Ok, so here's the latest: I'm still injured.
To a degree that's been the worst since I started running back in '07. I'm 90% certain that it's a stress fracture (of either the 4th or 5th metatarsal). Just need to get it confirmed and figure out the severity of it next week when I see an orthopedist and get an MRI.
I've been off of running for the past 4 weeks. At the 3 week mark is when I decided to try to gradually test out my left foot. Did some short treadmill work with a minute of running interspersed with walking. Then, I tried running a mile on it on the road. It didn't feel good - there's definitely something wrong with it.
It is what it is. So I can't run. It sucks, but it's not the end of the world.
What I CAN do, is cross-train like a mother. I'm still boxing and recently, started to get more serious about cycling. I did about 40-50 miles last week, with that mileage already covered for this week (including a brutal 30-miler this morning in the severe heat + hills). I'm also having passing thoughts about mixing in some swimming in there as well although my first time out, I didn't fare too well. That's probably more to do with crappy form than anything.
So I know what you're thinking: a triathlon must be in my future once I can start running again, right?
Well, I'm always the first one to utter "never say never" for what the future might hold for you. But I know that there's a lot of unfinished business as far as my running's concerned, so my focus right now is to just use those disciplines as a way of maintaining fitness until I'm back at full strength. But I figure once several running goals are crossed off my list, maybe I'll decide to get serious and train for one to say I can do it.
I'll report back once the MRI results are in. Until then, it's a whole lotta swimming, cycling and punching the crap out of a heavy bag. Only activity not in there? Feeling sorry for myself.
I will run again some day - that is not up for question or debate. But I do hope you'll understand if I don't want to read about all the running you guys are doing while I'm sidelined. Nothing personal kids :)
19 comments:
good luck with the MRI, etc... you are doing a great job on all your crosstraining! I think I would be sitting in a corner crying, so good for you on keeping the right attitude!
Chris just got a road bike and has been going to masters swim... maybe all triathletes are runners who had injuries and had to do something else? :)
really though good luck and I hope you get this thing figured out and fixed soon!
You got it 100% right, Billy. Cross train like a mother-focher. Something I should've done when I was down for the count. Instead I pitied myself and gained over 10 pounds. Don't be me!!! You'll be a stronger athlete and runner after all this.
I'll be deeply offended if you don't read all my running stories.... Kidding! Glad you are keeping yourself active and busy!
Good job on all that cross training, I'm with aron I would be in the corner crying and blogging suicidal thoughts, but you are one tough little billy! ha ha. i don't know why that is so funny. DANG you are intense on that road bike you freak. I took a spin class this past weekend and it made me barf. ha ha ha
Good luck though and keep in touch, even if you don't read my random dribble.
I'm in the same boat as you. I can't stand reading about running when I can't run. Be smart, heal up.
I hear you, bro... take care of yourself. And I'll be looking forward to your posts about biking and swimming for the time being.
But Billy actually says "hi" to people on the bike. It was impressive to say the least. Soon he'll be tweeting from the bike as well.
btw - good job out there bro. i thought you did great! and thanks for putting up with my TWO flats...
Hang in there. I've been on the injured list for the past 6 weeks and finally have an appt to see a sports injury doctor next week as well. At least you're still exercising and keeping a good attitude.
I suspect you've got a stress fx. Just from the persistent symptoms alone that have lasted this long, odds are high.
I'm sure you've followed details of my blog for my stress fx - it's a hard road for a few months since cycling/swimming are so different from running, but the world of triathlon is fascinating, challenging, and ultimately rewarding. I actually prefer cycling to running hands-down now. Swimming, well, let's say I at least tolerate it!
Keep us posted.
glad you're staying busy and finding alternative workouts. i suck at swimming so it feels like an extra hard workout to me. sometimes i don't even make it the full length of the pool, yeah.
totally understand not wanting to read about running. i don't even want to do that when i'm just feeling mopey/unmotivated, let alone injured. hang in there. take it easy on the foot and hope the mri goes well!
You'll have to let us know how you make out with the MRI. You are doing such a wonderful job with the crosstraining. Swimming is a tough one! Keep up all the hard work, it will pay off once you are able to hit the roads running.
Let us know what you find out from the MRI. You have the right attitude here. You can still do a LOT of different training, and even if you don't do a triathlon or anything, you will still benefit from the cross training and it will be FUN. Plus a break from running always makes you appreciate it that much more when you do hit the roads again. :)
goodluck with recovery...hope for the best!
Hope you feel better asap! I had a similar injury earlier this year and was on crutches for a while...it sucks. But great job crosstraining! Try some swimming too, treading water and the like.
You are not missing anything......running will always be there when you get healthy.
It is cool you are taking the time to try new things.
Keep up the cross training and also if you have to run think about buddy taping your toe, I broke one of mine 3-4 years ago and that worked really well
Bummer!! I'm sorry to hear that you are still hurt. Let us know how the MRI goes. At least you are being smart and staying off of it. Kudos to you for trying out swimming! I would drown in the first 2 minutes.
I know exactly what you mean. When I first got injured, I read about running so I could live precariously through the healthy people. Then it got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore.
I'm glad cycling is an option for you. I'm still waiting for my arch to heal completely before I try to ride a bike again.
Take care, Billy.
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