Why Wednesday - So Far

WHY do long runs feel so far away?

Over the past month I have been taking a break healing and in the process have lost quite a bit of my fitness level (legs and lungs). Last week I was in the mountains in New Mexico and at one point I thought my lungs were going to explode on a short 3 miler.

It was great being on vacation and finding a beautiful trail through the evergreens with deer, squirrels, and hilly Scottish golf course in the middle. Next time we have to take Greyson hiking. He loves the outdoors, trees, and animals. He would love it.

Looking into the near future, I really want to run the Tulsa half marathon (was planning the full before injury) but it feels so far away from the miles I am putting in now. Right now 4 miles is the longest I have gone and I don't want to add miles too quickly and re-injure anything but I feel out of the loop. I need a plan. Maybe tomorrow I'll map it out.

Run On!
Brooke

Why Wednesday - Why Run?

Why would anyone ever want to run? Maybe someone is chasing them?

Ok, so that is not how I feel but after taking off almost 2 weeks I feel like a non-runner more than ever and that would be the goofiest question non-runners ask me.

My goal was to do some swimming and biking instead of running and all I can say is I have gone on one bike ride (tonight). With family visiting, Greyson in the hospital, and then planning for my first training session with my new teachers, there has been very little time to exercise or even think about the fact that I can't run. But now the temperature is getting better and I hope to have more time so the feeling that I am not a runner is creeping up more often than not.

My leg is feeling better. It hasn't hurt since last week. The standing on the hard hospital floors just wasn't good on it. Being home has improved that and I am hoping that it is getting better. My running friend/chiropractor and I talked and think it may not be a stress fracture. It may be time to test it out. I think I will try to go out on Friday and attempt a mile. If it hurts, then I will take off another week or two and test it out again. Fingers are crossed again.

Hoping to join Chanti soon. She is back at it just 5 weeks after having her beautiful little girl. Yes....she's awesome!!! I have to get on the road soon so we can push our strollers together :)

Run On!
Brooke

Why Wednesday - Doctor's Advise

Why does my doctor assume I won't listen to him?

Yes, it is true....I am still injured and have decided that some time off is in my cards. I haven't run for almost a week and plan to take a second week off. I went to my doctor (a non-runner) about it and he called for an X-Ray thinking it might be a stress fracture. Most know that stress fractures can't be diagnosed with an X-Ray but I figured it is cheaper than an MRI so we might as well give it a try. Besides we can only afford one at a time and Greyson gets to claim this one :)

Of course nothing showed on the X-Ray and so after discussing options with the doctor, WE decided that I will take 2 weeks off running. I will ice it and use the ultrasound machine on it. After the two weeks I will test it out and if it still hurts I will take 2 more weeks off.

This week has turned out to be a little crazy so I hope to get to the pool next week. I need to make sure I am getting some exercise and maybe lifting some weights as well. Because of where it is in my shin, I am unsure of biking so need to do a bit more research.

Hoping for a quick recovery!

Run On!
Brooke

Why Wednesday - Injury

WHY do injuries happen when you have the most events in the near future?

Seems that this nagging pain in my leg (middle of inside shin) is not going to go away. Less miles, rest, and icing have done nothing. Through conversations with Chanti, Don, and Tralaine (my running "team) what I have decided to do is talk my doctor into ordering an xray to rule out stress fracture.

The pain does not seem to be associated with any muscle movements...it hurts when I step down hard, when I toe-off, when I get up from sitting on the floor, and when I apply hard pressure to the site. It hurts the worst during the first couple of miles of a run and then it is bearable unless having to go downhill. The day after a longer run (6 miles or more) I seem to pay for it the most and it hurts with every step for most of the day.

From Don's research, if this isn't a stress fracture, he thinks is might be some sort of shin splint where my muscle is trying to seperate from the bone. Either way....I think it is going to take longer rest and much icing (not the kind you eat) and maybe starting back with shorter mileage.

With an adventure race, marathon, and possibly an ultra (think I have the sister talked into one) all in the next 9 months, I am very discouraged. I still hold out hope that it will just disappear or be resolved quickly.

Run On! (with your fingers crossed for me please)
Brooke

Why Wednesday - Rain

WHY does it have to rain on the first planned run with long lost Debbie of the CRC? (remember she broke her leg in Feb.)

We actually texted back and forth last night and scheduled a run, including G, for 7am this morning. Oof course it had to rain. Don't get me wrong....we NEED the rain! our yard is soooo brown....but I am beginning to feel like the lone CRC member and it's not helping my slump.

The good news - the way Chanti is recovering, it may not be that long before she is back on the road with me. I can't wait to go on a run with both of our B.O.B.'s. Their little girl is sooo sweet and officially 8 days old today. Fingers crossed :)

An update on the SLUMP plan - took 3 days off, ran at the Y on the mill this morning and seem to be feeling lots better. Plan to run outside tomorrow and Friday {and maybe Sat.} before we head out for a canoe trip.

Run On!
Brooke