So remember that post about my slipping and falling in Salt Lake City, and not breaking my foot?
I inadvertently lied.
I ran on it on Saturday and Sunday after the fall–short runs that were less than 30 minutes–and then I went out on it again on Tuesday (7 miles) and Thursday (6). When my left glute and hip lit up like Times Square with pain on Thursday—a condition that had been percolating for a few days—I knew I was seriously compensating for my foot and had to cry uncle.
“This is a very odd fracture,” said the podiatrist I saw today as he looked at a tiny bit of bone chipped off the inner part of my left big toe, “Very odd and very interesting. I have no idea how you did it.”
“I fell in a very odd and interesting way on it,” I replied, remembering my total splay-out in SLC, “That’s my best guess.”
The chip fracture, I am thrilled to report, does not—repeat: does not—require any more time spent in the big black boot. According to Dr. P., it just needs three weeks of quiet time, no running, regular ice to minimize swelling, and some Vitamin Ibuprofen if the aching gets too bad. At its worst, it feels like a strong tetanus shot; at its best, I barely notice it.
I can bike in my stiff-soled shoes just fine, so I just need to load up on chamois cream to keep my most delicate parts chafe-free and save House of Cards for only when I’m riding. (I started watching that on Saturday morning…v. entertaining.) I will miss a 10-miler I have entered next weekend, as well as the 13.1 miles of the Disney Princess Half-Marathon, but rest assured: I’ll be the tallest cheerleader the Run Disney folks have ever seen.
I’ve also kind of been lying about another injured body part. Lying by omission, mostly because I just don’t want to give it any air time here; I’ve already given it days and days of mental air time, plus I’m betting you all have enough complaining in your lives already.
But since this is a coming-clean post, here it is: my left shoulder has been an aching, pinched mess ever since the Harvest Moon Aquabike. I haven’t swum since early December, and pedaling while I rest in the aerobars of Lyle, my trusty, speedy steed, is agony. There have been days when I couldn’t hold the steering wheel of my car with my left hand, and I’ve made double the trips to bring in groceries into the house so I don’t stress the joint. It’s the kind of dull, yet relentless pain that causes people to grind their teeth; to not want to talk to their spouse, lest they start yelling or crying; to both unnecessarily yell at and cry in front of their children. (O.k., those “people” are me.)
The good news is that shoulder is slowly quieting down, and I’m working with a chiropractor to help find some space in there; our best guess is that I’ve got a pinched nerve with improper mechanics. (Trying to visualize and figure out how to move a shoulder properly is right up there with trigonometry for me. Complete brain fart for both.) I got in the pool today for the first time in over two months to give it a test spin. It wasn’t as angry as I thought it would be as I puttered along, and it only whispered at me after the pool session. I’ll chalk that puppy up in the win column.
So to recap: Over the course of a year, I learn to run so my lower body is mostly pain-free, then my shoulder gets all pissy. My shoulder starts to quiet down, and a bone in my toe gets chipped.
The oddest thing? I’m surprisingly (for me) calm about this whole thing. I haven’t cried about any body part in over a week. I had a super helpful call with my coach on Thursday, and she talked me off the ledge. You can sidestroke and still make the swim cutoff. You can ride your road bike and you only have to go 13 mph to meet the bike cutoff. You can walk the marathon and still get over the finish line in less than 17 hours. I don’t know if she was telling the truth or just petting my ego—likely a little of both—but when I hung up, I wasn’t in emotional turmoil, as I normally would be.
Don’t quote me on this, but I’m a little relieved this Ironman experience has come down to the basics. No time predictions, no can I go faster questions? I simply want to cross the finish line. The clock can read 16:59:59, and if I’m coming across the line, I’ll be doing my best can-you-believe dance.
The triathlon world can get so nerdy and nitpicky: How fast are you swimming those repeats? What’s the fastest wetsuit? How aero can you go on your bike? What are your splits? By having just one objective—one finish line crossed by one (mostly) healthy, capable body—I can ignore the noise of watts and beats per minute and thicknesses of wetsuits and transition area tactics. I can leave my ego at the starting line and not worry about looking the part, or having the speed or mental focus.
If need be, I will sidestroke, pedal my road bike and walk 26.2 miles. I will do what it takes to see that finish line.
So for now, I’ll pedal on, swim some, ice and ice some more, and rest my foot. Nobody said this was going to be easy. And most days, I’m pretty sure it’s worth aching shoulders and chipped toes and the mental challenge to keep it all together.
Nobody likes a solo whiner; what body part(s) are bugging you these days?
Ugh! I am with you, Dimity – except the Princess is my first half-marathon and I’ve been training for it for a year. So.it.is.happening. I’m just coming back from a morton’s neuroma in my right foot and, not to be ignored, my left foot has now decided that it needs some attention. It feels tight all along my inner arch. A whisper of a pain, but there nonetheless. Feel so mad at my body – traitor tootsies! OK whine over. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Bunion on my R foot. I really didn’t understand that it was going to hurt and not sure how much to worry about it or just grit teeth and keep going. (and having a hard time finding shoes isn’t helping – loving the altra provisions for casuals, but not ready to run in them yet and can’t wear to work) L ankle/arch/PTT acting up as well.
After not running for 5 months due to hip arthroscopic surgery (my second in 11 months), I was finally released to start running in extremely small doses last Wednesday. I could run 3 days in a row before I had to take a day off. By Friday, I actually felt like ME again. It was amazing. My husband and I went on a bike ride Sunday and I wrecked, HARD. Of course my hip took most of the impact. It’s extremely sore and I am to rest it until I go to PT tomorrow. I’m extremely disappointed.
I feel so bad for all of you girls! My complaint is not as serious, but just as annoying! My next race is a marathon relay, my leg is 9.75 miles.It seems that every time I get in a good couple of weeks I get sick (or one of my kids and then me) and I have to take a week off and then I am starting back where I was. No fair!
I feel your pain literally. I pinched a nerve in my back over 2 wks ago. Chiro said no running for a wk to 10 days. Finally allowed to run ONE mile last night. Still had pain. :( I’m out for running Disney Princess. Hoping to get better before I have to seriously start training for Nike DC. So whine away. It makes me feel better lol.
Thanks for channeling your mental air time to paper, Dimity. I hate that you are having physical setbacks but really admire your positive approach to the Ironman. Just participating with the goal of crossing the finish is a perfect goal. But, if worse comes to worse, maybe you can get the bumper sticker I just saw imprinted on the back of a race T: If found on ground, please drag across finish line.
Oh girlfriend!!! You and I are a pair! Right now my right glute is screaming at me. We’ll both get thru it.
You are my hero Iron Girl. Hang in there.
Dimity, you’ve got an amazing outlook on your situation. I’m sorry you have to go through this, but you will cross that finish line! Right now my problem parts are my left high hamstring and left quad tendon. Hamstring is sore and tight, so it’s making the quad tendon angry, which is making me angry at both of them.
You can keep up on your running by “aqua jogging”- or as GBA_gf calls it: slogging. Have no fear, I know you will cross that finish line!!!
I am thoroughly impressed with both your dedication and your mindset! Its so difficult to deal through an injury…it took close to a year (for various reasons not entirely having to do with insurance and doctors – switching primary care docs, lack of time to do anything about it due to school/work/kids, etc…) to see a doctor who actually had a clue what might be wrong with my ankle. Turns out its not a sprain/badly needed pedicure as my original primary care doctor insisted…os trigonium syndrome to the point where my options are “absolutely no exercise and pray your Achilles doesn’t snap even then, for the rest of your life”, or “surgery”. Been in a cast for nearly a month in an attempt to rest the angry area to buy me a little time til I have to be on crutches for 6-8 weeks. (6-8 weeks. Michigan. February. 2 kids 4 and under. Work. House with lots of stairs. I’ll try it if it gets me to the summer!)Lots of cross training for me – mostly one footed cardio, Pilates, yoga, and some time on my bike.
Sorry to hear about the toe and the shoulder, but glad that at least most of the time you are staying positive, keeping the big picture in focus (definitely allowed moments of anger/sadness/frustration). Just undertaking Ironman training makes you more than amazing in my book; that’s something I would never dream of!
After my first interval workout last week (which I totally wimped out on, doing 8 instead of 12), I have aggravated my big toe joint on my right foot, which had been blissfully pain-free after months of metatarsalgia. Also last week I slipped in the elevator and fell bang on my bad left knee, which is now bruised and painful. Still, didn’t stop me from doing 7.7 yesterday.
I am just coming getting back to running after months of PT for hip bursitis and back pain. I have not run longer than 3 miles and my hip still hurts! And now on top of that, I have a strange pain under my ankle on my right foot. I have cried and have yelled and at times, I even laughed about it. It’s all good though and I will train and finish my first full marathon this year. And you, my friend, will get to the finish of the Ironman. Hang in there, laugh and cry when you need to and don’t stop believing!
Your title says it all for me! After 2 surgeries in 3 years on my right ankle and then a month long bronchitis setback I was finally back to training and feeling great. I had even convinced my “I don’t like to run long distances” middle schooler to run a 5k with me. And then I missed a step and severely sprained my LEFT ankle. 4 weeks in an air splint and 6 weeks (at least) of no running. I want to cry but no one in my house understands the mental anguish. Thank you for understanding and listening to me whine!
Sorry Dimity! We’ll all be cheering for you.
(Oh…and no body part, but still scrambling back after a month with Influenza A.)
D! The shoulder issue might be in your handle bar position!!! I had a similar situation and moved them! MUCH better. The pain was crippling during longer rides and started to flare up during running and driving, kid lugging, etc. Give it a try. You probably had a professional bike fit but often times they tend to be aggressive with the geometry. Chill it out a bit and go for comfort NOT triathlete crazy aero. Good luck.
Hang in there! For me, it is my knees. I’ve been trying to recover from a case of runner’s knee since August. I’m still benched with no running and minimal cycling. I’m hoping to come back with a 5K at the end of June…we’ll see!
2 weeks until my very first full marathon and my IT band is killing me. Your post today was just what I needed. Reality check…make it across the finish line intact!
Sorry to hear about your injuries, Dimity. Keep your head up-you are stronger than you think.
My brain is the body part that gives me the most trouble…I am always second guessing my ability to accomplish my training goals, especially while keeping the house and kids all going at the same time! I am so grateful for the blog to help keep me motivated and get me out of my head once in a while!
I am loving this post today. One because your positive energy is shining through. Two because I have no doubt you will finish CDA with a smile and a dance. And three because yesterday I was having my own small victory celebration. Mine was mental and a half maratho, but I had been thinking I’d lost my mojo, maybe in fact I was not a runner. It had been 2 months since I’d had a good run, a run that made me smile, a run that left me energized. I wasn’t sure I’d make it to my April starting line, almost wishing for a physical injury to blame it on. But yesterday I finally got outside my head and ran a fast 5 with a smile on my face. I’m back! So today I celebrate with you in knowing “we can do it!!!”
The tendinitis in my knee is talking to me a bit. I’m really hoping with ice and strengthening of the muscles around it, I can run my first full in May. Fingers crossed!!
My sciatic nerve is screaming at me as Im training for a half marathon and sprint Tri this summer. Starting physical therapy today!
Dimity I’m sorry the various body parts are not cooperating but I do love your attitude. I have no doubt you will cross that finish line. For me, the left ITB has decided it doesn’t want to play well with others again and my ten miler which is in two weeks is starting to look like just a “fun run” instead of a race at this point. We’ll see…
Plantar faciatias – it is miserable and I am wondering if it is ever going to get better. My runs are short and very far between hoping my feet will get better.
First Ironman = PR, right? That’s my motto with my first Half. Right now, I’m plagued by a stomach bug. Luckily, it started Sunday (rest day) so I really only missed one day of “training” – which was what you guys call a fun workout. Hopefully that doesn’t put me too far behind. This is only the beginning of Week 2, so I’m not worried. If it happened in Week 12, I would be freaking out, though. I SO want to do OK.
I love that you’re so honest about all of this. Thanks for that.
Hope you heal quickly, rest is hard to do.
I fractured my 5th metatarsal in two places during the Marathon portion of Goofy….still on crutches 3 weeks later. Hoping to be able to run Red Rock Canyon 1/2 (had to move down from the full) in a month with Team in Training. Very frustrating especially since all I can do right now is rest and/or swim.
I spent a few weeks working with an amazing PT, who help me untangle 6 years of IT band problems. Now i’m crusing on 10+ mile trail runs. Pure bliss. Then the other day I ran 2 miles on a treadmill, only to agrivate a mysterious posterior tibial injury from 2 years ago. Ignored it will blossom into a stress fracture, as it ahs in the past. Treated properly it will fade in a week or so. It’s a bummer cause I’ve got a race in 2 weeks and my first 20 mile trail race in mid-April. I’ve no time for slacking!
That just sucks, Dimity. 2012 was just full of injuries and illness (lyme disease!) for me. I’m training for a half in May, and no longer distances than that this year. Knock on wood…no nagging injuries..well, ok, since we’re all coming clean, I’m still dealing with my plantar fasciitis. It reminds me that it is there, and so I do my morning ritual to calm it down, every morning.
Hsng in there!
Ahhh…city league basketball…means a crunchy outer right foot/high ankle sprain that sneakily twinges at the most inopportune moments. This is not helping the 50k training!
Dimity, I keep meaning to reach out to you directly. I’m so impressed that you’ve taken on this challenge and persevered in spite of injuries. I’m starting to ramp up my training for the Boulder series in hopes that I can meet last year’s time goal for the 70.3 *this* year. I know what you mean about the nerdiness, especially around here, and it can be disheartening. Instead of worrying about how much my wheels weigh, I’m trying to shave a few pounds off my ass. Cheaper, for sure.
Injuries – I’m still nursing a stiff right shoulder from a bike wreck last year, and my bruised toenail from the 70.3 finally gave up. I’m lucky, and I hope it holds out.
My broken wrist still has me sidelined. I need to talk to the doctor and PT, as I think I *can* run with it, but I am so overwhelmingly exhausted that I can barely even make it through the work day and getting my 5 year old through his day. This is pregnancy-level tiredness — last night I went to bed at 8:00.
Shoulders are my main issue. It came from cycling along with exercise induced Gerd and made me feel like I was dying. Level 2 sprain and has taken three months almost and I am still hurting some days.
Wow, sorry to hear about all of this, but I admire your attitude! I had a niggling tenderness/stiffness behind my right knee (gulp!) last week, but knock on wood it seems to have quieted down. The bunions haven’t been bad yet, though my right instep felt tender last night.
I admire your mental fortitude. I am fighting a less than happy back right now. (I think the product of bad deadlifts or perhaps squats. Both are off my list right now.) Two trips to the chiropractor and one massage and one very low mileage everything week. Still not quite right but I am stretching and forging ahead.
I suffered an anterior sprain to my left ankle the week between Christmas and New Year’s and it’s still bothering me. I can run on it but not to my full potential, which is slowly killing my ego one step at a time. I need to feel speed! I’m seeing my chiropractor and today seeing a sports therapist for the first time hoping he has some miracle move that will make it all better. Forever!
I just posted about maybe what is my worst race …so I am joining this party….I don’t have an injury like yours but my stomach is a permanent injury part of me and it is frustrating…but back to you….I am so sorry you are again dealing with injuries and bumps in the training road but I admire your attitude…I need to be more like you…I thi k I already have the “I am finishing no matter what” down….is there still a chance for CA? I’d come run or walk or crawl a few miles with you if you want…
My right knee and right inner ankle. My right side hates me.
Me too Laura. Do you run on opposite side of roads w/a pitch? I think that is the culprit which caused/causing all my troubles.
My worst currently is a bruised and swollen elbow and some scraped knees after a trail run almost face plant. Dimity, I so admire the way you balance vulnerability and strength. You are quite a role model.
I’m so sorry for your pain, Dimity! And I admire your determination! Sending healing vibes your way.
As for me, my achy lower back is my nemesis. My Pilates instructor has become my new BFF. I could just hang on that reformer with my spine in traction for hours.
Oh Dimity, that sucks. And, to be honest, as I run into one injury after another, I always think, “Dimity would keep going,” even as my inner voice says, “Maybe you should take up knitting instead.” I have come through Morton’s neuroma, PF, and a knee tweak from a “weak core” (Thanks, for the ego boost, Doc). My Altras have all but done away with my other issues, and now, I’ve got extensor tendonitis. Thanks for inspiring me to be patient with my body and to worth through it because the finish is worth it. I needed the reminder.
My ankle…only hurts when I run over 4 miles! It started after a very sloped road in Baystate half marathon and now I keep thinking it is passing, but after a 10 miler on Saturday and numbness in my heel had myself convinced to have it checked this week. But Monday comes and I feel like it a shame to take off time time from work and if it was bad I would be limping and that half marathon on March 17th is coming quick! So wine wine wine!
Lisa
I hear ya Dim. I thought I completed the stages of grief a Runner goes through when they cannot run … but it’s been 13 weeks now so I am starting the stages all over again. It’s getting hard for me to visit this site and to go on Facebook and view my Runner friends’ status, their running stats and running plans – makes me heartsick. Believe it or not, I even avoid my iPod because my Playlists are categorized in mileage…. “9 Miler”, “11 miler” … I’m in the Debbie Downer stage … if you didn’t catch on. I’ve had a set-back this past weekend and it’s just been too long already :-(
Oh Dimity, I am so sorry! Your positive attitude is so inspiring to me. I’ve been listening to tons of old AMR podcasts lately, and a lot of them discuss injuries. I always draw from your advice and strength to get through my own injuries!! You really are an inspiration!!
Currently I am also one of the unlucky ones dealing with a very uhappy IT band. I went to a massage therapist yesterday and she really worked hard on it…it does feel better today. This too shall pass and I will be stronger for it!
Geez Dimity~you are maintaining such a great attitude! Kudos to you for keeping it going. As for my current pains: left ankle and right neck/shoulder (which feels like a pinched nerve that I attibute to sharing too much of the pillow with my cat.) Rest up & see you in FLA.
I hear you Dimity. I’ve had one injury after another for a year now. It band, PF, and now a few twisted ankles leading to strained peroneus tendons in my calf, but I’ve let injuries slow me down….okay stop me before and I will not do it again no matter how well I get to know my local PT.
Injuries suck. Keep up the good work, so that the rest of us often injured folks have somebody to rally around. <3<3<3
Misery loves company. Still nursing an overuse injury of the right shoulder. And then my right knee started in. BUT a trip to chiro and the knee is better. I tell everyone that once you hit 40 things fall apart on a weekly basis – guess the warranty has expired which is why I keep on running and working out!
I had to get over the “race” part of race day when I did my first triathlon. I had to commit to walking it because my knees weren’t up to running at that point (4 knee surgeries had taken their toll) and I found that taking that pressure off made the whole process so much more fun! I have since done several adventure races with a group who focus solely on finishing with a smile and they’ve been such great experiences. Sometimes taking that step back, doing an event just to do it, and taking the time to enjoy the experience instead of pushing yourself to the ultimate limit is a better way to spend the day.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and enjoy the training, whatever it turns out to be!
I remember my bike crash 2 months before my Ironman and the only thing I could think about during the fall was…oh no, I have to do my Ironman. From then on, it was only about finishing and not about a time goal. Finishing is the most important part of an Ironman. Can’t wait to welcome you to the club. And look forward to seeing you at Princess in a few weeks. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
My entire right side is a hot mess! Last year I tried to wear some Brooks Pure Flow shoes, and the lack of arch support landed me with a hip flexor/psoas issue. I stubbornly ran through it all summer to meet my race obligations (all which just disheartened me bc I was so slow!). I took a break and was able to train for and run the Seattle Marathon with very little issue. But now that I’m back at training, my right hip, quad, shin and two areas of my foot are all taking turns yelling at me! (Well, not yelling…more like chattering….which I fear will turn into yelling!)
As for your IM, I think a finish is a great goal. I’m not the veteran athlete that you and SBS are, but I try to go into most training and races with the understanding that I will push myself a little, but most important is to stay healthy and finish. :) (I also find it helpful to have 3 tiers of goals, with the last goal to simply finish!)
Dimity, this was so well-written–and what’s more you’ve provided me with a needed attitude adjustment on a tough week, and not just as regards my perpetual marathon/want-to-qualify-for-Boston training. Over the weekend on a ski trip I lost my temper with my daughter, who had taken on some friends’ bad behaviors, and ever since then I’ve felt judged by the other parents who were there. Then last night my son came down with a horrible cough and I was up all night and now am home with him. I’ve missed the tempo workout scheduled for today and was really worried about that this morning.
Now, though, after reading your piece? Well, I’m feeling peace. The BQ will come (I hope) someday. My daughter’s friends’ moms may think I’m the wicked witch of the West…but she herself has already moved on and still loves me. My son will get better. And tomorrow I’ll run again.
Thanks for the perspective! I can’t wait to hear about your big IM.
I felt free to tear my ACL and meniscus in a random, freak ski fall right before Christmas. This was 3 weeks after a minor shoulder surgery. Bad timing and bad luck I guess. Today, I’m 6 weeks post-op from my knee surgery. It seems like an eternity. I know – rationally – that I’ll be back to normal and the fit mom I used to be. But, between now and that unknown time, every day is a challenge to just walk. So frustrating. I’m staying positive and am waiting for the day when I can get some good endorphins!
Perspective, perspective, perspective! You’ve got the right one Dimity! Finish! You’ll only regret what you never attempted {& finished}!
As for me what I’m really battling are the demons in my head. Sure, the IT band syndrome that has sidelined me for the last 3 weeks is annoying, the tight left hip & aching knees are making me feel about 20 years older than my young 34 (which I don’t normally make public, lol). But really, it’s what I keep telling myself…”you’re not fast enough, you look like a fool out there, who are you joking?”…my nagging inner “injuries.” How do you get over those?
On a sidenote…I truly hope that you recover quickly from your injuries…oh, and keep giving us that awesome perspective. I know lots of us women & mothers need that!
Best of luck with recovery and training – you can do it! I was at the CDA Ironman last summer cheering on my husband and it was so so so incredibly inspirational to see every single competitor come across that finish line – what an accomplishment and as you said, the finish time does not matter. Injuries and setback put things in perspective, but hopefully make us stronger in the long run. I am having hernia repair surgery next week which has dashed my hopes of running the Eugene marathon at the end of April. This was to be my first marathon after completing several half marathons over the past few years. I took time off from running during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and was finally at a good place – 12 weeks into my training program. I know there will be other races but it is rough right now and the hardest part for me is that I put in all the time and effort, only to not be in control at this point. That being said, it is strangely comforting to read about struggles other runners have experienced.
I have declared that I have a “man germ cold”. You know how a woman gets a cold, she goes around with a tissue (and lysol), and continues her day. But when a man gets a cold he whines, sleeps, and does nothing. This morning, I slept, dreamed of my sister coming to see me, and done nothing else…except whine that I really want to breath and move again. I have decided to blame the man growing inside of me. Being 32 wks pregnant and having a cold can create a man germ effect. I don’t want to move, and I do want to breath! I have turned into a wimp!
Dimity, your sense of balance, humor and perspective is inspiring – having experienced the big black boot, two pregnancies and a bunch of other mild injury-ish conditions, I’ve been too quick to give up over the past few years. Now I’m determined to move forward despite the odds. Wishing you a very speedy and sane recovery and ongoing healthy training this year!
My knee! But hopefully it is pain with a purpose. I had surgery last week to remedy a long injured meniscus and remove some “extra hardware” (i.e. a screw) from a knee surgery in my teen years. I enjoyed this post with two ice packs on. :)
With the possible chaos, the very real injuries, the internal chatter, …well, you are sounding so very calm, maybe relieved for putting it out there, regardless, your sense of calm comes across so clearly in your post. You are at such a great place, really, and you inspire me to do what I set out to do, the best I can. Thanks for putting it in perspective.
Happy healing, thanks for ‘coming-clean’ and sharing the nitty-gritty to keep us going when we might be giving up or giving in. (and…yes to the “House of Cards”)
I soo feel you lady! I think we can all say we have been there at one time or another. If its not one thing it’s another. I had just got the gumption to entertain the idea of my first half after almost 3 years of regular running. Had even picked out a good…then as I am readying the kids for school one morning I hit my head really hard on a door and gave myself one he– of a concussion. That was 21 days ago and since then 0 miles. Dr says no go till symptom free and I am still having headaches. I have to repeat to myself daily that I can’t run without a healthy brain. So I join you in whining…whaaaaaa! I just want my sanity back. Hang in the friend! This too shall pass is what the doctor told me when he found out I was a runner and said this must be driving you nuts to be stable. Uh, ya think? Take care of your foot and good luck in your ironman!
Thank you for sharing Dimity. It’s tough to feel vulnerable. I have knee achi-ness but that comes with 4-5 days of running 40+ total miles. Funny thing is I thought back-to-back long runs would be the end of my knees. After 18-22 miles on Saturday, I have 5-10 more on Sunday. And my legs feel good on Sunday….weird? Everyone has a sweet spot mileage wise and I hope you find yours Dimity. Get some sleep and your body will heel.
Dimitri- thank you for your timely post. I wish for you fast healing and patience until that happens! Over the past month or so, I’ve developed a periodic pain in my left heel. Thought it was from my zumba shoes not having enough support- so got a new pair. Went running on Saturday (only for about 30 minutes and I don’t run very fast)and literally couldn’t bear weight on that heel for 2 days. ?Plantar fascitis? Looked it up and am doing stretches and will rest it for a week. Makes me cranky—cuz the weather is finally warming up a little (in the 40’s) and it’s light enough when I get home now where I could run outside and not on the dreaded treadmill. Ideas for non-weight bearing exerices at home?
My IT band continually threatens me. It’s like an angry teenager – almost always ready to blow at the more inconvenient times. It hobbled me for two half marathons last year so I threw everything at it – foam roller, hip and core work, Newton shoes, and chi running. I whipped it into shape but it is always reminding me that if it choses to, it would take me down and put me out of the game quick.
That being said, I really appreciate your choice to look at your injuries from the big picture perspective. Your thought of crossing the finish line in the most healthy body possible strikes a cord in me. I was forced to subscribe to that tenet when my leg went wonky and I’ve kept it. I’ve got enough chaos in my life without adding it on top of myself. Why aren’t we kinder to ourselves, as women and athletes? We break sometimes. Plain and simple.
My left hip and right ankle bother me toward the end of my longer runs. i may need a good adjustment at the chiropractor! Hang in there Dimity!
Best of luck to you! I know the laying low stinks. At least it does for me.
Dimity! I love you for being so honest – the day to day stuff & how you deal, mixed in with training for a big bad mutha of a race PLUS injuries!!! I love your attitude toward all of it. I’m with you about times…in my book, and probably most fitness mamas, crossing the finish line IS winning. You totally rock even on your “worst” day! Healing thoughts & prayers going your way!!
My knees. :( Thanks so much, cross training. :P
I really wish I could get rid of this plantar fasciitis. Mama needs to run before she goes crazy!
I must say this is a very inspiring, I am felt bad about my pains but …. here goes. After running the fastest I had ever ran in my life to pass a fitness test for a state trooper app, I began to feel aching in my shin. Dr told me to rest for 10 days, I obliged whiningly. Ran 1 mile, no pain! But once I started stretching pain from my hip to my knee. Blasted hip adductor tendon. That was 2 wks ago. Took another few days and tried again. Pain after my run, took another week off to no avail…. started swimming ( I can barely tread water!!) My desire to stay active and continue to say goodbye to this plageud cellulite that has been hanging around for waaaaay too long. Long story… I’m. Sorry but I understand. Its just that as a newbie (running less than 6 months) three different, although seemingly mino
R injuries will make u want to throw in the towel. But …..my injuries will not prevail!! Thanks again for posting this, I needed it!
Recently reading “Time Crunched Triathlete” by Friel. Claims 90% of triathletes are injured, only 1 out of 10 make it thru training without injury. So you are in good company. Listen to your body and heal quickly.
Was so proud of myself because I was meeting my New Years Resolution of running 20 miles a week, with a 15k scheduled in six weeks, followed by two half marathons in April and June, then, after five years of waiting, Hood to Coast. Then, Saturday night, I ripped my calf muscle apart dancing with my girlfriends at a ladies weekend. Now I am hobbling around like a gnome and should probably take at least 4-6 weeks off running. Also big potential to reinjure so I am fretting that my HTC dreams will be dashed. Hoping for the best but dreading the worst…
I’ve got something going on with my right hamstring/glute that isn’t keeping me from running completely, but it’s keeping me from running happily and limiting me to every other day right now. Reading your post gives me some perspective. I’m not training for anything right now, and I’m grateful for that, but I’m just bummed about missing some potentially gorgeous spring days coming up because I’m making myself sit out. Spring is a runner’s TIME, and while I’ve come to terms with juggling running around the kids, juggling around a nagging injury is just something that always makes me bitter! And missing sunshine for it – so frustating!
I ran through lingering hip pain for my first marathon in October. After 3 months of physical therapy I found out I have a fairly significant tear in my labrum. The most frustrating part is that running is not painful. It’s post run that I have trouble walking and the pain can become unbearable. Surgery in May to repair the hip and a 9 month recovery has me running 1 day/week just to keep my sanity. This week during my run I pulled a muscle in my back. When it rains it pours!
Okay, pretty sure I have a neuroma in my left foot but don’t want to go to someone for fear they will tell me not to run! 1/2 planned for March. Trying different orthotics with some success. Running helps me deal with the rest of my life!
Glutes, hips…..My daughter says “Man wasn’t meant to run 26.1 miles.” She may be right, man wasn’t but this Woman certainly needs to!
You are my hero! Thank you for admitting your weaknesses and making me feel normal. I am dealing with a completely imbalanced left side that desperately needs chiropractic attention that I cannot afford. I have dealt with IT band issues, severe Vicodin needing muscle back spasm, runners knee, knee strain, and PF. All on my left side. I’m pretty sure it all stems from being “crooked” and having weak hamstring. But what’s a runner to do? Rest and try again. Heal well my friend!! We are all in this together!!
You are my HERO!!!! Love, love, love your attitude. Love this post. So sorry your not feeling well. Go have fun & 10000% and ROCK your best can-you-believe dance super momma.
Thank you for this post. Keep up the GREAT work.
Love another HUGE fan from Maryland.
Planning for IMAZ in 2014: am inspired by your story and keep on posting! Can’t wait to read more! :) Hope you are injury free ASAP.
Oh my goodness! an astounding post dude. Thank you Having said that I am experiencing issue with ur rss . Do not know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there any individual acquiring identical rss dilemma? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
christian louboutin outlets