Thursday, September 5, 2013

L'Shana Tova

If you've been reading here for awhile, you know I love to run on holidays. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of my favorite time of year! The Jewish high holy days are a time for reflection, self-correction, and renewal of spirit. What better way to take stock than to run?
For a sweet new year!
Archie got in on goodness, too. (Then threw 3 slices on the floor. Jerk.)
Of course, I have a small hangup. After my podiatrist appointment today, I was reminded of how annoying injuries really are. I already have two more appointments in the next week, and because the good news is that the injury isn't dire, it's hard for me to resist the urge to run tonight.

The good news: There's nothing wrong with my bones. They did x-rays and there are no breaks or fractures at all.
Waiting for x-ray results. Doctor's office selfies are totally normal, right?
The bad news: At best I have an inflamed tendon, and at worst the tendon may be torn.

I was terrified today, because I know if I have to take two or more weeks off, I'll need to call off the marathon. I could still do the half, but my training would be too far behind to get back on track (safely and slowly) for the full.
We're looking at the extensor expansion attached to my big toe, the tendinous sheaths, and the inferior extensor retinaculum.
I'm mentally preparing myself for this possibility. I can still do a full in the future, but I've come so far in my training...it's just such a disappointment. So, fingers crossed, prayers said, etc etc. I'm hoping the tendon is just inflamed and will be fine in a few days.

(My ultrasound is tomorrow, so I'll post an update if there's any news to share.)

In the meantime, I've got some super strong anti-inflammatories I can take...and knowing me, I'll be tempted to run today or tomorrow to celebrate the Jewish New Year if the pain dissipates with the medications.

(Nice sidenote: When I told the doctor I had pain last week but still did my 10 miles Monday because I just couldn't help myself, he chuckled, but didn't chastise me. I think I found a good one!)
I'm still doing low-weights and high-reps...I feel like for me, it's the way to go to avoid injury and support my main goal.
Last night I did some crosstraining, and decided to use the stationary bike for the first time. It felt really weird to be able to use my phone and not pay attention to a workout...Something about sitting while doing cardio just seems lazy to me. (I know I had it set at a really low level, but any workout that you can read during is just foreign to me!)
Post-workout chocolate milk. It's a must to match your cup to your headband, fyi.
It was nice to set time aside to do weights and core work for an hour; if I need to be off my foot for awhile, I'm going to have to face my fear of swimming in public and get in the pool.

How is your week going?
What is your favorite cardio (besides running, of course!)?
Favorite post-workout snack?

ABK

12 comments:

  1. I'm glad you're not facing a major injury - that's really good news, though I hope whatever is wrong doesn't derail you from the marathon.

    The stationary bike is so weird - I always feel incredibly guilty/lazy for sitting on my bum while reading during the workout!

    If you can look past your fear of water, the pool is one of my favorite XT options. Swimming laps can feel A LOT like running laps except both your arms AND legs can get really tired!

    I like that the same basic principles are involved for swimming and running. You get to think about pace, intervals, speed, form and all of those awesome things we love so much!

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    1. My fear of swimming has more to do with looking like a moron than anything else. But if I don't take risks, I'll never grow, right? So I guess I need to get on that.

      I also know that my pace for swimming will be terrible, but since I don't know what a "fast" pace in the pool is, I'll be able to easily ignore it! hehe

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  2. I have the same thing right now - I have come so far, but I might not be able to run the half :(

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    1. Luckily, my ultrasound showed no tears! What did your PT say? Remember, running is a lifelong endeavor...there will be MANY other halves to choose from!

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  3. I am so glad you don't have a serious injury, but I am totally in awe that you ran 10 miles on a possibly torn tendon! You're basically a super hero! And yay for lifting weights!!!

    Dancing is my favorite form of cardio. :-D

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    1. Turns out it's just a deep bruise! YAY! I think that makes me slightly less super-hero-ish :o)

      When I'm at the gym, there's often a Zumba class going on. I love watching the women in there! I'm jealous of their moves lol.

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  4. Hope you get better soon! Injuries suck!

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    1. I know man, they're the worst. Luckily mine looks like it's turning out to be pretty minor!

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  5. Rowing is my favorite cardio (since I can get an intense workout using it), and then swimming. But I love swimming for so many other reasons too. I do *not* take the same approach to it as I do to running, I use it as a break from running and all that comparison stuff I do around running. I like to work up to longer distances swimming just so I can swim for longer times - I never want to compete at it. (So no triathlons for me.)

    I was very glad to see that it's "just" a deep bruise. Still hurts. But won't take so long to heal. Good news!

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    1. I like the idea of swimming...no music, almost no sound, you're literally in your own little world. I really should bite the bullet and try it out! Like any new thing, I'm nervous about getting in the pool at the gym and having to claim a lane when I don't even know what I'm doing!

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  6. I know I am late to reading this post but hoping everything has worked out for your foot!
    Happy Rosh Hashanah!
    I love apples with honey :)

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    1. Foot news was good...no break, no tear, just bruising! I'm back up and on it already!

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