My Wonderful Achillies Heel

Maybe another post will share the more gory (not really) details...

But I am guiltily loving my achilles heel injury. No running for two weeks. Probably no speed or hill workouts for another month or so after.

Shucks.

You mean, I can't run when the temperatures in Richmond have averaged in the upper 90s and low 100s for the past few weeks?

You mean, I can hop on the elliptical trainer instead - in air conditioning?

You mean, I'll have to bike - on both Saturday and Sunday?

Darn!

While part of me knows this will be another set back in my struggles with running, I am jumping up and down with the silver lining.

Like waking up on both days of the weekend looking forward to the workout ahead.

Patriot Sangria doesn't seem to mind either.

Irony

So the day after I had two of the strongest and most fun training swims in the past year, including a new personal best by almost 30 seconds in a 300, I find out it is likely my shoulder has a rotator cuff injury - that could lead to a full blown tear.

For the next two weeks I'll be taking prescription dose Aleve and Voltaren topical anti-inflammatory medication, plus adding a few specialized shoulder exercises to my daily routine. The goal is to reduce inflammation, while increasing strength and flexibility. We are going to hold-off on a cortisone shot until closer to IMUSA, in case the current course of treatment is not sufficient.

No butterfly or sets over 2000 for now either. But I can still swim.

The funny thing is that my shoulder doesn't seem to hurt THAT bad. Matter of fact, it was actually feeling a little better lately.

Yep, the goal will be to just finish IMUSA - but I am grateful to be able to participate. I've had a few friends who have dropped out of - or are worried about dropping out of - the race due to injuries way more challenging than mine.

Not So Fast...

This was the week.

The week I would return to the running world.

I took a premature jump by going to track on Monday - my first track workout since before Christmas. And my first run outdoors, on my full body weight, since the "test runs" when hoping for a stress reaction.

I've been running on the g-trainer faithfully, increasing the amount of body weight over the past five weeks from 20-75%.

And, after Monday, I can tell you that last 25% makes a difference. (Now if I can just lose like 30 something pounds, maybe I'd have a chance of running at the pace I've grown accustomed to on the g-trainer.)

Track was hard. My foot was stiff. My pacing was off. Toward the end, it started to feel a little more natural, but it was a bit of an eye opener. I have some work to do.

Fast forward to Tuesday - and my doctor's visit to check out the foot and discuss the "back to run" regime. Ironwoman Canada kindly came with me to hear the plan.

For some reason, I thought I'd be back up to 8 miles by the end of March.

Not so. I'm supposed to run, very slowly, 3 times this week for 20 minutes (plus an hour and a half on the g-trainer), then 30-40 minutes per week (plus 2 hours on the g-trainer) for the next 3 weeks, gradually building up some speed.

I am going to be a good bit behind my Lake Placid training mates with running come April.

Patience...

I Want to Ride My Bicycle...

I want to ride my bike...

That Queen classic has popped into my head a few times the past few days.

Since I can't run or even elliptical for a few more weeks, I am spending more time biking and swimming.

Sigh, such a shame. [wink, wink].

This weekend started out with frigid temperatures and a just under 3 hour trainer ride - graciously hosted by TRIgirl BL and Barracuda BN - and in the esteemed company of TRIgirl DL and Mr. GG.

We gathered together a little later in the day, which always makes me happy - though traipsing the darn trainer, Patriot Sangria and all my other crap is a whole 'nother workout (especially wearing "da boot"). I also realized that I've historically probably set-up my trainer a few turns easier on the tension than Mr. GG kindly sherpaed mine prior to our virtual loop of the IMUSA course.

But soon, we were following Coach Troy through Lake Placid. Coach Troy was very encouraging, as he coaxed us to catch his wheel and spin at ridiculously high cadences during downhills I'd normally be coasting and desperately engaging my brakes. Not to mention the cadences he expected while in the big gears while simulating the climbs through the Hazelton hills and the Three Bears. As TRIgirl CJ noted, Coach Troy provokes the worst of "Training Tourettes," evidenced by the involuntary expulsion and explosion of four letter words.

Let's just say, while I couldn't meet all of Coach Troy's expectations, my quads were quivering by the end of the ride. Thank goodness for a glass of wine, soothing food and great company during a post workout refueling at the Tavern.

Sunday, with temperatures above freezing, I struggled with wanting to join the outdoor posse vs. knowing I would be tired trying to ride two days in a row. I have to say, I don't remember my legs ever being so weary before a ride, but minutes into our trek to Ashland, it did not matter. I was surrounded by the beautiful outdoors and the great energy of my riding mates - REB60, POPSCR, TRIDi and TRIgirl Annn. TRIgirl Annn (who has graced me with a very cool nickname) lead the pack, at a challenging pace, to Ashland - and REB60 and POPSCR carried us back home.

I've heard some of my training mates talk about how they are happy to get their workouts done early in the day, leaving the rest of their day open. But for me - a bike ride with great people is something I look forward to - a special indulgence my lifestyle offers me.

I love my fellow weekend riders, especially the outdoor diehards. I can't imagine a better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon - other than figuring out how to add adult beverages to our cool down. (Glogg or Blackbirds anyone?)

Survey Says!!!!

Picture Richard Dawson saying that, with an added "It is a stress fracture" for the number one answer.

And showing this (Big DING) on the survey board:

It could be better - like a diagonal fracture (probably not the accurate medical language).

And it could be worse, like a dislocated fracture.

I am just grateful to know what it is and to have a doctor who will treat it aggressively.

I will be wearing this beautiful boot almost all the time over the next four weeks:

And using a bone growth stimulator twice a day:

And attending PT 2x a week.

I am OK with all of this. To be honest, I think I knew from the moment it happened, but also needed the diagnosis to transcend denial. Right now, I am a little disappointed, but also kind of fascinated by the process. And since I believe positive thoughts generate positive energy - I am going to approach the next few weeks with a healthy and healing attitude.

And will be crossing my fingers, toes and ... metatarsals for a little good luck.

Trust or Acceptance or Some Other Thing

I've run twice since the doctor's orders.

The first time seemed promising. The second was, uhmmm, just OK.

Now I find myself hobbling along again. It could be the miserable rain surrounding Richmond, or...

That's the thing. Am I wimping out after feeling a little pain or am I pushing it too far?

After emails and calls with Coach G and Ironwoman Canada, I've decided not to risk it.

No running for now.

I did the elliptical this morning - and think it went well as a substitute.

But what I really want is for someone to check out my foot and tell me the deal; the confirmed diagnosis and the perfect prescription. To say to suck it up if I am being too cautious - or to tell me that if I let the dang thing heal - all will be good in X number of weeks.

I want definites.

But I don't think they are out there.

And now I just feel a twinge of regret for all the negative running comments I've made over the years.

I want my stupid, healthy, happy and slow limbs to be able to pound the pavement without worry.

At least until after IMUSA.

Making Deals

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope everyone had/is having a great holiday, full of friends, family - and fun new triathlon gadgets.

My Christmas was full of many wonderful moments - and one unexpected "gift."

Christmas morning, I decided to go for a run. I was actually looking forward to it - and was planning on fitting in 8-9 miles. The weather was the best it had been in days and I felt pretty good - cleansing away some of the extra calories, while making room for more. I was averaging a decent pace for me, while still keeping it easy. Everything seemed great.

Around mile 3, I stopped briefly to take off my sweatshirt. When I started running again, I soon noticed that something felt "cranky" in my foot. I slowed down a little, thinking it was an ache that I could work through. Instead, it worsened and I found myself resorting to some gimpy looking gait. The first loop of my planned route was ending and I walked a bit. My foot was really hurting now and when I tried a few steps to begin the second loop, I knew it would not be a good idea to continue.

The whole thing was so weird, because nothing precipitated the pain. I hadn't twisted my foot, hit a pothole, anything. The only symptom I noticed was that the pain was pretty much in the same place where, about 15 years ago, I had rolled my left foot in a pair of clogs and broke a metatarsal bone.

My family was very sweet and helped me ice my foot and keep it elevated. They took over a few dog walks as I hobbled around.

Sometimes, with the right combination of ibuprofen and wine, my foot would feel better and I'd start thinking the injury was a fluke. Then a few hours later, the pain would return. I made deals with myself and the triathlon gods. I promise to rest my foot for a week or so if this isn't a stress fracture. I promise to complain less about running if this isn't a stress fracture. I promise to....

Of course I am self diagnosing right now, based upon what I've heard from others and what I've read on the internet. At this point, I would be surprised (and very, very happy) if it wasn't a stress fracture. I am going to schedule an appointment with the doctor sometime this week.

In the meantime, no running. Though I can't imagine how people are able to run on a stress fracture. On Friday, I pounded out a decent two mile swim and worked out some frustration. (BTW - pushing off the wall with one leg leads to a sore glute). At this point, I think (hope) I'll be able to swim and bike when Lake Placid training begins next month (please?). And I will be good. I will let the injury heal, even if it means no Shamrock and more walking at Placid.

Much thanks to all my friends and family who've sent positive healing wishes and advice. Especially those of you who've been through stress fractures yourselves.

And now - I am off to try on my bike shoes and attempt a ride on my trainer...

Keeping my fingers crossed.