This is just a mini update until I can wrap my head around what right now seems like total BS.
The pain in my foot was getting so horrible that I could barely walk, so I went to the podiatrist yesterday thinking he could give me one of those strappy things that you sleep in to get rid of plantar fasciitis. What he did was perform an ultrasound on my heels where he found that the plantar fasciitis on the left was really bad, and that since I had been favoring that side for so long with my pririformis and hamstring issues, too, the poor form caused me to sprain and strain all of the ligaments in my ankle. I got a giant shot in the heel, but it wasn't enough. Three weeks rest,with lots of ice and elevation. No marathon. No way to complete my goal in a year.
I am still really upset, but after an evening of anger and tears, I am trying to find some positives and arm myself with a plan. We are now looking at the Colorado Marathon on May 1. That would give me the three weeks off I need and still allow ample training time. I am also going to switch from 24Hour Fitness to Cherry Creek Athletic Club, where they have an indoor track and tons of swimming lanes. I need to get away from the treadmill for my weekday runs, and want to start swimming again as my crosstraining. My body always feels strongest when I am in the water a couple times a week. I am going use this next three weeks to really come up with a solid meal plan and kick start my weightloss again and do a lot of weight training. I'm sure a main cause of this injury is being a still-overweight person who runs 20-30 miles a week, and I intend to correct that, too. When I can, I will start training again, and I will finish a marathon. But for today, I am still a little angry. So I am going to try to let it go and enjoy today and dinner with friends tonight, and Christmas with family this week.
Before all that, though, I am going to have a beer. I'll be back tomorrow with new goals and plans and whatever else I can try to renew to make myself feel better.
Thank you all for being such great cyber friends. The support is so amazing. And needed. You guys all rock. I didn't come this far to give up, and you guys make me see that it is all still possible.
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You'll get the marathon; your determination is way too strong to not get it.
ReplyDeleteTake your time and really work on your running form. Muscle imbalances, lack of flexibility, and lack of core strength can all lead to what you've experienced. Please be weary of kicking it back into marathon training too quickly - I've seen good runners sidelined for 2+ years because they kept trying to run through PF.
Doing a lot to strengthen your feet once initially healed - like walking barefoot when ever possible, not wearing heals, etc will help. Swimming should help a good bit as well. I'd also take a hard look at your running shoe choice as that can make a huge impact on PF.
It's a journey - if it was easy then it wouldn't be worth it.
It sounds like you're handling this curveball really well -- your plans are solid, all you have to do is follow through and try not to be too hard on yourself. Getting through this part will only make the end of your marathon, whenever and wherever it is, all the sweeter. I'm rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteHey Cara,
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing friend in Maggie. She wrote me an email talking about your injury and how you're struggling with it.
I know how bad it sucks to lose something that you've thought about and worked so hard for. But know this, after that beer and after you rest, you're gonna come back better than ever.
Email me if you ever need any advice or anything :)
Ben (doeslife)
Keep on rocking.
bendavis401@hotmail.com
Hi Cara,
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to let you know how strong and inspiring you sound! Looks like this news knocked you off your feet (sorry for the pun) but that you've come back fighting and armed with a plan.
Your body demanded your attention - you listened - and you're giving to what it needs right now. That's hard to do at the best of times, let alone when it interfers with a goal, but like Ben said - you'll come back better than ever!
And you're making this an opportunity to switch your cross training to an activity that makes you happy - how great is that?
Enjoy your dinner tonight, keep breathing, and have a great Christmas!
Jennifer
Cara, you are approaching this in the best possible way. Starting off with beer is always the best way to go! :) I often do that myself and like you I then pick myself up and plan! I plan until I once again have the best goals created and plan to follow through!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the positive attitude and remember that it will all come in time!
Hugs to you! Know that you are you doing the very best thing by following orders. I can't imagine how upset you must be, but imagine how much better trained and ready to go you will be in may.
ReplyDeleteCara I am sending love. Call me if you want to slack off together while you are healing. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteGood that you have a new marathon goal. That's what I always do if something goes wrong. Move on and look ahead at the next goal. All the best with this. Have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are all so great. I am really dissappointed, but if I have learned antyhing this year, it is that things are rarely going to go exactly according to plan. And that having a circle of friends out there in the world who fight the same fights is more valuable than anything else. Ready to get back at it as soon as it makes sense. And the beer, after not having one in forever, was delicious. :)So that's one good thing. Happy Holidays to all of you!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your injury. I can understand your disappointment and pain. It is so hard to rest when you want to move. I hope that you see how far you have come in having exercise as part of your life. You hopefully have many years of running/swimming/biking ahead of you and many marathon opportunities.
ReplyDeleteOh Cara! I am so sorry about this injury!!It's not the end though...so big fucking deal you don't do all of this in 1 year. What really matters is that you have changed your life...isn't that what you set out to do 1 year ago? THAT is what matters. There are a bazillion marathons for you to run, but only one life to live. Stick to your recovery plan per your doctor, enjoy whatever the hell you want to eat or drink and know that I know you can and you will run a marathon. The Colorado marathon is GORGEOUS!!! If it's your first, it will be worth it. I love the Colfax marathon too... It's challenging and it's Denver baby. Whatever you decide to do, just know that this injury isn't a setback, it's a chance for you to make new goals. Keep on looking ahead, ditch the rearview mirror and keep on being the bad ass bitch that you are. Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your injury and can't imagine how disappointed you are about the marathon. Take this time to heal and draft your plan and May 1 will be here before you know it.
ReplyDelete