watching TV, or reading. However, I just can’t get my heart-rate over 120 or so on the bike.

• Over the past week the pain in my leg has subsided considerably. As of Monday I was having a hard time walking at all, and now I feel like I am really close to being able to walk without a noticeable limp. This is encouraging. I’m fascinated by the fact that I was still able to run last Friday morning, but by that afternoon I could barely climb stairs.

• I’ve been overwhelmed by all of the support I’ve received from my friends, Tumblrs, and others regarding my recovery. Thanks to all of you who’ve passed along an encouraging word. However, I’ve been surprised at a couple of negative responses I’ve gotten…For example, telling me to forget what the doctor said about being back in 4 to 6 weeks, and just shut everything down for the rest year. I understand someone thinking this, but why verbalize it? I have no idea what my recovery ultimately holds, but I know one thing. I’m going to work as hard as possible and see what happens.

Well, there they are. Hope everybody has a great weekend. Keep Beast Mode going strong!

So what is this you ask…

….well this is an “Ultrasound Bone Growth Stimulator,” which is supposed to help with the healing process of my stress fracture. Not exactly sure what it does, but I’m hoping it is similar in effectiveness to this:

BTW….If you don’t get this, it is a Harry Potter reference.

I already strongly suspected this would be the case, but now it has been officially diagnosed. Well, here’s what this means:

The Bad

• Can only bike or swim for the next 2 weeks. Have follow-up visit on September 12.
• Will most likely miss the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon on October 7th.
• Will most likely miss the Murfreesboro “Middle” Half Marathon on October 13th.

The Good

• I don’t need crutches.
• The MD said this is a “Low Risk” stress fracture since the bone is very thick (i.e. not likely to become a full fracture)
• I should be able to return to running in 4 to 6 weeks
• When I return, I should NOT have to gradually work my way back into running. He said that if I wanted I could run a marathon the next day (not planning on it…btw)
• Therefore, I should still be able to run the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon and maybe the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon (though not as fast as I had hoped)

Considering that I already expected this diagnosis, this turned out to be pretty good news. I was expecting to be out for 8 to 12 weeks, so 4 to 6 was much, much better. He said that you generally only see a stress fracture of the femur in “advanced runners” (his phrase, not mine) who are in top condition. I thought this was a very nice way to tell someone they had a stress fracture 🙂

Anyway, I plan on hitting the bike (and maybe the water) hard over the next two weeks, and look forward to my next follow-up visit to track progress. Keeping my eyes fixed on the road ahead! Thanks to everyone for their support.