I understand that you are hurt. I know you are broken and need rest. However, it is time for you to start feeling better. It has been six weeks now. That is long enough to cause pain. I have given you several weeks of rest. I have done lots and lots of cross-training to give you more rest.
It is time for you to heal up and make the pain go away. It is time to run 26.2 miles! Do you understand? You can not be selfish anymore. The rest of your body wants to run. Your legs are ready, your mind is ready, but are you ready?
I feel you resisting. You seem to be causing more pain these last few days. I have given you even more rest. I let you relax all day in the boot that the rest of your body does not like.
I will even make a deal with you little foot. If you suck it up and let us run the entire 26.2 miles with little pain, I will give you several weeks more rest when we are done with this thing called the Chicago Marathon.
Thank you,
Your Body
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Remembering my First Marathon: Monumental Marathon Recap
I ran my first marathon, The Monumental Marathon, last November 2010.
Since I am about to run my second marathon, I thought now would be a good time to remember what went right and wrong.
Recap (from what I remember about a year later):
The night before I did not sleep at all. Somehow I need to fix this problem. Maybe benadryl? Has any ever tried this before a race?
That morning I was a nervous wreck. I was having major GI issues. Ryan drove me down to the start and I think I made him stop at about 10 different restrooms.
It was freezing! Upper 20s/Low 30s at the start. I was so upset at the time. Now I would love running in that weather.
I was kind of in a daze waiting in the start corral. All of the sudden the gun went off. I felt that I wasn't ready.
The first 1-2 miles I felt horrible. My stomach was upset and I felt tired. Was I going to make it?
Then I got in a groove. Miles 5-8 were awesome! I was totally in a runner's high. Just looking around and loving every minute of it.
I thought my family was going to be at mile 10. But didn't see them. That was ok though. There was good crowd support and as you turned one corner there was a very rowdy group that was giving high fives. That was great!
About mile 12, I saw my family. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me. I loved it!
I remember crossing the half marathon mat (13.1) miles and the clock read 1:53 something. I new PR for me. In a marathon. I was feeling great still!
At mile 15 the one and only hill came. I just held strong and made it up just fine.
Mile 16 or 17 the 3:50 pace group passed me. That was ok. My goal was only a sub 4 marathon.
Mile 18 I saw my family again. My legs were feeling really heavy now. When Jackson went to hug me I almost fell over. But seeing them gave me another boost.
Around mile 20, I was tired! Ryan refilled my gatorade bottle and my friend Jacque joined me.
Mile 21, I hit the wall! And I mean it knocked me over! I said time for a walk break. When I tried to run again, I couldn't. It was like someone put 50lb weights on both my legs and said run up this hill. I had never felt that pain before! I thought that if I sat down and stretched I would feel better. As I was sitting down, I realized if I sat down I would not get back up.
So the death march began. Walk a lot, run a little, walk a lot. My friend Jacque was awesome. I really don't remember what she was saying though. I was so tired!
At some point the 4:00 pace group passed me. That pacer was awesome. She was trying to get me to join them. I had nothing left:(
The crowd support was pretty thin the last few miles. Some good things people were saying: Looking good, You are doing it, Nice smile. Some things that didn't help: You are almost there, only 3 more miles. Really 3 miles-that feels like infinity!!!!!!
But really nothing could help me. I was done. I knew I would finish but I didn't care what the time said.
My family was at mile 26 again. That did help!! I gave it a tiny little push and finished my first marathon!
Time: 4:17 (and a few seconds). I honestly thought I had a sub 4 hour marathon in me. But not on that day.
After the race, I was frozen due to the cold temps! I thought I might collapse. I could barely walk to the car. In the car I turned the heat on full blast. In a few minutes, I thawed out and was feeling much better.
Not exactly how I thought the day would go. But I was hooked. I knew I would run another marathon! Now I am going to attempt to run my second marathon in a couple of weeks.
Since I am about to run my second marathon, I thought now would be a good time to remember what went right and wrong.
Recap (from what I remember about a year later):
The night before I did not sleep at all. Somehow I need to fix this problem. Maybe benadryl? Has any ever tried this before a race?
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| Ryan and the kids made signs. That meant so much. |
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| Kaitlyn and her sign. Love it! |
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| Jackson getting ready to cheer. |
That morning I was a nervous wreck. I was having major GI issues. Ryan drove me down to the start and I think I made him stop at about 10 different restrooms.
It was freezing! Upper 20s/Low 30s at the start. I was so upset at the time. Now I would love running in that weather.
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| Waiting at the start. It was freezing! |
I was kind of in a daze waiting in the start corral. All of the sudden the gun went off. I felt that I wasn't ready.
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| At the start. Can you see me? I am in the middle of the picture in the pink shirt. |
The first 1-2 miles I felt horrible. My stomach was upset and I felt tired. Was I going to make it?
Then I got in a groove. Miles 5-8 were awesome! I was totally in a runner's high. Just looking around and loving every minute of it.
I thought my family was going to be at mile 10. But didn't see them. That was ok though. There was good crowd support and as you turned one corner there was a very rowdy group that was giving high fives. That was great!
About mile 12, I saw my family. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me. I loved it!
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| Hugs for everybody! |
I remember crossing the half marathon mat (13.1) miles and the clock read 1:53 something. I new PR for me. In a marathon. I was feeling great still!
At mile 15 the one and only hill came. I just held strong and made it up just fine.
Mile 16 or 17 the 3:50 pace group passed me. That was ok. My goal was only a sub 4 marathon.
Mile 18 I saw my family again. My legs were feeling really heavy now. When Jackson went to hug me I almost fell over. But seeing them gave me another boost.
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| More hugs:) |
Around mile 20, I was tired! Ryan refilled my gatorade bottle and my friend Jacque joined me.
Mile 21, I hit the wall! And I mean it knocked me over! I said time for a walk break. When I tried to run again, I couldn't. It was like someone put 50lb weights on both my legs and said run up this hill. I had never felt that pain before! I thought that if I sat down and stretched I would feel better. As I was sitting down, I realized if I sat down I would not get back up.
So the death march began. Walk a lot, run a little, walk a lot. My friend Jacque was awesome. I really don't remember what she was saying though. I was so tired!
At some point the 4:00 pace group passed me. That pacer was awesome. She was trying to get me to join them. I had nothing left:(
The crowd support was pretty thin the last few miles. Some good things people were saying: Looking good, You are doing it, Nice smile. Some things that didn't help: You are almost there, only 3 more miles. Really 3 miles-that feels like infinity!!!!!!
But really nothing could help me. I was done. I knew I would finish but I didn't care what the time said.
My family was at mile 26 again. That did help!! I gave it a tiny little push and finished my first marathon!
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| Here I come... |
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| I look tired. And I was! |
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| One final push |
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| Getting ready to cross the finish line! |
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| I did it! I am a marathoner! |
Time: 4:17 (and a few seconds). I honestly thought I had a sub 4 hour marathon in me. But not on that day.
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| So thankful my family was there |
After the race, I was frozen due to the cold temps! I thought I might collapse. I could barely walk to the car. In the car I turned the heat on full blast. In a few minutes, I thawed out and was feeling much better.
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| Freezing |
Not exactly how I thought the day would go. But I was hooked. I knew I would run another marathon! Now I am going to attempt to run my second marathon in a couple of weeks.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Weekly Recap: The Taper
Last double digit run before the Chicago Marathon done! On Saturday I started my taper and only ran 12 miles.
The positives: My legs felt fresh and light. Just how they should feel at this point. I also felt pretty good cardiovascular wise. The weather was perfect for a run and the trail was packed with happy runners.
The negatives: My foot, my foot, my foot. I thought since I haven't been running as many miles my foot would start to feel better. Not at all. It is exactly the same. My running form is so awkward the first mile because I am trying to figure how to run and not make it hurt. As time goes on, my foot pain dulls or maybe I am able to adjust my running form and not land on that part of my foot as much.
My overall pace for 12 miles was 8:36 min/mile. My first mile was 9 min/mile. I basically ran each mile a little faster and my last mile was 8:14 min/mile. I wasn't trying to do a progression run but that is what happened. At first I was feeling really good about this run. Then I did something I shouldn't have done. I looked back through my garmin at my old runs. Back in February, I ran 12 miles at an average pace of 8:12 min/mile. Also most of my short runs 5-7 miles were averaging in the 7:50 range. I have done all this running and am slower. And now my garmin won't work. I guess I did something going through all the old data? It is just a blank screen.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: Swim 1000 meters
Saturday: 12 miles
When I look at my weekly recap it doesn't seem like enough. But I need to trust my taper plan. Only 2 more weeks!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Taper
It is less than 3 weeks until the Chicago Marathon, so that means it is time to taper. Most marathon training plans call for a three week taper. They say it is important to have your legs feeling fresh for the start of the marathon.
I sort of have to laugh about my taper. Basically I have been tapering for the past 6 weeks. So my mileage during the week is not really going down. The only thing that will be a taper will be my long run. This weekend I only have to run 12 miles.
I don't really love taper time. Because I love to run. The more miles I run, the better I feel (well usually when I am not hurt).
Today I ran 6 miles with Alyssa. The first 2 miles I felt great, including my foot. It definitely showed in my pace because the second mile came in at 8:14min/mile. But then this very annoying foot pain came back. Ugh... Overall our average pace was 8:30min/mile. I just need to accept that this is what I am capable of now. I want to be able to run 10 miles at a 8min pace and have it feel easy, but I am not there now. Someday I will get there again.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Running in the Rain
I love running in the rain! I had a great time running today as it poured down rain. I loved splashing in the puddles and listening to the raindrops.
My work out did not go as planned by any means though. I know my little foot injury needs some TLC so I had planned to just run 2 miles on the gym treadmill and then go swimming. But Nathan has croup. His stridor is so bad you can hear him from several rooms away. I knew if I dropped him off at the gym daycare they would say... No Way crazy lady are we watching your son.
I knew Ryan would be home for lunch so after I put Nathan down for a nap, I went for a quick run. My legs and foot were feeling pretty good this morning so I was hopeful for a good run. Not so much. My legs are still heavy from the 20 miler and my foot is not better. You would think after 5 weeks (yes I have been dealing with this injury for 5 weeks:(, my foot would start to improve. Bone injuries take a long time to heal I guess. Anyway I went for a horribly slow 3 mile run.
Good thing it started to pour though. Because I stopped my garmin and tried to shield it from the rain and just enjoyed how wonderful the rain felt.
My work out did not go as planned by any means though. I know my little foot injury needs some TLC so I had planned to just run 2 miles on the gym treadmill and then go swimming. But Nathan has croup. His stridor is so bad you can hear him from several rooms away. I knew if I dropped him off at the gym daycare they would say... No Way crazy lady are we watching your son.
I knew Ryan would be home for lunch so after I put Nathan down for a nap, I went for a quick run. My legs and foot were feeling pretty good this morning so I was hopeful for a good run. Not so much. My legs are still heavy from the 20 miler and my foot is not better. You would think after 5 weeks (yes I have been dealing with this injury for 5 weeks:(, my foot would start to improve. Bone injuries take a long time to heal I guess. Anyway I went for a horribly slow 3 mile run.
Good thing it started to pour though. Because I stopped my garmin and tried to shield it from the rain and just enjoyed how wonderful the rain felt.
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| Running in the Rain |
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Weekly Recap: Confidence Booster
On Saturday, I started my run thinking I was going to be a good patient and only run 12 miles and then do 8 miles on the elliptical. But then when it was time for me to break off from the group, I couldn't do it. I had a choice to finish off the run by my myself and then do 8 boring miles on the elliptical. Or I could actually do a 20 mile run with a fun group of runners on the beautiful Monon Trail in the most perfect weather. So of course I choose running. My foot was not hurting worse than the first step I took so I thought I was ok...
I have to say the first 15 miles flew by. It was really nice running with a big group. So many conversations going on. At mile 17-18, I was done though. My endurance isn't quite where it should be. One of the girls in the group needed to get back quicker so she picked up the pace at the end. I was not feeling great but just wanted to be done so bad. So I stuck with her. I ran mile 19 in 8:35 and mile 20 in 8:20. I have been having a hard time hitting 8:20 in a 5 mile run since my injury and today I ran one after running 19 miles. Where have these legs been?
What a confidence booster to complete a 20 mile run! And I definitely ran negative splits. The saying goes... If you can run 20 miles then you can run 26.2 miles. Unfortunately I know this isn't true though. Well for a lot of people it is, but not for me. I did two 20 mile runs last year before my first marathon. Although I did make it the 26.2 miles, there was more walking then running the last few miles. Even so, I am stilling feeling great that I made it. Maybe I can do this thing?!
Today I am feeling a little more sore than I would like. Still not too bad though. My foot feels the same. So I take that as good news.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: 5 mile run
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 mile run, 4.5 Elliptical
Friday: 2 mile run, 3 mile elliptical
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: Rest
Let the taper begin...and the healing too.
I have to say the first 15 miles flew by. It was really nice running with a big group. So many conversations going on. At mile 17-18, I was done though. My endurance isn't quite where it should be. One of the girls in the group needed to get back quicker so she picked up the pace at the end. I was not feeling great but just wanted to be done so bad. So I stuck with her. I ran mile 19 in 8:35 and mile 20 in 8:20. I have been having a hard time hitting 8:20 in a 5 mile run since my injury and today I ran one after running 19 miles. Where have these legs been?
What a confidence booster to complete a 20 mile run! And I definitely ran negative splits. The saying goes... If you can run 20 miles then you can run 26.2 miles. Unfortunately I know this isn't true though. Well for a lot of people it is, but not for me. I did two 20 mile runs last year before my first marathon. Although I did make it the 26.2 miles, there was more walking then running the last few miles. Even so, I am stilling feeling great that I made it. Maybe I can do this thing?!
Today I am feeling a little more sore than I would like. Still not too bad though. My foot feels the same. So I take that as good news.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: 5 mile run
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 mile run, 4.5 Elliptical
Friday: 2 mile run, 3 mile elliptical
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: Rest
Let the taper begin...and the healing too.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Running on a Stress Fracture
Everything about my title seems wrong. I am glad I was given the green light to run though.
Today was my first run since I found out I have a stress fracture. It didn't feel good.
I am having second thoughts about running the Chicago Marathon. Is this really the smart thing to do?
I ran 5 miles today at a 8:49 pace and it was hard. I think why it feels so hard is because I am not running efficiently. The reason, I think, is because I am trying to compensate for my foot pain.
I then went to the gym and did 4.5 miles on the elliptical. I wanted to do 5 but could not make it. It is so boring and I was exhausted. This weekend I am supposed to double this work out (10 running miles, 10 miles on the elliptical).
I am torn on what to do. I really want to run the Chicago Marathon. But I really really want to be able to run MANY more marathons in the future.
I guess I will just keep pushing forward (carefully), listen to my body, and see what happens.
Today was my first run since I found out I have a stress fracture. It didn't feel good.
I am having second thoughts about running the Chicago Marathon. Is this really the smart thing to do?
I ran 5 miles today at a 8:49 pace and it was hard. I think why it feels so hard is because I am not running efficiently. The reason, I think, is because I am trying to compensate for my foot pain.
I then went to the gym and did 4.5 miles on the elliptical. I wanted to do 5 but could not make it. It is so boring and I was exhausted. This weekend I am supposed to double this work out (10 running miles, 10 miles on the elliptical).
I am torn on what to do. I really want to run the Chicago Marathon. But I really really want to be able to run MANY more marathons in the future.
I guess I will just keep pushing forward (carefully), listen to my body, and see what happens.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Finally A Diagnosis: But not a good one
The MRI results came in...
Stress fracture in my foot...BOOOOOOOOOO!
Ok now to get technical:
Official Results:
Moderate osseous edema within the right second metatarsal head and neck particularly in the planar aspect with a small focus of subarticular low signal. The findings are most consistent with subarticular stress fracture (aka head of metatarsal bone) or osteochondrosis.
So there are some very interesting things about my MRI. First most people who have a stress fracture in the metatarsal bone have it in the neck of the bone. Mine is at the head. My ortho doctor has never seen this type before. And he is the best doctor in the area for this type of injury. In fact this diagnosis did not even exist until 15 years ago. This is a very RARE injury.
The most surprising news: He still said there may be a chance I could run the Chicago Marathon. What? What? What?
Any doctor or any athlete who has ever had a stress fracture knows the treatment. NO running for 4-8 weeks.
This is a highly respected orthopedic doctor and I know he knows his stuff. So hey I'll take this plan.
He did say that there is a very low risk of a complete fracture in this type of stress fracture, so I assume that is why he is letting me run some.
There are of course some pretty strict guidelines I need to follow:
1. Not much running until the marathon. For example I was supposed to run 20 miles this weekend. Instead I can only run 10 miles and then do 10 miles on the elliptical.
2. I need to stop if the pain increases. Um... I told him if I start a run, I never stop sooner than planned. Remember I ran 19 miles on this stress fracture. But I will listen, I must.
3. I have to wear a walking boot during the day.
4. I need to get fitted for custom orthotics. This will help cushion my foot and hopefully help take off the pressure on the area.
5. After the marathon, I need to take a month off from running. SAD:( For the past 2 years, I have never taken more than a few days off in a row.
So here we go again. I still don't know for sure if I will be able to complete the marathon. What if the pain becomes too much?
I will also be so under trained for the marathon. I wanted to do three 20 mile runs in preparation for this marathon. Instead I will have done 0. Not very promising at all. Will I have the endurance to make it?
Have you ever had a stress fracture? I would love to hear how your recovery went. Also do any of my medical friends have any thoughts on this diagnosis or treatment plan?
What a bummer!
Stress fracture in my foot...BOOOOOOOOOO!
Ok now to get technical:
Official Results:
Moderate osseous edema within the right second metatarsal head and neck particularly in the planar aspect with a small focus of subarticular low signal. The findings are most consistent with subarticular stress fracture (aka head of metatarsal bone) or osteochondrosis.
So there are some very interesting things about my MRI. First most people who have a stress fracture in the metatarsal bone have it in the neck of the bone. Mine is at the head. My ortho doctor has never seen this type before. And he is the best doctor in the area for this type of injury. In fact this diagnosis did not even exist until 15 years ago. This is a very RARE injury.
The most surprising news: He still said there may be a chance I could run the Chicago Marathon. What? What? What?
Any doctor or any athlete who has ever had a stress fracture knows the treatment. NO running for 4-8 weeks.
This is a highly respected orthopedic doctor and I know he knows his stuff. So hey I'll take this plan.
He did say that there is a very low risk of a complete fracture in this type of stress fracture, so I assume that is why he is letting me run some.
There are of course some pretty strict guidelines I need to follow:
1. Not much running until the marathon. For example I was supposed to run 20 miles this weekend. Instead I can only run 10 miles and then do 10 miles on the elliptical.
2. I need to stop if the pain increases. Um... I told him if I start a run, I never stop sooner than planned. Remember I ran 19 miles on this stress fracture. But I will listen, I must.
3. I have to wear a walking boot during the day.
4. I need to get fitted for custom orthotics. This will help cushion my foot and hopefully help take off the pressure on the area.
5. After the marathon, I need to take a month off from running. SAD:( For the past 2 years, I have never taken more than a few days off in a row.
So here we go again. I still don't know for sure if I will be able to complete the marathon. What if the pain becomes too much?
I will also be so under trained for the marathon. I wanted to do three 20 mile runs in preparation for this marathon. Instead I will have done 0. Not very promising at all. Will I have the endurance to make it?
Have you ever had a stress fracture? I would love to hear how your recovery went. Also do any of my medical friends have any thoughts on this diagnosis or treatment plan?
What a bummer!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Weekly Recap: One more month?
The Chicago Marathon is now less than a month away. I still don't know if I will be able to run it or not. I get my MRI tomorrow so I hope after that I will have a better idea of what is going on with my foot. Hopefully I will also have a plan on how to get rid of this pain.
If I do run it, I will not be as prepared as I would like. That is one thing that I hate- Not being prepared. I may not be the most athletic person but I am good at making a plan and following through on it. I guess you could say I am determined. But this injury has made it impossible for me to follow my plan. I had to take almost 2 weeks off from running (during 2 intense training weeks). And once I came back my training has been it or miss for the last 2 weeks.
The one word I would use to describe my long run today was FRUSTRATING.
I was frustrated that my foot was hurting so bad.
I was frustrated that I can't go as fast as I used to.
I was frustrated that my taper long run felt so hard.
I was frustrated that I didn't get a MRI 3 weeks ago when this pain started.
I was frustrated that my garmin wasn't working.
I was also frustrated that my Notre Dame is 0-2, really?
I know my complaints are silly. And I do realize one thing:
I ALREADY HAVE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD I COULD EVER WANT.
I will try very hard to remember this tomorrow...no matter what the MRI results are.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Elliptical 4 miles, Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: 7 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 14 miles
Pictures from this weekend:
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
If I do run it, I will not be as prepared as I would like. That is one thing that I hate- Not being prepared. I may not be the most athletic person but I am good at making a plan and following through on it. I guess you could say I am determined. But this injury has made it impossible for me to follow my plan. I had to take almost 2 weeks off from running (during 2 intense training weeks). And once I came back my training has been it or miss for the last 2 weeks.
The one word I would use to describe my long run today was FRUSTRATING.
I was frustrated that my foot was hurting so bad.
I was frustrated that I can't go as fast as I used to.
I was frustrated that my taper long run felt so hard.
I was frustrated that I didn't get a MRI 3 weeks ago when this pain started.
I was frustrated that my garmin wasn't working.
I was also frustrated that my Notre Dame is 0-2, really?
I know my complaints are silly. And I do realize one thing:
I ALREADY HAVE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD I COULD EVER WANT.
I will try very hard to remember this tomorrow...no matter what the MRI results are.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Elliptical 4 miles, Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: 7 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 14 miles
Pictures from this weekend:
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| Kaitlyn walking with her gymnastic's team in the Zionsville Parade. |
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| Kaitlyn doing a cartwheel. |
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| Kaitlyn and her best friend Alexis |
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| Jackson waving at the parade. He scored 4 goals in his soccer game that was right before the parade. |
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| Nathan in awe over the parade. |
Thursday, September 8, 2011
And the Diagnosis Is...
???
That's right. I still don't know.
What I do know... It is not a stress fracture. This is great news!
But it could be an osteochondral lesion. Which means the tendon has pulled away from my second toe. This would NOT be good. Basically he said this would require surgery and I would be out from running for 2-3 months. He did say this is really rare. But I couldn't tell what he thought the probability of me having it is. He is hard to read.
It could also be bursitis or capsulitis too. These both could be treated with a steroid shot and I would hopefully be running again pain free soon.
So still in limbo. I will get the MRI on Monday and sounds like I won't get the results until Tuesday. I did ask him if I could run this weekend and he said yes. If I can tolerate the pain.
Today was the first day I have ran since Saturday. I tried to run on Wednesday and could not do it. Just too painful. Today I did make it 6 miles. My foot does hurt the entire time but it doesn't get worse. The one thing that makes it hurt more is trying to go faster. So I kept a pretty slow pace. I know most people hate this weather but I love it for running. It was cloudy, misty, and in the upper 50s. Perfect!
One funny thing the ortho doctor did say was, "So you ran 19 miles without walking?' Me, "Yes". Him, "So you did not take any walking breaks or walk at all." Me, "No". He then looked at his assistant and gave her a silly smile. I don't think a lot of people get runners. I guess it may be hard to understand why we put ourselves through so much pain. I can't really explain it. But I never think twice about it.
Other things that made me laugh today:
1. Kaitlyn walking on the hard floors in her new shoes like she was a super model.
2. Then Nathan doing the exact same thing in her shoes.
3. Jackson getting so excited that I went grocery shopping so he could organize the pantry.
Thank goodness for my kids! They always make me laugh!
Other things that made me laugh today:
1. Kaitlyn walking on the hard floors in her new shoes like she was a super model.
2. Then Nathan doing the exact same thing in her shoes.
3. Jackson getting so excited that I went grocery shopping so he could organize the pantry.
Thank goodness for my kids! They always make me laugh!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Happy Labor Day!
Today was the perfect weather for a run! Low 60's. Awww! That is 40 degrees cooler than the high for the day when I ran 19 miles. I wanted so bad to be out there today and run my 5 miles and think wow this feels amazing. But I still can't even walk on my foot without pain.
I went to the gym instead with Ryan. I did do something that I am really proud of myself though. I swam 1000 meters. Also I swam 400 meters without stopping. This is such an improvement for me. At the beginning of the summer, I could only swim 25 meters in a row without stopping. I also did 4 miles on the elliptical before swimming.
Ryan also had a great day at the gym. He swam for the first time in over a year and also did 1000 meters. And a lot faster than me too. But he was a swimmer in high school. He ran 4 miles on the treadmill before too. I can't wait for him to do an ironman someday.
I think what helped us swim so much today is that we had a huge feast yesterday. We went to my brother-n-laws parent's house and ate and ate. They had so many fresh vegetables from their farm, lots of meat, and cake and cookies. Delicious! We had a great time there. The kids love to run around on the farm.
I went to the gym instead with Ryan. I did do something that I am really proud of myself though. I swam 1000 meters. Also I swam 400 meters without stopping. This is such an improvement for me. At the beginning of the summer, I could only swim 25 meters in a row without stopping. I also did 4 miles on the elliptical before swimming.
Ryan also had a great day at the gym. He swam for the first time in over a year and also did 1000 meters. And a lot faster than me too. But he was a swimmer in high school. He ran 4 miles on the treadmill before too. I can't wait for him to do an ironman someday.
I think what helped us swim so much today is that we had a huge feast yesterday. We went to my brother-n-laws parent's house and ate and ate. They had so many fresh vegetables from their farm, lots of meat, and cake and cookies. Delicious! We had a great time there. The kids love to run around on the farm.
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| Cousins aka Trouble Makers: Nathan and Baylor |
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| Riding around the farm on the Gator. |
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Weekly Recap: The Good and The Bad
Not really in the mood to write a weekly recap because there is more bad than good but here we go.
First The Good:
I ran 19 miles on Saturday! I was really surprised I made it since I haven't ran any long runs in awhile. Cardiovascular wise I felt great. I guess cross training really does help keep that part up. My legs were getting tired a little sooner than normal. But I made it so I will just be happy with that.
My foot felt the same from mile 1 to mile 19. Mild with the occasional moderate cramping. Obviously it didn't feel that bad during the run because I made it 19 miles.
I ran with my friend Jacque and her sister Aimee. They are both running the Chicago Marathon too! It was nice to run with them. We were definitely talking a lot which made the miles go by faster. I wouldn't say they flew by but overall the time did go pretty fast.
So now The Bad:
I can't even walk on my foot today without pain. Bad, bad, bad. I can stand on it just fine. But I have a lot of pain when I extend (lift up) my toes. Extensor tendonitis? Every step requires this movement so every step is painful. There is absolutely no way I could run with this pain.
I go to the ortho doctor again on Thursday. I hope our conversation goes something like this: He says, "Jaime you do have some inflammation/tendonitis in your foot. Here is a little steroid pack. After a few days the pain will go away and you will be able to run like normal." That would be nice. Really nice.
In the mean time, I guess I will be back at the gym doing cross training.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5.7 miles
Thursday: 7 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 19 miles
Sunday: Rest
Total miles: 36.7 miles
First The Good:
I ran 19 miles on Saturday! I was really surprised I made it since I haven't ran any long runs in awhile. Cardiovascular wise I felt great. I guess cross training really does help keep that part up. My legs were getting tired a little sooner than normal. But I made it so I will just be happy with that.
My foot felt the same from mile 1 to mile 19. Mild with the occasional moderate cramping. Obviously it didn't feel that bad during the run because I made it 19 miles.
I ran with my friend Jacque and her sister Aimee. They are both running the Chicago Marathon too! It was nice to run with them. We were definitely talking a lot which made the miles go by faster. I wouldn't say they flew by but overall the time did go pretty fast.
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| Sisters: Jacque and Aimee |
So now The Bad:
I can't even walk on my foot today without pain. Bad, bad, bad. I can stand on it just fine. But I have a lot of pain when I extend (lift up) my toes. Extensor tendonitis? Every step requires this movement so every step is painful. There is absolutely no way I could run with this pain.
I go to the ortho doctor again on Thursday. I hope our conversation goes something like this: He says, "Jaime you do have some inflammation/tendonitis in your foot. Here is a little steroid pack. After a few days the pain will go away and you will be able to run like normal." That would be nice. Really nice.
In the mean time, I guess I will be back at the gym doing cross training.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5.7 miles
Thursday: 7 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 19 miles
Sunday: Rest
Total miles: 36.7 miles
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Or is it one step forward and two steps back???
Lesson: Just because my foot is ok to run does not mean it is ready to handle the kind of miles it takes to run a marathon.
Today's run was HARD! I don't think I can really put into words how hard it was. First of all it was HOT. 85 degrees during my run. Since I have not been outside running the last few weeks my body is no longer adjusted to these temps.
The first mile, I felt amazing. My legs were moving great and I ran it in 8:20. What was I thinking? I am not ready to run this fast. I am training for a marathon not a sprint. So I felt like I was going to die the last part of my run.
My foot was still feeling great (unlike the rest of me) until mile 5. Then the cramping feeling came. It was even worse than yesterday. Obviously I don't have a full stress fracture if I can run on it. But something is going on. I have an appointment next week with my ortho doctor. I hope to get more answers then.
I managed to get through 7 miles. Overall pace was 8:52min/mile.
7 miles at this pace and at this point in my training should feel easy. Not even close. Which means I am not even close to being able to run the Chicago Marathon NEXT month.
Onto some good news...
Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Katie! I was able to meet her for lunch today at Cafe Patachou. One of our favorite restaurants. It was yummy.
Lesson: Just because my foot is ok to run does not mean it is ready to handle the kind of miles it takes to run a marathon.
Today's run was HARD! I don't think I can really put into words how hard it was. First of all it was HOT. 85 degrees during my run. Since I have not been outside running the last few weeks my body is no longer adjusted to these temps.
The first mile, I felt amazing. My legs were moving great and I ran it in 8:20. What was I thinking? I am not ready to run this fast. I am training for a marathon not a sprint. So I felt like I was going to die the last part of my run.
My foot was still feeling great (unlike the rest of me) until mile 5. Then the cramping feeling came. It was even worse than yesterday. Obviously I don't have a full stress fracture if I can run on it. But something is going on. I have an appointment next week with my ortho doctor. I hope to get more answers then.
I managed to get through 7 miles. Overall pace was 8:52min/mile.
7 miles at this pace and at this point in my training should feel easy. Not even close. Which means I am not even close to being able to run the Chicago Marathon NEXT month.
Onto some good news...
Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Katie! I was able to meet her for lunch today at Cafe Patachou. One of our favorite restaurants. It was yummy.
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| Sisters are the best! |
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