Fractured Leg Update

I gave the boot the boot
;)

No shame being in the
kids room at the Dr!

Went back to the Dr last Thursday.

X-rays looked great and I'm no longer in the walking boot! I still can't run but I've been upgraded to the elliptical. My running coach helped me modify workouts to test the leg during cross training. The good news is that the leg is feeling great! I also am able to get in challenging workouts even though I'm not running.

I'll go back to the Dr again in a couple weeks. Still sticking to my food plan and staying focused on my goal: Indiana trail 100!
It will be tough and I may need to reevaluate my race day plan based on the leg and training, but I will still give it my best shot.
 



Cross training any way possible

It feels great to work through a set back and take it as a learning experience. It is only making me want to accomplish what I set out to do even more.

4 weeks post fracture and I'm able to do speed work.... makes me smile.... I'll take it!
 

A little setback

Ever know that something is wrong, but you just don't want to admit it??

 

I took a spill in my riding lesson in January (the 21st to be exact). It hurt, but when you fall off a horse, it's going to hurt. I got up, got back on... the usual. I'm currently training for a spring 100 mile trail run and am working with a wonderful running coach. But with the pain in the leg I decided I needed to take a few days rest before trying to run.

Skip to:
Monday (4 rest days) I attempted to run. Completed 1 very slow and very painful treadmill mile. I kept feeling like my knee was going to give out. I got off the treadmill trying to suppress the building tears in my eyes. I knew I needed more rest for the leg, but the thought of not training was scary. I iced, elevated, and continued to take ibuprofen.

Saturday: trail run attempt. It was time to give it another go. It had been well over a week since the fall. This attempt I made it just over 2 miles and had to call it a day. How could I need more rest???? It was just a little horse fall!

I decided to tell my coach a more detailed version of what happened and get her advice. Made a Dr appointment and kept trying to tell myself that there couldn't be anything wrong, I have plans.... goals..... This is the wrong time to get hurt.

"boots are in this winter"
thanks Jessica for the quote

2 Dr appointments and an mri later, I now know that I fractured the fibular head and tibia during that little fall and have been walking around like it was no big deal since (no wonder it hurt to run!)

The Dr, thankfully, hasn't ruled out my race. But this definitely feels like a big obstacle to cross.

So, I plan on doing a lot of cross training and upper body work (Dr said to cross train as much as I can unless I have pain)

I'm trying to stay positive in the midst of a set back. Lots of bigger problems in the world than a couple broken bones. I'm just glad I stopped ignoring the pain and dealt with the problem. It's scary and changes the plans I set, but it doesn't have to change my goals or the outcome of my future.

 

 

So enough about me...... what about you???
Have you had a lingering feeling that you can't shake..... A problem that seems too scary to deal with and fix so you continue to self treat and hope for the best????

Don't walk around with a broken leg!

 

Have the tough conversation that's needed, explore new options if you're unhappy in the current situation, make an appointment to see a professional.... whatever the case may be in your situation.... But please, don't ignore your personal "broken leg."

don't be like this!!!

The Change Up

Have you ever had the feeling that something is just not working..... drained by the everyday routine.... maybe it's time for a change up.

I love to run... I run almost every day, but lately I haven't felt like I'm seeing the major improvements I'd like as I'm training for my next 50 mile race. When the improvements are so minor it is easy for me to get frustrated and question my training and journey.

Does this mean I give up and quit running... nope, not at all. I can stop, evaluate, adjust, and make things enjoyable for the long run. More cross training, weights, tempos, and speedwork?

One day last week, I decided to grab my swim cap and goggles and headed to the pool instead of the run. This switch in training activity gave me renewed energy. It was quiet and calm. I'm not an amazing swimmer by any means, but I smiled throughout my workout and felt right where I needed to be.

And you know what... my weekend runs following the change up were incredibly enjoyable. I've continued to switch out some of my regular workouts with pool time. I am still in training for the upcoming race and think I'll always over analyze my training and if I'll meet/surpass my goals. However, changing things up a bit have kept me from simply trying to "make it work" with the miles.

Running is my sanity and I can't help but transfer my running victories and lessons learned into my life. With so much time on the track,tread,trail, or road I get to do a lot of reflecting. I had a chat with my parents the other night and I was given some great insight. And amazingly very similar ideas about the "change up" became clear outside of my running shoes.

What I'm doing right now may be enough to satisfy others, but am I living to MY potential... to fulfill my destiny? Is the struggle to "make it work" giving back the energy to live life to the fullest?
If I want to experience all life has to offer I have to do what's best for me and that may be a life change-up. Why stay in a place because it's what I'm used to or to please others. Wow... looks like I need a few long runs to sort through all my thoughts! :)

 How about you:  do you question your placement, career, workout routine or hobbies... are you struggling to make it work?  Maybe the "change up" is exactly what you need too!

Smile on,
Jeni