Friday, August 20, 2010

Self Diagnosis and A Hard Decision

I'm pretty sure I have a stress fracture in my right leg and because of that I've decided not to run the Marine Corps marathon in October (or the half marathon next month). It was a hard decision but the best thing I can do for myself at this time. I was sad this morning when I finally came to the conclusion that I need to seriously take some time off from running and I won't be able to train well enough to be prepared to run a good marathon. That was this morning...now, it's time to move on.

The good new is I love spin class! This is good because it looks like I'm going to be spending lots of time on the bike and maybe in the pool. I'd actually ride more if I had my own bike. It's kind of funny how goal oriented I am when it comes to running or working out for that matter. As soon as I decided that I needed to drop out of the marathon I thought, "Okay, what else can I sign up for?" and I came across the Sea Gull Century on October 9Th. I'm wondering if it's possible to actually train for and complete this without having my own bike? I could go to spin class and other types of training at the gym then rent a bike the day of the ride...do people do that? I could do that.

I'll get back to running eventually and I will run another marathon. I. Will. Run. Again. until then, I'll do everything else!

I'm still going to check in with all of you in the Distance Dreamers group and give you encouragement. As far as The Hard CORE Club goes, I'll continue with that. Last night was day 3 of the workout and I like it. I'm able to complete all of the exercises, I just need to get to the point where I can do the push ups without having to modify it by bending my knees, but I'll get there.

23 comments:

mommaof3ontherun said...

I'm sure that was a hard decision! But you have to heal and do what is right for you!

Rene' said...

oh Heather. That seems disappointing, but you seem to have a positive attitude. you really need to work on healing plus it sounds like you are going to set other goals in the meantime.

Pahla said...

Such a bummer! Two years ago I had a stress fracture in my shin and had to postpone training for my first marathon. I spent the summer on my bike and in the pool and next thing you know, I finished my first triathlon! :-) Here's to speedy healing for you!

Adrienne said...

Bummer. Stress fracture + running= not good. Good for you for picking up on biking. I've never biked so I have no good advice but my amateur mind would tell me that trying out a bike before the race would be a good idea. Could you borrow someone's? Good luck.

Andrew Opala said...

Contact Chris K at "BQ or Die" he's actually had a diagnosed stress fracture. Maybe he could give you some pointers for what to do, and for how long.

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear about your stress fracture! Good luck with the biking and feel better soon:)

bobbi said...

Awwww crap. That's such a bummer. It sounds like you are going into this with just the right outlook - good luck in your healing!

Heather said...

ha ha! Adrienne, that's a good idea! I'd definitely do some riding outside too and borrow/rent till I get my own bike.

Thanks for the info Andrew.

Jessica (Pace of Me) said...

Hi Heather, that is the pits about your stress fracture but I really admire your strength to make the right decision and your incredibly positive attitude about it. You are so inspiring!

Erika said...

What a bummer:/ May I suggest finding a really good physical therapy place?!? I thought I had one awhile ago, but ended up being something different! Good luck!

AM! said...

yes, a hard decision for sure.

have you had it looked at by a dr? I only ask b/c I only got a correct path of recovery once I knew for sure the diagnosis.

Lindsay said...

i know this had to be tough - but at least you can still spin/bike to get those necessary endorphins!

Anonymous said...

Day three of core - rock on! Great first week. Go to the top of the class!

MCM Mama said...

Bummer on the injury!!

BTW, you are a winner. Stop by my blog for details.

Anne said...

So sorry to read this...I know how hard it must have been to make that decision. You. Will. Run. Again!!!

Until then, I think I'd invest in a second hand bike :)

abbi said...

I'm sure this was a very difficult decision to make but it sounds like you are doing the best thing. You seem to continue having the pain so it definitely needs to heal so you don't do more damage. I agree with the others, you have a great, positive attitude!

Deborah Ann said...

Your attitude will take you far! Somedays I have trouble just getting my butt off the couch, hehehe...

misszippy said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! You sound like you have a great attitude, I have to say. I had a sfx in my tibia yrs. ago after running my first marathon. Hopefully six weeks off and you can go back. Just be very careful on your return!

Allie @ The Constant Pursuit said...

Definitely go get things checked out! I thought I had a stress fracture back in May, and it ended up just being a severe calf strain. Either way, I'm sorry about MCM, but you are making a good choice for you and your body. Swim, bike, and run in the water and you'll be back at it in no time! :)

Anonymous said...

awww that sucks. but u hve to listen to u r body and make the best decision for u.
there will be other races. there will be other marathons

take care of urself. and taking up biking sounds like a great idea!

Tortuga_Runner said...

Hey thanks for stopping by my blog. Totally sucks about the stress fracture, but I am so glad you are sticking with the Hard Core Club. Hope things are on the up and up!~Sophia

b&j heckman said...

oh sorry about the running. but i love love spin. hey there is a great amish guy in newville who sells great priced spin shoes (got mine for $35) and bikes. mervs'

The Boring Runner said...

I remember when I had to make the same exact decision. You may not really think so now, but you did make the right decision.

I feel for you!!!! you'll come back stronger and faster - I did!