Well, my x-ray results came back on Tuesday, but we played phonetag until Wednesday. The nurse who called me wouldn't tell me what she found, only that it was important that I come back in on Thursday to have a second round of x-rays taken to confirm the results. I headed in on Thursday assuming it would be a quick in and out, only to be called up to the doctor's office to speak with my doctor directly. As in, my physician called down and asked radiology to send me up.
When I arrived she told me that they think I have a stress fracture in the 2nd metatarsal from the first set of x-rays, but that the second round of x-rays will confirm. She wanted to proceed for now as we would for a stress fracture. At this point the bones haven't moved out of place, which is good news. She said that if I didn't hear from her by Friday with the additional x-ray results, that I should give her a call next week.
She also scolded me over the Reef sandals that I was wearing and referred to them as the Worst Possible Thing I could be wearing. She didn't seem to understand that I'm on vacation and it's like 50 degrees out! Honestly, regular walking doesn't hurt much these days. Only playing Dance Central does and specifically the Back Breaker move in Pon De Replay. In any case, she reiterated that I should wear highly cushioned running shoes from now on.
She then gave me The Ugliest Velcro Shoe On Earth (TUVSOE). The guy who fit me with the shoe explained that it simply has a stiff sole to prevent my toes from bending when I take a step. I felt that the cushioned running shoe advice was at odds with the stiff sole shoe purpose. My running shoes are highly flexible. That's the point. I'm confused. Especially since when I step in TUVSOE, my toes still bend up as I push off during a step. It is doing nothing except chafing my ankle and looking like an ugly orthpaedic shoe for someone who isn't nimble enough to tie laces. At least give me a big honking boot that actually prevents movement AND gives the impression that my foot is actually injured, as opposed to looking like an unfashionable old person sandal. I see no universe in which I will wear this thing.
I'll update next week. My received my appointment with the orthopeadic specialist - a foot/ankle guy at MGH. I won't be able to see him until April 27th. I'm on the fence about what I'm going to do about the B.A.A. 5k on Marathon Weekend. It's only 3 miles. I'm wondering if I can manage it if I wear my Landreths and take it in a jog. The alternative is to find someone who is looking for a bib. It seems a waste, especially monetarily, if someone doesn't get to the run the race with it.
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The Doctor's Appointment
Monday, March 28, 2011 doctor visit, injury, stress fracture
Well, I went in for my yearly physical this morning with my new physician. She's a bit older, but very sweet. I asked if she could look at my foot while I was there, providing a brief history of my running injuries over the past year. I suppose I'm rather long-winded when I describe my running history, but I felt that it was necessary in order to provide proper background to diagnose the issue. Apparently she didn't feel that way.
She rushed me and didn't ask too many questions. Instead, she scolded me for wearing Vibram Five Fingers and made a bold, baffling statement: "Your feet aren't meant to run without lots of cushioning." Something along those lines. She actually referred to the Vibrams as "Extremely dangerous." Seriously. Someone hasn't brushed up on their recent running biomechanics. However, I nodded and smiled because she was referring me to an orthopaedic specialist and wanted me to go to PT once we took some x-rays. Basically, it doesn't matter what her opinion on natural running and Vibrams are once I'm placed into the hands of the specialist. I requested someone from MGH, if possible due to both convenience and the fact that it took over an hour past my appointment start time to see my doctor. I don't think my new health center runs efficiently.
So tomorrow I'm going back for x-rays of the left foot and we'll see if its tendinitis or something more serious.
She rushed me and didn't ask too many questions. Instead, she scolded me for wearing Vibram Five Fingers and made a bold, baffling statement: "Your feet aren't meant to run without lots of cushioning." Something along those lines. She actually referred to the Vibrams as "Extremely dangerous." Seriously. Someone hasn't brushed up on their recent running biomechanics. However, I nodded and smiled because she was referring me to an orthopaedic specialist and wanted me to go to PT once we took some x-rays. Basically, it doesn't matter what her opinion on natural running and Vibrams are once I'm placed into the hands of the specialist. I requested someone from MGH, if possible due to both convenience and the fact that it took over an hour past my appointment start time to see my doctor. I don't think my new health center runs efficiently.
So tomorrow I'm going back for x-rays of the left foot and we'll see if its tendinitis or something more serious.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
foot pain,
injury,
tendinitis
0
In a somewhat predictable turn of events, I mangled my foot some more when I went grocery shopping yesterday. I stepped down wrong on the left foot, it couldn't bear the weight on the weakened tendons, so the foot twisted as it failed to hold me, and ended up causing more pain. I finished my grocery shopping and had the longest walk home ever. Lots of pain.
I napped for 5 hours after combining wine, ibuprofen and numbing my foot with an ice pack. Below is the look of the foot. The photos don't really do the swelling justice, but it's there.
At this rate, I'm glad that I have a doctor's appointment next week. I'll have them take a look at it, and hopefully they'll have some kind of excellent advice beyond trying not to walk on it - which is next to impossible unless my health insurance will fund a taxi to take me to work each day.
I napped for 5 hours after combining wine, ibuprofen and numbing my foot with an ice pack. Below is the look of the foot. The photos don't really do the swelling justice, but it's there.
At this rate, I'm glad that I have a doctor's appointment next week. I'll have them take a look at it, and hopefully they'll have some kind of excellent advice beyond trying not to walk on it - which is next to impossible unless my health insurance will fund a taxi to take me to work each day.
"Journey To A Marathon"
Thursday, March 17, 2011 blog
I was staring at my blog tonight and realized that I had subtitled the blog "Journey To a Marathon". I don't really remember doing that, but I clearly did. I don't think anyone snuck in and altered my graphics when I wasn't looking.
This all seems crazy to me because I ran that marathon and subsequently trained for two others. How cool is that? I have made my subtitle irrelevant. It's done. How long ago did I start this blog, again?
It also means that I need a new subtitle. I can only come up with some mildly pathetic slogans:
Runs with iPod: ...and a limp.
Runs with iPod: One overuse injury at a time
Runs with iPod: Making total joint replacements a lifestyle, not just a career
I'm truly trying to avoid the "I told you so" of my coworkers who seemed to find it their duty to voice concerns over my joint health when they realized I had taken up endurance running a couple of years ago. It was fairly easy to feel that I had superior judgment and understanding of the sport back when I was perfectly healthy. But now I'm left on a new path to prove them wrong in the face of multiple overuse injuries. How hard is it to prove that it is merely my overzealous, dangerous training practices that place my joints at risk and not the sport itself?
In any case, I'm working on a new subtitle. My goals aren't so lofty at this stage. I just want to run without pain or injury. I'm not sure how to turn that into a motivational phrase. I still have dreams of running an ultra or breaking 2 hours in the half, but I'm setting those aside until I can run whatsoever. It's a heck of a journey, regardless.
This all seems crazy to me because I ran that marathon and subsequently trained for two others. How cool is that? I have made my subtitle irrelevant. It's done. How long ago did I start this blog, again?
It also means that I need a new subtitle. I can only come up with some mildly pathetic slogans:
Runs with iPod: ...and a limp.
Runs with iPod: One overuse injury at a time
Runs with iPod: Making total joint replacements a lifestyle, not just a career
I'm truly trying to avoid the "I told you so" of my coworkers who seemed to find it their duty to voice concerns over my joint health when they realized I had taken up endurance running a couple of years ago. It was fairly easy to feel that I had superior judgment and understanding of the sport back when I was perfectly healthy. But now I'm left on a new path to prove them wrong in the face of multiple overuse injuries. How hard is it to prove that it is merely my overzealous, dangerous training practices that place my joints at risk and not the sport itself?
In any case, I'm working on a new subtitle. My goals aren't so lofty at this stage. I just want to run without pain or injury. I'm not sure how to turn that into a motivational phrase. I still have dreams of running an ultra or breaking 2 hours in the half, but I'm setting those aside until I can run whatsoever. It's a heck of a journey, regardless.
Three days to recover
Thursday, March 10, 2011 injury, running, stress fracture, top of foot pain
Well, I'm three days away from the Ras na hEirran and the diagnosis doesn't look good. I can walk without a limp now and at a moderate pace. I still have to ice at night, morning and take Aleve, but I'm otherwise in relatively little pain.
That is, until I try doing something strictly load bearing on my foot - such as forefoot running, calf raises, lunges, etc. Even the plank/push-up plans for last evening fell short because I had to do them one-legged, which provides additional difficulty to the exercises and disheartened me, ultimately my downfall.
Ab Ripper X is getting easier. I excel at Crossovers, Roll Ups + V-Ups, and Leg Climbers. They are very similar to pilates moves that I used to love. I suspect there is some muscle memory at work here. The Mason Twist is a struggle to complete and my oblique v-ups simply aren't up to his speed.
Did I mention that I miss lifting at the gym? Nothing has changed, except me. I think it'll take a couple of months, but I'm hoping to match my previous lifting numbers by mid-May. Anything I accomplish over the summer should be a big bonus.
Not running is bringing me down, but it's beginning to be a sad old story. I'm wondering about the wisdom in pushing it the way I do. But about 5 minutes into upright bike intervals, I remember why running outside is nirvana-inducing.
On a fun note, we've decided on our Warrior Dash team theme: Ke$ha Warriors! There will be neon, glittering facepaint and crazy hair.
...glitter on our eyes
Stockings ripped all up the side
Looking sick and sexy-fied...
That is, until I try doing something strictly load bearing on my foot - such as forefoot running, calf raises, lunges, etc. Even the plank/push-up plans for last evening fell short because I had to do them one-legged, which provides additional difficulty to the exercises and disheartened me, ultimately my downfall.
Ab Ripper X is getting easier. I excel at Crossovers, Roll Ups + V-Ups, and Leg Climbers. They are very similar to pilates moves that I used to love. I suspect there is some muscle memory at work here. The Mason Twist is a struggle to complete and my oblique v-ups simply aren't up to his speed.
Did I mention that I miss lifting at the gym? Nothing has changed, except me. I think it'll take a couple of months, but I'm hoping to match my previous lifting numbers by mid-May. Anything I accomplish over the summer should be a big bonus.
Not running is bringing me down, but it's beginning to be a sad old story. I'm wondering about the wisdom in pushing it the way I do. But about 5 minutes into upright bike intervals, I remember why running outside is nirvana-inducing.
On a fun note, we've decided on our Warrior Dash team theme: Ke$ha Warriors! There will be neon, glittering facepaint and crazy hair.
...glitter on our eyes
Stockings ripped all up the side
Looking sick and sexy-fied...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
5K,
foot pain,
injury,
race,
top of foot pain
0
My foot has shown remarkable improvement over the past few days, and I don't think it's just because I swapped over to Aleve and medicated myself into numbness. Yesterday I discovered that I could walk without a dramatic limp and that the stepping motion which causes my toes to bend upwards didn't result in sharp, balance-losing pain. Last night, the top of my foot even felt itchy like a healing bruise.
The top of my foot is still swollen, but its feel more superficial now that I'm not in constantly pain with every step. I even half-jogged back to the locker room when I forgot my ipod yesterday afternoon. Okay, maybe not half jogged; limp-bounced in an awkward fashion.
All in all, I have high hopes that I'll be in good enough condition to run the 5k on Sunday. This might seem a bit optimistic. But really, how much damage can I do in 30 minutes? Or if I do damage, how long will it take to actually physically manifest itself in a debilitating manner? More than 30 minutes is what I'm betting!
The other option would be to skip the race and focus on healing in order to pull a normal time at the BAA 5k in April. That's 5 weeks out. I just really want the RNH medal, and to jog in costume. I added a green tie from target to my festive outfit this year. I don't want to waste that $1.00 elasticized tie.
I'll be back with an update later this week. Today is leg day. We'll see how calf raises go.
The top of my foot is still swollen, but its feel more superficial now that I'm not in constantly pain with every step. I even half-jogged back to the locker room when I forgot my ipod yesterday afternoon. Okay, maybe not half jogged; limp-bounced in an awkward fashion.
All in all, I have high hopes that I'll be in good enough condition to run the 5k on Sunday. This might seem a bit optimistic. But really, how much damage can I do in 30 minutes? Or if I do damage, how long will it take to actually physically manifest itself in a debilitating manner? More than 30 minutes is what I'm betting!
The other option would be to skip the race and focus on healing in order to pull a normal time at the BAA 5k in April. That's 5 weeks out. I just really want the RNH medal, and to jog in costume. I added a green tie from target to my festive outfit this year. I don't want to waste that $1.00 elasticized tie.
I'll be back with an update later this week. Today is leg day. We'll see how calf raises go.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
exhausted,
foot pain,
injury,
tired,
top of foot pain
Having diagnosed my problem, you'd think I could focus on the road to recovery. But if you thought that, you probably don't know me that well. Faced with the possibility of not being able to run, I've returned to my old standby: heavy weight lifting.
I jumped back into my old routine this week with a vengeance (upper/lower body splits plus cardio on the bike). It was both exhilerating and humbling. "Humbling" seems to be a common feeling when it comes to fitness for me lately. I'm lifting dramatically less than I used to, which is expected, but makes getting back seem very far away. For example, I was around 250 on the leg press last year, but was easing myself back in yesterday with 135lb. I didn't bother with additional weight on my squats at first, trying to just get my form right, and when I did, I was quivering (okay, my injured foot gave out) after my fourth set of 6 reps at 65 lbs. That's right, 65lb. Shame!
This past week I've found myself fantasizing about doing box jumps again and jumping lunges. I remember the way it felt to do a pull-up without half my body weight compensated for with a band. I remember what it was like to gave guns.
In any case, I went to the laundromat this morning (a new routine because I've had it with the laundry in my building) and then went grocery shopping. My foot feels like its broken, just straight up broken, and my entire body aches all over with exhaustion. How it is that walking cumulatively like a mere mile with groceries or laundry rivals the most challenging days at the gym?
My foot is wrapped in ice, elevated, I've taken advil and I am fed.
I'm going to take a nap.
I jumped back into my old routine this week with a vengeance (upper/lower body splits plus cardio on the bike). It was both exhilerating and humbling. "Humbling" seems to be a common feeling when it comes to fitness for me lately. I'm lifting dramatically less than I used to, which is expected, but makes getting back seem very far away. For example, I was around 250 on the leg press last year, but was easing myself back in yesterday with 135lb. I didn't bother with additional weight on my squats at first, trying to just get my form right, and when I did, I was quivering (okay, my injured foot gave out) after my fourth set of 6 reps at 65 lbs. That's right, 65lb. Shame!
This past week I've found myself fantasizing about doing box jumps again and jumping lunges. I remember the way it felt to do a pull-up without half my body weight compensated for with a band. I remember what it was like to gave guns.
In any case, I went to the laundromat this morning (a new routine because I've had it with the laundry in my building) and then went grocery shopping. My foot feels like its broken, just straight up broken, and my entire body aches all over with exhaustion. How it is that walking cumulatively like a mere mile with groceries or laundry rivals the most challenging days at the gym?
My foot is wrapped in ice, elevated, I've taken advil and I am fed.
I'm going to take a nap.
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