The Expert drove me to work this morning. He brought in my purse, my stool to rest the giant foot upon. I hobbled in to the office. I am surprised at the number of people who laugh at the sight of a boot. What is so funny about it? I need a glue gun and some fancy gemstones to bling it out, then they can really laugh.
But then I saw the weeks of training that Coach M had built out for me, pre-injury. I saw the scheduled 10 mile run for Saturday. I saw the Atlanta Women’s 5k in a few weeks, where I was hoping to do a sub-30 minute run. I saw New Orleans.
All of it wrecked me this morning. I was thinking, I am so stupid. How did I let this happen? I was finally on a positive trajectory….
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Yep. Yep. Yep. So how am I going to handle the next two months? I think I will say: “very well.”
I have a foot, two of them, actually. I just bought myself more time with my kids, time to write, less ability to run to the kitchen for a quick snack. In a week or so, hopefully, I can swim. As soon as I can hobble and put some pressure on the foot, I can drive, hit the gym to work my core and my flabby arms.
In a few weeks, maybe I can spin (carefully). In the meantime, I can enforce a good nutrition plan, take off some weight since I won’t be worry about “fueling” so much. I can go to the Snow Patrol concert on April 2nd wearing my fashionable boot. I can go to New Orleans and volunteer, cheer my boys (Expert, Coach M and Luke) and girl (Robyn) home to the finish line. I can add a chapter to the book about injury and training, one that wasn’t in the table of contents before.
I'm sure a bedazzler could help bling your boot! Great attitude to have! Focus on what you can do and you will think less about what you can't – that has been my mantra for the past several weeks. I just keep thinking about the awesome upper body I'll have right in time for summer tank tops!
that's right, you'll be back before you know it — even though it may not seem like it now. Think about how buff your arms will be from all the swimming and hand cycling 🙂
Don't know if you read Emily Sweats – she broke her 5th metatarsal last October and managed to get a fair number of workouts in if you want to check it out for some inspiration… http://www.sweatonceaday.com/2011/10/dns.html
Everyday is a blessing if we make the most of it….whatever it is!
I am still healing from an injury. I went through many phases but eventually came to the conclusion I can waste a bunch of energy being mad or I can channel that energy into something I can control. I couldn't run or bike for 6 months but I could swim & take lots of pilates & yoga classes.
6 months later I have much improved muscle balance & I have a better swim stroke. I just started running & spinning last week & it was a glorious feeling. Since I have to ease back into the running & riding I plan to really focus on my technique.
You will heal & you will come out a better you on the other side!
I have to agree with Bluegrass Tri Chick! While I'm still disappointed that my injury took away my chance to become a Marathon Maniac, I can see all of the benefits that taking this time to recover has given me. My strength and flexibility are improving and I, too, am working on my running form. Sometimes I get very impatient, but in the long run, I know that it will be fine.
And that chapter on injury and recovery will be wonderful!
Oh hell yes! You got this!
Bring your boot out here to CA and I can have the woman who does our bike training bling it for you. That's what she does, and she's recovering from shoulder surgery and has free time with no training. And, now you have time to come out here. Get on a plane and I'll have the wheelchair waiting at the gate for you :).
Your attitude is wonderful. Print you blog and keep it handy so you can read it when you need the boost! You have lots and lots of friends and fans rooting for you, supporting you, cheering you on, and loving you!
~Carrie
I have to tell you – you are handling this so bravely!! I had a stress fx in my tibia a few years back right before a marathon – and I did a lot of crying, a lot of wallowing in self-pity, and a lot of resenting everyone who could still work out. I give you a ton of credit for your great mental outlook.
Injuries can be a good thing, because it makes you stop taking for granted that you can work out. It makes you appreciate the running and biking and swimming that wear you down sometimes – you never want to quit when you are injured. This will only fuel you and make you stronger.
So sorry to read this but I love, love, love your attitude! Time flies and what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. You will be back stronger. No doubt.