I’m going to drop the bomb then I’ll explain. I have a stress fracture. A stress fracture in the base the fourth metatarsal. What does this mean? It means I have a new friend for 3-4 weeks….
Meet The Boot.
I actually have another new friend (i.e. the tank top inside the Lululemon bag). I like this one a lot more than the boot.
I pretty much knew going into my podiatrist appointment, which was 2+ weeks after my first instance of pain, that it wouldn’t be good news. I hadn’t run or done any form of cardio in 18 days but I was obviously still putting pressure on it by just walking around. I got an X-ray and then an MRI to confirm what I was afraid of.
This means: no cardio of any kind for a month, not even swimming. I have a follow-up appointment with the doctor in mid-November to get an x-ray. He said at that point I might be able to start putting pressure on it and ease into exercise (still no running). I will probably have to go to PT for a few weeks too.
Does this suck? Yes. Is it the end of the world? No.
Per usual I had my complaining session on the phone with my mom, but I finished the call feeling more encouraged than before. My mom can work magic like that. I’m upset about a lot, but mainly that a) I waited so long to get an X-ray (hindsight is 20/20), b) I don’t feel pain, per say and c) I’m going through running FOMO. I’m oddly more upset about not running NYC this year than I am about missing my own marathon. Last year was such an incredible experience and I want to re-do it, MINUS the horrific weather. But I’ll be cheering you all on… from my warm bed.
So, what can I do? A lot, actually. I just have to get out of my comfort zone. Strength training is my new thing. Scratch that. It will *hopefully* become my new thing. Now is a time to work on the things I neglected during marathon training, like strength and flexibility. I can finally get that 6-pack I’ve been wanting…
I have my moments of disappointment and frustration but this stuff happens. Now I can be considered a “real” runner because I have a legit injury, right? I’m on a roll with jokes. But seriously, running is a LIFETIME sport. It’s not like I’ll never run again. It sucks in the short-term but I have years and years and races and races ahead of me (<— what I’m telling myself when I feel down).
This isn’t going to turn into an injury-recovery blog, but there will probably be a few posts about it because I write about my life…and this is obviously part of it right now. As always, thanks for your support.
Nooooo! I’m sorry Em! I hope it heals ASAP – I’m looking forward to our Bayshore runs!! :)
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ME TOO. It’s getting me through this time xo
Oh man! That really stinks and I’m sorry to hear that you’re stuck in a boot! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Not much is on my Christmas list, actually. I mostly asked for gift cards to go shopping for new “professional” clothes. Fun, right?
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Baltimore Half Marathon – Race Recap
The joys of growing up…gift cards aren’t a bad idea! I was contemplating asking for food (seriously) so that’s a step up ;)
Stay strong Emily! So sorry to hear about this set back but I know you’ll handle recovery like a champ. I’m thinking of you (and apologize if I’m contributing to FOMO!! I feel horrible). For upper body exercises, I always like tricep work because that’s where I’m super weak!
Oh no you’re not at all! I do like reading about other people’s races because it’s so inspiring and motivating for recovery! My triceps are really weak too.
Praying for a speedy recovery for you! On my Christmas list, a new luggage set. Not too exciting but that means I can travel more, right?
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon Training Week 6
I got that a few years ago! And yes. While you’re at it, ask for a plane ticket with those suitcases ;)
:( At least you know what’s wrong now and that it will heal! (One thing I never understood though….how toes the boot help with stress fractures in your food when you’re still walking on it….I never get that :P )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Caramel Apple Granola
Haha I asked the same thing! I’m not 100% sure still but he said it’s in a place where I don’t need a stiff cast or crutches. I’ll take it!
Ugh I am so so sorry for you :( But I think you have the best attitude towards it and I know you’re going to come back stronger than ever! Thinking of you!
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Thanks, Sarah :) Enjoy those upcoming halfs for me xoxo
Wah :( I’m glad you can see big picture and know it doesn’t mean you’ll never run again or anything drastic. I know how bad it sucks though to be injured. I had a lovely whole leg brace last spring when I fractured my knee, and I actually took it completely off exercise. I was allowed to do upper body stuff or whatever but I decided to just do not any exercise at all, and I healed SO much quicker than they told me I would. Rest really is an amazing thing when needed!
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Oh wow! That sounds painful. I’m glad it’s my left foot or else I wouldn’t have been able to drive.
Retail therapy is definitely the way to go! I’m glad you have such a great attitude about the situation and am sure you’ll be back in no time. I desperately need to work on my strength training too, I’d love to stay up to date with your workouts!
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Thanks, Margaret! This injury has forced me (that’s an exaggeration) to start strength training. I will post an update!
Wow I didn’t think your injury was this extensive, and I am so sorry. I am encouraged by how well you are taking this though! It astounds me your willingness to move forward and turn this into a positive experience for your health.
Christmas wish list: BOOKS. I don’t like buying books, but I love owning books. So someone buying me their favorite book is my favorite thing.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…A weekend in which I did nothing in the daytime and everything in the nighttime.
I’m the same way with books! I try to make my mom buy and read them first so then I can just steal it ;)
Oh, the magical powers of calling your mom to complain. I know those well :) Glad you have a good attitude about your injury. Take care of yourself! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
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Mom’s can sure work wonders :) Thanks, Ellen!
YAY for more strength training…It’s so important and you will feel good…just be patient. :) I love triceps dips and chest press…Got to give my boobies all the lift these days…HAHAH!
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Tricep dips are a go-to move for me because you can do them almost anywhere! Searching through your archives for some workout inspiration :)
Wishing you a speedy recovery! A stress fracture is a nasty injury- did the doctor/ physio suggest it was caused by your marathon training in general or a specific incident?
I find most upper body exercises pretty tough but commandos are probably my worst enemy event though they are very good for both core and arm strength!
xx
Good question- he said probably running because my arches are so high. He recommended more supportive inserts for my sneakers too. I keep thinking back to the week it started hurting but I can’t pinpoint a certain incident or even a certain run. It hurt after waking up. Weird. Commandos are so hard! I actually didn’t know the proper name for it until you mentioned it. Good move though :)
Aw, Emily :( So bummed for you! I’m glad you got the x-ray now, though, and hopefully were able to prevent further damage from happening.
You have such a good outlook on your injury! And I’m glad you treated yourself to a Lulu tank top after getting the news! A fun little pick me up :)
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Lulu solves everything. And almond butter :) Thanks, Liv!
Oh the boot! Only the best in fall fashion :).
That’s such a drag when it’s not like something that is super painful all of the time suddenly becomes this huge medical ordeal.
I’ve seen these machines at the gym before – it’s like a bike that you turn the wheels with your arms? It looks super super tough but you don’t use your legs at all.
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I’m shocked I haven’t seen Kendall Jenner wearing it on the runway yet. She’s so behind.
Yes to that arm machine! My mom mentioned it too. Not sure how effective it is but I want to try.
This makes me sad. At least you are handing the news fairly well. A month is such a short time as well. I promise those weeks will more than likely fly bye!! Lift away my friend :)
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Thanks, Jessie. I’m hoping they fly by! But in the meantime I will become friends with dumbbells.
I’m sorry ! One thing i can say…my boyfriend wore a boot for a bit. he had a stress “reaction” which i guess is close to a stress fracture but they dont actually see the fracture. i joke with him that is what the doctor told him to just get him out of the office ! well…man he wore that boot EVERYWHERE. we went to philadelphia for vaca and he walked the entire town in that boot. once he got the hang of it i think he was faster with the boot on…and he got preferential airport screening/seating :) one thing i can say…good for you for getting the black boot ! he had a grayish one and it was GROSS by the time he was done with it. awesome you are focusing on strength training. focus on what you can do not what you cant. one of my faves is kettlebells curl, press, tricep. so you take a kettlebell and bicep curl, straight into overhead press, straight into overhead tricep. i wish you the best of luck ! u can do it.
Haha you’re right- people are very nice to me with the boot! Holding doors, giving me good seats in class.
I like that kettlebell move! I have a KB in my apartment so I use it more than dumbbells. Thanks!
You have such a great attitude! Though it isn’t the end of the world, it definitely feels like it now and I think it’s ok to think like that! I’m so sorry you got this though :( Mom’s are magical and a phone call seems to always solve the problem! As far as strength training, I bet you will start loving it! I have lots of workouts on my blog!
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Thanks for your sweet words :) I have already done one of your workouts…shoulder shaper! It burned. Good burn, of course.
I hope you heal really quick! My foot injury took forever to heal. I heard something about how injuries take longer to heal if they’re farther away from your heart? Not fun at all!
Thank you! It’s been 5 weeks of no running and 2 of the boot. My doctor said that by not running for 3 weeks before the boot I might not have to wear it as long. Still have a few more weeks to go!
Emily!
I am in the same boat right now, sporting the very fashionable boot! I had an x-Ray done yesterday and the doctor didn’t see any stress fracture, but thinks I might have stretched/ pulled a ligament in my foot. It hurts really bad on the side and bottom throughout my arch. I was training for my second half, which is 2 weeks away. It’s called the Diva half in St. Augustine and it looks so fun! Oh well, maybe next year. I wish you lived near me, I feel like we would be great friends! I’m in the Tampa area if you are ever up this way ??
Hope you are healing and feeling well!
Hi Alexis! I’m so sorry you’re injured too. You have a great attitude- there is always next year. I actually do live in Tampa, well that’s where my “home base” is when I’m not at school. Have a great Sunday!