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October 7, 2004
stick a fork in me
This morning I tried 2 miles, so slow I looked like a very awkward and bad racewalker. And it hurt so much I just knew I couldn't do it 13 more times at any pace, so I decided for real that I would not run Chicago this weekend.
Later in the day my doctor called (I'd put in a plea for iontophoresis or anything imaginable to get me through the race). He said that my xrays suggested a (healing) fibular stress fracture, the radiologist's evaluation of the xrays suggested a (healing) fibular stress fracture, and the fact that running still hurts (and not-running feels better) really suggests a stress fracture. He won't know for sure until after an MRI next week, but he has his opinions.
I was pretty rocky for a while today, but much better now. Over the next few days I may try some pool running or spinning, but I'm going to lay off road running until Tuesday. Then (if I can) I'll start training again for the Jacksonville marathon Dec 19.
Some people reading this blog have made very kind and encouraging comments, and I really, really appreciate it. Thanks so much.
Posted by joe positive at October 7, 2004 7:29 PM
Comments
I'm so sorry to hear about this - but I hope that knowing what it is will (at least in some way) be a bit of a relief. Let it heal, or you may have bigger problems (I have two screws in me, both from stress fractures which I didn't let heal).
I'm sure it's very tough mentally, but you will be back, and this will really motivate you down the road. In the meantime, pool running sounds _great_.
Good luck!
Posted by: Alison at October 7, 2004 10:08 PM
I'm sorry to hear it, too. I know you've put in a lot of work. BUT ... even if you lose some fitness while you heal, all that work you've done will stick with you and will pay off eventually, in whatever you decide to tackle next.
Posted by: jenandmats at October 9, 2004 4:39 PM
Wow - this is not the most enlightening news, but you have made a very wise decision NOT to run a marathon with a stress fracture (even if it is healing).
I currently have 2 stress fractures - one on each foot in the metatarsal area. PLEASE be cautious. I have been off my feet for 6 weeks and I honestly think I have another 6-12 weeks before both of my feet are completely healed.
It is SOOO hard to take the time off - believe me, I know! Even biking is starting to irritate my feet so I have to suck it up and surrender to the couch. BUT, we will build back our fitness and we will have a fresh start :) It is better to be 100% healed than to ALWAYS be 50 - 70%. Take the time to let your body heal - when you are pain free in a few weeks, you will be VERY grateful that you gave yourself a break. Your body is talking loudly to you. Mine is too and it sucks, but I have to listen or I will never reach my running dreams. I need to be healthy and happy in order to do that!!
Posted by: bridget at October 9, 2004 9:19 PM