Happy New Year!

Recap of 2011...

Personally, it was a great year! Besides some orthopedic issues for Ryan and I, and some minor colds and ear infections for the kids, we all stayed healthy!  Kaitlyn loves second grade and is doing awesome as always.  Jackson started Kindergarden and loves it.  Nathan is tolerating daycare.  Although he doesn't love school like the older two, he is the happiest kid at home so I guess it must not be that bad.  Ryan's business is thriving and growing.  I love my job and am so thankful to be doing what I do.  Ryan and I also celebrated our 10 year anniversary!

My beautiful girl

My handsome guy

My sweet baby

But this blog is about my running journey and unfortunately it wasn't the best year for my running.

The year started off great.  I had a major PR in a 5K and placed 2nd in my age division.

I trained and trained for the Indianapolis mini marathon and was expecting to crush it.  However I ran it almost 10 minutes slower than I expected.  I was devastated.  I have never trained for anything so hard in my life and came up short.

Not my favorite race

I then ran the Carmel Half Marathon as a redemption race and ran it even slower.  Not good.

Hello there...

I ran a 4.5 mile race on 4th of July that was a lot of fun.  No time goals, just fun.

4th of July fun

I then trained for the Chicago Marathon where I had a big goal of running a sub 4 hour marathon. My training just started coming together and then I developed a stress fracture in my foot.  My training was on and off and I wasn't able to complete the marathon due to my injury.

Yeah...not going to happen

I took almost a month off from running and started spinning and swimming.

I tried to pick up my running a little to get ready for some more races.

On Thanksgiving, I ran in a 10K.  It was the first time I ran pain free in so long.  (or so I thought...I think adrenaline was playing a big part)

Finally a good run

In December, I ran in the Las Vegas Half Marathon.  This race was awesome!  I had the best time and it was the fastest half marathon I ran this year.

Bye, bye 2011.

I continued running but I guess I wasn't fully healed from my injury and developed another stress fracture.  Yes I now have a new stress fracture.  Same foot but now in my third metatarsal instead of my second metatarsal.

Currently I am back in the boot.  No running. But still biking and swimming.

So even though I am not running now I still have some goals for 2012:

1.  Stay injury free!  I have never had an athletic injury and had 2 stress fractures last year.  Even though I would love to run 7 days/week, I know my body can't handle that right now.  I will try to be a much smarter runner this year.

2.  Run a sub 4 hour marathon.  I want this really bad.  I hope to be back in real running shape by fall.  Then I hope to reach this goal.

3.  Complete a Triathlon.  I never, ever thought I would say this.  But right now I think I am in better swimming and biking shape than running.  Yes I am not actually riding or swimming outside but I plan to soon.

4.  Run a half marathon in 1:4x.  This year will not be about speed but I do think I am capable of this.

5.  Have fun running in races.  I always have fun running in training.  But sometimes I get so wrapped up in my goals for races that I don't enjoy the actual race.

I hope you achieved all your goals in 2011. If you have any of the same goals as me for 2012, let me know and we can run, bike, or swim together.

My First Spin Class

Today I took my first spin class.  It was sweatastic!  I have heard from so many people what a great workout spin classes were and it did not disappoint.  My work schedule was flipped around this week and so I had this morning off work.  Ryan also had some free time this morning so we both went to the spin class.

This is the best work out I have had in months.  Since my foot caused me so much pain while running, I was not able to push myself for a long time.  I have been swimming a lot but I still never feel like I get in a great work out.  I felt so good after today's workout.

The instructor was also amazing.  She pushed us but also kept giving inspirational words throughout the work out.  It is very rainy here today and so she said things like, "May you be the sunshine for everyone you meet today."  So cute.

If you are intimated to take a class at the gym, this is the class for you.  First setting up the bike is easy and there will be many people there that can help you.  There are no steps to learn.  Also you could have your resistance at the highest or lowest point and no one will know.  Everyone works at their own pace.

Even though I am excited for my next spin class, I wish I could run so much more.  But still no running for awhile.

Foot update: My foot feels great!  I can finally walk on it with no pain.  I hope to be running again in a couple of weeks.  Until then I will be doing lots of swimming and hopefully spinning too.

My First DNF

I did not finish the Chicago Marathon.  I made it to mile 14 and then I had to stop.  I really knew from mile 3 that I wasn't going to make it.  I think I am glad that I tried though.

Overall, the weekend was a lot of fun.  Ryan and I dropped off the kids at my sister's house.  (I owe a huge thank-you to Katie and Bart for watching my kiddos.  She has three children of her own and had 6 kids under the age of 7 at her house Saturday and Sunday.  Wow-not that is hard work!)

When we arrived in Chicago, we picked up our packet.  Then we ate at Lou Malnatis.  Yummy!  I love deep dish pizza.


I slept ok on Saturday night.  We had the best hotel room possible.  Thanks to my mom who got the room for us!  It was a lot of fun watching them get organized in the morning from our window.

I look ready but I am not

View from our room

I met up with Jacque, Aimee, and Meghan at 6:30 and headed to the start.  The corral was packed.  Their goal was a 4:15 marathon and I was just going to follow them along.  We were so packed in that it was hard to get off to a good start.  Also running with 4 people in such a huge marathon is difficult.  I felt like I was constantly looking around for them.

I never got into a groove during my short run.  My foot was painful from the first step.  My form was off from the first step.  I knew after a few miles that I had the wrong decision to run this race.

The crowds were amazing!  The best cheering I have ever heard!

At mile 10, the pain in my foot really intensified.  Then at mile 12, my right hip started hurting.  I knew this was because my form was so off.  When I saw the medic tent at mile 14, the decision to stop was easy.  I was talking to one guy that had also stopped because he was also running on a stress fracture in his foot.  We described the exact pain.

Moral of the story:  DO NOT RUN ON A STRESS FRACTURE!

Ryan met up with me and we walked back to our hotel room and that was it.

Now it is time for me to take care of this foot.  I will not be running for awhile.  Lots of swimming and biking.

I need some time to heal my foot and my pride.  I have plans to run many more marathons in the future.  I just need to get my body healthy first.

I also think that I will stop blogging for awhile.  Maybe when I start running again, I will start back.

In the meantime, if you run...keep going.   If you are thinking about running...do it!  It may feel hard at first but if you stick with it, I promise it will be worth it.

Happy Running Everyone!

Chicago Marathon Goals

I have ONE goal for this race:  TO FINISH! (with no further injury)

I honestly don't know if I will be able to finish.  I have never said this before a race.  But I will be running on a significant injury.  What if the pain becomes too much?

I will have no time goals for this race.  On one hand this is good because it takes all the pressure off.  But it does make me sad.  I really, really want to run a sub 4 hour marathon.  I know I am capable of it (when healthy).  Someday I will!!!  But this weekend will not be the time.

I usually tell myself-no walking in races.  This weekend, unfortunately, I know there will be lots of walking.  I just don't want to have to start walking early on.  That won't be good for my foot either.

So I guess I am going to start this race.  I hope to finish but don't be surprised if I don't.  Man that is painful to say.

Even though this race will not be what I had planned, overall the journey this summer has been great.

I was able to run with some great running friends and meet some more great running friends.

Me, Lisa and Jacque.  Lisa and Jacque will definitely be kicking butt this  weekend!

Jennifer and Me.  Jennifer will be running her marathon next month.

I can't believe I don't have any pictures with my super speedy friend Alyssa.  Next training cycle...


I ran with a lot of family.  My husband, my daughter, my sister, and even my brother.

Ryan and me after a hot and hilly run at Eagle Creek.  I can't wait to be able to push myself like that again.

The best pacer around-Miss  Kaitlyn

Me and Katie.  She is a natural runner.

Mike and me.  He kicked butt in his first half marathon this summer.  I hope he gets the running bug now.

I even did some hard cross training with a great friend.

Christy making the bike look easy.  Unfortunately Christy also has an injury that will prevent her from running the Chicago Marathon this year.  She will be running her marathon next year.

Not a bad running summer at all.  It's the journey that matters and not the destination, right?

The race is on Sunday.  I am nervous but in a much different way than I normally am before a race.  Until then I will be resting and icing...Maybe that will help?

Weekly Recap: One more week?????

This has been the biggest roller coaster ride...  My training started off slow, then went well, then came the injury, then some recovery, then bam my foot gives out.

I ran my last significant run on Saturday and it finally happened.  My foot crashed!  I knew it was coming. My foot has been hurting more.  When I run I always have a cramping feeling in my foot with occasional shooting pains that last about a minute.  On Saturday, the shooting pain did not go away.  I literally could not walk on it at all over the weekend.  I was even using crutches.

I wanted to get in to see the ortho doctor but he couldn't get me in today.  What?  I guess this is how the real world works.  But as a Pediatrician, this would never happen in our office.  If a patient wants to be seen, we will fit them in.  Anyway, he did order me an xray.  (Which is really just what I wanted anyway.) Xray results:  completely normal.  Still can't see my stress fracture (which is normal).  But at least no further damage was done?

He said... I can run and to use pain as my guide.

So will I run the Chicago Marathon in 6 days?

I don't know yet.  I am not going to run at all this week.  I will just wait and see how much better my foot feels by Sunday.  If my pain does not significantly improve, I will not be able to run.

Weekly Recap:

Monday: 6 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday:  Rest
Saturday: 8 miles (My legs felt so good on this run, too bad my foot didn't)
Sunday: Rest

Not much running went on last week so I am not sure why my foot decided to act up.

Dear Foot,

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

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.

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!

Back on the Road Again

Today was the first day in over 2 weeks that I have ran outside.  It was awesome!

Well my body didn't think it was awesome.  My quads are so sore.  Especially my right quad because I am sure when I did the bike and elliptical I was not using my right leg/foot very much.  I have some mild shin splints.  And my lungs were not working so good either.  But my mind sure thought the run was AWESOME!

My foot is doing pretty well too.  I didn't even think about it until the last mile.  It was only a mild cramping feeling at the end.

I ran with Lisa and Alyssa.  It has been so long since I have ran with Lisa.  Felt just like old times again.  Well except for the fact that I was slowing the group down.  Oh wait, I normally do that too;)

I ended up running 5.7 miles with an average pace of 8:49min/mile.  Each mile kept getting slower. But I really don't care.  I was running.

So happy:)

Weekly Recap: Some Running Included

I was supposed to run the LP Half Marathon this weekend.  But my stupid foot wouldn't let me.  Bad foot!

I was mad on Saturday.  So I went to the gym and ran 5 slow and hard miles on the treadmill.  My legs felt so heavy.  My foot was hurting.  Again feels like a cramp.  I hope I am not making it worse.  When I stop running my foot feels fine though.  I really need to go back to the doctor to know what I should do. I am pretty sure I don't have a stress fracture though because I know that my pain threshold is not high enough to  let me run on that type of injury.  But there is something going on.  Just not exactly sure what it is???

I couldn't have ran another mile on the treadmill.  Due to the pain getting to me and that I was physically tired.  So I hopped on the elliptical and did 7 more miles.  Even though I hate the elliptical, I am thankful that I can do this machine with no pain. It is so much more enjoyable to work out when there is no pain.

My brother and sister both did the half marathon on Saturday.  They ran it in 1:55.  So happy for them!  My sister even made the local paper.

Katie as she crosses the finish line.  I know she will love that I put this picture on my blog:)

Ryan rode his bike in the Tour de LaPorte today.  He rode 63 miles!  I was very impressed especially considering his longest bike ride this summer has only been 35 miles.  We were able to cheer him on from my Dad's house as he rode by with a group of riders.

It turned out to be a pretty fun weekend.

This is how my week played out:

Monday:  6 miles on elliptical
Tuesday:  Rest
Wednesday:  1 horrible running mile
Thursday:  2 running miles, 3 miles on elliptical
Friday:  2 running miles, Swam 750 meters
Saturday:  5 running miles, 7 miles on elliptical
Sunday:  Rest


Hope everyone had a safe and fun weekend!

Trying to Stay Positive

Even though my run yesterday went horrible, my foot did not hurt worse today.  The one and only positive thing about that run.

I ran 2 miles on the treadmill today.  2 slow and awkward miles.  My legs felt better.  Good.  My foot felt the same.  Bad.  It feels like a bad cramp.  Is this to be expected?  Should I push through this discomfort?  Will I make things worse?  I know who has the answer...Mr. MRI.

I almost called the ortho doctor.  I think I will wait until next week now.

I also did 3 miles on the elliptical machine.   At least I have no pain on that.

This weekend I was supposed to run in the LP half marathon.  I can't help to think about how this race would have gone.  13 miles would have been a taper run for me.

Now I can't even run 13 minutes without pain.

Ok that's enough feeling sorry for myself today.

4 things I am grateful for:
1.  I can still exercise.
2. My kids go to an amazing school.
3.  My cleaning lady came today.
4.  It's almost Friday.

One Horrible Mile

Today was the day to test out my foot...

I knew it wasn't better before I started.  I take that back.  I knew it wasn't healed completely.  It has been feeling better.  I can walk on it with no pain.  But running is a different story.

I wanted to do one slow mile. I told myself that I would run no faster than a 9 minute mile. Ha!  Not only was my foot hurting but my legs felt like jello.  They honestly felt like I had never run before.  They didn't know what to do.  My pace was over 10 min/mile.  My form was off, my foot was in some pain, and my legs were the worst.

What is going on?  I need a more concrete plan.  Do I push through some mild discomfort?  Do I wait until I have zero pain?

I will be very interested to see what my foot feels like tomorrow.

Good night.  At least I can run in my dreams.

First Day of School

Today was Kaitlyn and Jackson's first day of school.  Kaitlyn was such a good big sister and really helped calm Jackson's fears.  I was really impressed how brave Jackson was too.  I think I was the only one with tears in my eyes.

The protective big sister

Big 2nd grader

So brave

Nathan thought he was getting on the bus too.  He actually ran after the bus when it left.  So cute!

My Babies

They both had a great day!  And that made my day.

Even if today marks 1 week of no running:(  Man I miss running.  But my foot is not ready yet.  Hopefully one or two more days of rest????  Well that will be the test day.

Just When Things Were Coming Together...

Last week was one of my best running weeks.  I finally felt like things were coming together.  I felt so good on my last several runs.

Well until the last 2 miles of my last 10 mile run.  I had been having minor foot issues with my left foot but those finally healed.    Suddenly my right foot started hurt while running.

The pain did not go away. I took a day off running.  It still hurt.  I tried to run a few steps today and still with a lot of pain.  I knew this pain was different than my other issues.  And I was afraid of the worst...a stress fracture.

So today I went to see on orthopedic doctor who specializes in the foot and ankle.

The verdict:  Possible metatarsal stress fracture?  (metatarsal is one of the long bones in the foot)

Good news:  My xrays are normal.  But stress fractures don't show up on xrays for awhile.  MRI is the best test for this.  I was a little surprised he didn't want to do this.

The doctor never gave me a definitive diagnosis.  Sometimes it is nice to know... do I have a stress fracture or not.  But a lot of things in medicine are wait and see.

He said things like stress reaction.  And maybe it is a really early stress fracture.  The pain is in the exact location you would think a stress fracture would be.  But I don't think he thought it was that bad because he was pushing pretty hard.  It did hurt-bad.  But he made it seem like he shouldn't have been able to push that hard if it was a full blown stress fx.  Also there was no bruising or swelling.  More good signs.

So I interpet the diagnosis as:  Early signs of a stress fracture developing.

The plan:  (per ortho doctor)
Bike for a few days.
Then elliptical for a few days.
Then try running again.  If it hurts, back to step 2.

Also stretching.  He was surprised how tight my achilles was.  I know, I know.  I am one of the most inflexible people.
And a hard insert to go in my shoe.  I have not tried it yet, but does not seem comfortable.

Side note:  xrays of my left foot were normal.  I asked him about what that pain was all about.  He thought maybe just a soft tissue bruise.

So....
This sucks!  99% sure the LP Half Marathon is out.  Also my entire Chicago marathon training plan is out the window.  I hope to be back in a week, but I don't know for sure.

Obviously if you read my blog, you know how much I love to run!  And how running is really part of me.

But...
I have a great support system.  I have so many things to be thankful for.  I have to keep this in perspective.  Things could be a lot worse!  I know that-but I am still sad about it.

My amazing support system!

The kids were so worried about my foot.  They know how much running means to me.  Jackson was very happy I didn't have to wear a cast.  Kaitlyn said she would give me a back massage so I would feel better.  Nathan was trying to show me his booboo on his foot.  And Ryan did tell me that he would teach me how to ride a real rode bike until I recover.

After I got this news, I didn't even have time to digest it.  I picked up the kids from Katie's.  (Thanks Katie for watching them again!!!)  And then we went to the kids back to school social tonight.  It was a nice distraction.  Kaitlyn and Jackson were so cute!  I just love their school, Maple Glen.

So, cross training here I come! My friend Christy and I have a date on the bike this weekend.  (Unfortunately, Christy is hurt too.  So she has to the ride the bike also)  We both don't enjoy the bike.  Oh and we won't be riding outside either.  I don't have a road bike.  We will see how long we make it before our butts make us stop.

I hope you are out there running if you can.  I miss it already.  But I will be back!  I just hope sooner rather than later.