Back to normal....whatever that means

Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength. -Unknown

The first attempt at running again was mostly successful.  I say mostly because nothing is ever how you want it to be.  I was cleared to run two weeks ago and thought it would be a good idea to run a half marathon.  Of course despite you thinking an ACTUAL half marathon, I was just going to hop on the course with a friend of mine while she ran.  Myself, I could only do around 2 miles, per doctors orders.  So I drove up to Cleveland to support Kim at the River Run Half.  My plan was to jump in around mile 10 or 11 and see how it goes.  Well, this was not a very "spectator friendly" course and the majority of it was run through the metro parks.  Great scenery for the runners, but tough for those cheering on to support everyone.  I parked at the area high school and took the shuttle that they provided to take people to the finish line.  The course started in Berea and was a straight shot north, so my only option was to walk the course backwards (I was walking forwards, since I wanted to see where I was going....come on I know someone chuckled)  They told people to stay off the road and stay on the trail, which of course was fine, other than the fact the trail didn't always follow the road.  I walked for about 45 minutes and came to a point where other spectators were.  I figured this was the best spot and thought I was around the 10-11 mile mark.  After chatting it up with a few people and cheering the racers on, I decided to walk down the course.  I wasn't sure how close Kim was and I wasn't sure if I was "technically" allowed to just jump in and start running.  I waited for a while, checked my watch and kept an eye out for Kim as I gave some support to the runners.  Some seemed to be relieved, but I may have let a "keep it up, you're almost done" slip out of my mouth.  By the look I got, I knew exactly what it meant, since they still had about 2-3 miles so they were not "almost done"...lol 
Finally, I hear a voice yell "Hey Whinnem let's go"  Sure enough it was Kim, sooner than I expected.  I joined her on the course.  Now, a side note, this is also just when one of the "pace cars" passed, so here's me, worried I'm going to get in trouble as we run behind the people in charge of the race.  (Guess I need to get used to hopping on courses though at least for the next month)  :-)  She told me that she has not stopped once and was feeling good.  Once I heard that, I felt the need to make sure she didn't stop and I could tell she was checking to make sure I was feeling ok and not dying...LOL  I felt really good and ended up running a faster pace than I anticipated.  I got to experience Kim's quirky noises that she lets out out of the blue as she runs.  The first "whoooooo" caught me off guard and made me laugh.  I made it until just before the 13 mile mark and hopped off the course and walked the trail back to the finish.  Kim ended up crushing her best time and for the first time ever completed the half without stopping, so I was pretty proud of her.
We waited near the finish line to cheer on her friend Michele who was running the half as part of her marathon training.  Speaking of marathon training, as we stood there, Jodi met us after her 20 mile training run.  Her, Mellisa and Deb headed out on the trails bright and early for their training runs, but Jodi was the only lucky one to have 20 miles that day....heehee

The after effects....My legs felt pretty good.  I obviously can't complain being that I was with people that just ran a half marathon.  The days following it were a bit off.  I started feeling pain in the area of my leg that I had the stress fracture and all I could think of is "damn, I overdid it".  I came to the conclusion that it was mainly due to me running on the "uneven" road of the metro park, which makes sense.  Even so, I decided to just back off and just hit the elliptical later in the week.  My feet were a bit sore as well, but nothing painful, just needed to do alot of stretching.  This past weekend I tested my legs again, not with a run, but 18 holes of golf.  Ya, used some muscles that have quiet for awhile, due to my not-so-proper form.

Yesterday marked my LAST DAY for physical therapy as I was discharged.  She told me that I'm at a point where I can do everything on my own.  She was a bit concerned over the soreness in the bottom of my feet, but thought it would be ok.  I actually didn't even realize she was discharging me.  Her assistant was giving me ultra sound and mentioned it and I had a blank look on my face.  I have to say I have mixed feelings about it.  Sure, it's great, but there is also uncertainty.  What if the pain comes back, what if it's not healed.  Guess the only way to find out is to get back on the horse, so to speak.

This morning was my final follow up with the sports doctor.  He was happy to hear about the end of PT and pleased with my updates.  He agreed with my assessment of the soreness being due to the uneven road and told me I should be fine.  We chatted about his upcoming marathon and he said he is in his taper mode.  This weekend will be the first long run under 20 miles in about a month or 2.  He's running the Chicago marathon and hoping to break 3 hrs for the first time.  I told him I'd join him for a few miles but something tells me I wouldn't keep up.  My "plans" as far as what I'd be doing for runs are pretty straight forward.  Nothing too long, just enough to build a base up.  I figure if I can consistently get up to 3-4 miles in the next few weeks and get my cardio back, that would work for me.  Especially considering the races that I will be "joining in"....lol  A new pair of shoes are in the future though and possibly orthodics.

So for me it's just getting back out there and being smart, something I'm not known for....so we'll see.  :-)

Until next time.....

Loving this no boot thing....sort of

Are you flirting with your dreams or are you committed? If you are committed, remember this: Anytime you make a commitment to something, it will be tested. People will try to distract you, challenge you, or even try to get you to compromise your values. Sometimes you might even have to stand alone when your following through on your commitments. Finally the question remains...are you flirting or are you committed? - Rex Crain

Week 2 sans boot started off with a weekend trip to Cleveland.  Had a seminar meeting with Monavie and they had a speaker come into town.  Packed house and alot of information, so it was a pretty cool event. 
I also promised Jodi's daughter Kaelynn the next time I was up I would bring popsicles, since that Friday she was getting her tonsils out and would not be able to eat much.  So Mr. Dave went over and got sucked into playing Marvel Comics Memory game, Connect 4 and Jr Monopoly.  It was still fun despite losing 2 out of the 3....not even on purpose.....I still don't even know how to play Jr Monopoly.  Also, much to the frustration of Jodi and the amusement of her husband, I seemed to be the only person to get her kid to drink.
Of course the weekend couldn't be complete without an ice cream stop with the Cleveland 10-Miler girls.  Deb, Kim and Mellisa met up (Bridgette ditched us) and it was a great time catching up.  Mellisa's son Matt joined in with Jodi and her kids this time.  I swear they are all absolutely amazing and they are the most positive upbeat people I've ever met.
During that time I thought it would be funny if I mention the pet shop around the corner, since Jodi's daughter loves to go there (and Jodi...not so much...lol)  So we met her husband there and walked around checking out the furry little critters, well, now it was her turn to get me back.  They had thought it would be funny if I came with them to some store named Justice.  Lets just say an all girls store was not as fun as the pet store....LOL

In the beginning of the week I had my follow-up with the doctor.  The last I saw him he told me to make 2 appointments.  One for a little over 2 weeks and one for less than a month.  If my foot was really bothering me, come back in 2 weeks and he would perform the deep tissue massage, something called Active Release Technique.  If it felt fine, cancel and he would see me in a month to discuss running again.  Well, things were going well, until for some reason this past weekend it slowly started getting worse.  I played it off (like I always do) and figured it was fine and was going to cancel the appointment.  Then I remembered something my friend Morgan said (who unfortunately is dealing with a stress fracture recovery as well) and that was to not mess around with the pain and not to hide it. (ok, I'm not quoting her...but I think she was telling me not to be stubborn)
So, I kept the appointment and went for the treatment.  It felt like my foot was getting flattened like a pancake.  I laughed when the doctor told me after to ice it because "it may not feel so good the next day or so."  Gee I wonder why....LOL

Dropped down to only one PT appointment for this week, which not sure is good or bad.  But considering I had A.R.T. on Tuesday, it was probably for the better.  My regular therapist was on vacation, so someone new stepped in.  I'm more than familiar with the routine as far as the exercises, which one's I like, which ones I dislike...(lunges...cough cough)  So got on the leg press machine and he tells me the sets.  I'm the first to admit that I'm a little cloudy on the amount of sets I do, since it varies depending on pain level and progression, but I thought it was more than normal.  Got the leg presses and calf raises complete and as I started to get off the machine he informs me to stay where I'm at.....New exercises. 
Oh joy, not only has he added reps, but new things to do.  He has me doing some form of "jumps" on the machine, without coming to a stop, then after that, doing single leg pushoffs, simulating a running motion.  I was definitely hesitant on both of these, especially at first.  He laughed and said don't worry, you won't break the machine, just push.  I had to inform him that it wasn't the machine I was worried about breaking.
Each exercise after got an increase of reps (except for the lunges...woohoo)  Towards the end he made the comment that he was just following orders and laughed how my PT went on vacation and made him out to be the mean guy making me do all this new stuff and more reps.....
My legs are pretty sore at the moment after all of that this week, but there is a glimmer of hope.....Which is no boot, so while there are times I want to avoid the soreness and go back to the boot, there's only one way to get it stronger..

Next week has another treatment lined up along with PT, so I'll just take it as it goes.  One step at a time.

Until Next Time.....

Baby Steps......One foot in front of the other.

How do you feel today? Actually, it doesn't matter! Never let your feelings take charge over your day. Create you own feelings. Tell your feelings how to feel. Life is a movie. The cameras are rolling. Make sure you are acting like a happy, kind, successful person! - Rex Crain

Today I feel....wait, according to Rex it doesn't matter.  :-)
But actually its been a long week.  Seems like it was a week of baby steps.  Then again, since it was my first week without the boot, it literally WAS a week of baby steps. 

For some reason I chose the first day out of the boot to be the one that started off with therapy in the morning.  Bright and early I show up without the boot and my therapist is surprised.  So my reward..."Let's add lunges"  Seriously?  I hate those when I'm 100%, now she wants me to do them when I'm hobbling.  So first set goes somewhat smoothly but of course it's with my good leg.  Now's the test and the first one, I lean forward and sure enough lose my balance and fall over.  I look up and shes giggling and tells me to try again.  Of course this time she gets down to one knee and holds both her arms out asking "if I want a spot".  I thought it was funny and almost fell on purpose to be a smartass.  But I was being cautious not wanting to hurt myself.
I seemed to make it through the day pretty well.  Nothing major.  That is until the next day.  I spent the weekend out of the boot, which is great, but it was spent searching for the person who beat my leg with a bat.  My calf was screaming and my ankle was tight.  Obviously the constant use during the day including stairs took a toll.  On Monday my therapist asked how my weekend was and when I made my bat comment, she of course said..."I may have had something to do with that after Friday".....Uh, YA THINK!!!!!
Of course this didn't stop her from adding yet another exercise to her little torture, errrrrrr, I mean list.
By Wednesday, I was feeling better and that meant "more reps" at therapy.  Granted I can't complain too much since I realize the whole point is to get me stronger and back to "normal".  But why can't they say, "hey, good job, you get a cookie or an ice cream cone or something like that."  LOL

As the week went on it slowly progressed and I started to notice a difference.  Mainly in the fact that I'm not as "focused" or hesitant with walking, including the stairs.  That's where the bad part comes in.  Yesterday I found myself going up the stairs, rather swiftly including two at a time, not paying attention.  I got to the top of the steps and realized what I did and kind of froze.  I moved my leg to make sure it was still there and slowly walked to my desk.  Granted I paid for it later, as last night it was pretty sore.  Memo to self....still need to be aware of things.  Just because I am without the boot doesn't mean I can do everything.  It's just hard to "focus" on something as simple as walking.

For those wondering about running, (since I've been asked about 10 times if I've started running yet) still not thinking about it, at least until I see the doctor.  I have nothing to run for until October, so just going to keep it simple...Bike and pool and weights and continue my therapy exercises.  While I have done no cardio this week, I've gotten a second wind and next week will get into the routine of the gym.  I find it funny, when I have the boot on, people see there is something wrong....Now that I have it off, people think I'm fine (boy do they not know me...heehee)  I am doing my best not to "limp" because I don't want the questions.

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend as well as a positive week ahead.

Until Next Time.....

To rock the boot or not rock the boot...THAT is the question!

I am not in this world to live up to other people's expectations, nor do I feel that the world must live up to mine. - Fritz Perl

For some reason I thought I blogged recently, I guess its been longer than I thought.  The last few weeks have had lots of ups and downs (So in other words....LIFE happened...lol)

Physical therapy - They don't mess around.  My foot and leg were put right to the test.  Bike, leg press, Hip raises, balancing, rubber band exercises, stretching....I've had 4 or 5 appointments and they have been progressing well.  Obviously the most enjoyable parts are at the end...Both because its over and because its time for ultrasound.  After about 3rd session I mentioned the pain in the bottom of my foot was still there.  Some quick investigating, she discovered "the spot" under my foot.  In between the captain of the toes (Seinfeld's words, not mine) and the second toe, was some nice inflammation.  Hinted that I may have damaged the ligaments.  Well she proceeded to dive her fingers pressing down my whole foot starting at the top.  When asked if I can hearing that "crunching" sound, my response was a painful, "yes its giving me foam roller flashbacks"  She chuckled and kept going.  Question....why must they think everything is funny when it comes to pain.  Nevermind, probably karma for my sick sense of humor with people.
Actually got a compliment this week as she noticed me walking with less hesitation.  Of course that was followed up with...Guess we need to add more reps to each exercise....Oh goody, I can't wait.

Official word from the Doc was Tuesday, the boot comes OFF Friday (as in tomorrow)  :-)
I have been slowly getting out of the boot the past 2 weeks, not wearing it when I am home, but I didn't want to rush anything.  I have been waiting for my follow up with the doctor.  He also agreed with the physical therapist regarding my foot.  I more than likely sprained some ligaments in between the bones, causing the main source of swelling, pain and scar tissue.  But as he said "no matter what the diagnosis, you jacked it up pretty good"  I laughed and said, "guess that's what I get for running the marathon on short training".  He asked if I would do another one....and my response was "of course, but I'll be smarter this time".  If the pain continues while off the boot over the next week or two, he wanted to explore a deep tissue massage.  I mean who doesn't love a massage?  Of course as he explained, this would not be a relaxing/enjoyable one and also not be performed by a female...  (Please no pain, please no pain...heehee)
As far as running again, well its in the far back part of my head.  Not because I don't want to, but I'd like to get through the walking part without pain.  The doctor did say that if things progress well over the next 3-4 weeks, maybe then we would discuss an action plan to start running.  I laughed to myself because he seemed more eager for me to run than I did.  I told him my goal was not to do any races or anything crazy, but I'd like to/need to be able to do 3-4 miles by early October.

Spent some time in Cleveland last weekend and went to a "Christmas in July" party,  which was rather interesting.  Being around new people with a boot on...I may or may not have heard "why you wearing that boot" once or twice.  I thought about making something up, but once you change your story, it gets complicated. 
Got to spend some time w the Cleveland 10 miler girls (well half of them at least)  I discovered my new favorite place....Menchie's Ice Cream.  Ya, all I can say is WOW.  I have to go back, since well, there were too many choices.
Also got to play hangman w/an 8 year old.  Been awhile since I've played that game....Not sure how many words or phrases we went through, but for the last word I got a long one.  I asked what type of word is it and her response...It's an awkward word that hasn't been invented yet.  Needless to say I lost.  Oh, and the word....squaregulopigus

In my "down time" from being active and working out, I decided to do something outside the box for me.  I started a program from Rex Crain called the 90 day life lift.  Rex is an amazing public speaker, life coach and just an all around inspirational, positive person.  On his site, he put that his mission "is to unearth the true treasure in each and every human heart; to release and unleash the dreamer in us all!" 
I've pretty much learned over the past few years alot about myself but I tend to get complacent and stuck at times.  I'm not the type of person to brag or boast or even tell people what I'm doing. (like I said, starting the blog was a new one....lol)  But in the last few weeks, my eyes have been opened and not always for the good.  It makes me wish I could go back in time.  Its weird, while I didn't think it would be easy, I didn't think it would be this hard.  The emails/challenges, some days I have to take a hard look at who I am or what I've done or who I have become and I don't like it.  But only I can do something about it.  Only I can change, if that's what I want.  I'm tired of being stuck....They say if you stop learning, you stop living.  Well, I'm not done living  :-)

Should be an exciting weekend....well, not so much exciting, but rather hopeful....Here's to pain free walking.  It also will be fun to finally not hear "here comes peg leg" when I am walking down the hall at work.....LOL

Until next time....

Physical Therapy - Reward for running

By feeling good throughout the day, you become an instrument of peace, and it's through this channel that you eradicate problems. - Dr. Wayne Dyer

I have to laugh, since when people see my boot for the first time, they always ask "What happened?"  My answer is "I attempted to run a Marathon, this is my reward."  Ok, so maybe I should say I completed a marathon....but we shall leave that discussion for another day.  Usually the comment comes with a chuckle from both parties and if they ask, I give them the story of the actual marathon and my training for it.

Well today started another phase of getting out of this lovely boot.  Physical Therapy.....I had some mixed emotions.  Not because I have grown to love this thing, cuz lets face it, I have not.  Can't wait to be able to be normal again. (and by that I mean walking without a black boot, since we all know I'm far from normal)  But there is still a considerable amount of pain with the boot off.....and PT means I have to spend more time out of it.

Physical therapy today did not consist of a lot of torture, mainly because some of the things she wanted to do she couldn't since pain was already there.  Did the whole conversation of "how did it happen" and "where does it hurt".  She poked and prodded and checked my range of motion and flexibility.......(Focus people, this is not a dream I had, I'm talking about PT here...heehee)

She had me walk to the other side of the room and sort of giggled as I was coming back and commented how it was obvious I was favoring one side and carefully placing my right foot down.  I tried walking as "correct" as possible despite the pain.  She then went over 4 different stretching exercises that I am to do each day to get the range of motion in my ankle and to help my calf, which btw, is now smaller than my left leg...LOL
Finished off with some ultrasound on the bottom of my foot and that was it.  Quick and easy....We scheduled our next few appointments and as I was leaving I was noticing my foot really hurt (something it rarely did while the boot was on)  She sort of laughed and said, "Ya, I'm sure he's not too happy with me right now"....I said imagine how pissed he is at me, I brought him here. (yes, I was just talking about my leg as he, I know, very funny....insert sarcasm)
Its going to be an interesting next couple of weeks/months.  Its not as bad as a few years ago when I was in sick in the hospital for weeks, lost most of my definition in my legs and had to "re-train" to walk again after about 2-3 months.  I can at least walk, just with pain....Just need to take it slow, I'm in no hurry....

In the last 2 weeks I got the opportunity to dog sit.  Some have joked I should open up my own little service with the amount I do.  But when you're single its not like I have a family to look after, so when people go out of town, guess who is first on their list?  Well, I have no idea who is, but somehow they all say no and the bottom of the list comes me....heeheee, ok, kidding.  First week were 2 Black Labs and a cat....after that were 2 Westies and a cat.  Luckily the house with the Labs has a fenced in backyard, that way I do not have to walk them (or should I say, they would not have to walk me with my boot)  They are all pretty well behaved....for the most part  :-)  But what they really are is all spoiled....I almost want to come back in my next life as a dog.

Next PT appointment is Friday,what a way to kick off the weekend.  One step closer to running again....well, at least walking again.  :-)

Until next time....

Dash for Donation 5k

Once you run out of excuses you can then become the person you were meant to be. - Unknown

Saturday was the Lifeline of Ohio - Dash for Donation 5k.  I had signed up to support Team Noah Man before my injury was diagnosed and despite the boot, I decided to go out and join them in the event, since after all we were just walking.  Here is an article from Saturday's Columbus Dispatch featuring the family.
The purpose of the day was to promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation and to encourage Ohioans to join the Ohio Donor Registry and give the “Gift of Life.”

I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I did a 5k.  These types of things are more fun with groups of people, since I can run 3 miles anywhere without paying an entry fee.
While we arrived, I headed off to see if I could find a friend of mine, Marc, who had his own team and walking the 5k.  I went to college with him and his wife.  He had a kidney transplant in 2000 and is currently going through dialysis.  It was great seeing them, albeit, for the short time as I went back to find the rest of the team at the "start line".

The morning started off with a Kids Dash with the Mascots.  Was pretty neat and surprisingly only saw one kid bite it.  But it was cool to watch the mascots form a wall to make sure he didn't get trampled on (at least more than he already had)


Kids Dash with the Mascots

So we start on our way, a nice leisurely stroll around downtown Columbus.  Weather was amazing and it was a lot of fun.  But, damnnnnn, it felt like I was out there all day. I missed seeing the first mile marker and after about a half hour I didn't think it would ever end.  We finally came up to mile 2 and people were asking the old "are we almost there" question.  Definitely a lot different than "running" a race.  I can also see why its much easier to run than walk.  You finish a lot quicker....heehee


Alan, Phil, Mark and I....I guess I got the boot, they got the kids


I got a lot of comments on the boot, which I couldn't really hide.  I had 3 strangers take pictures of me along the way.  One of them passed me and said that she had to take a picture to send to her husband and show him how lazy he was.  The next thanked me for being out there on one good leg.....But the last one was the funniest (for me at least)  I heard some giggling and someone mentioning how they couldn't believe I was walking with that on.  Well, a few seconds later the woman comes up and told me "she had to take a picture of my boot to send to her friend".  I smiled and responded by saying "it's ok I know you were only taking a picture of my butt".  Her friend started laughing and she bit her tongue and started blushing.  Hey at this point in the morning I needed a chuckle and thanked her for providing it.

We finally made it to the end.  It's weird, I definitely had some mini flashbacks from Cleveland.  Felt like I was walking for hours.  Ended up going to Bob Evans for some brunch and I headed back for an afternoon cat nap.  (I think it was deserved)


Myself, Dana, Hillary & Mark close to the finish



184 participants for Team Noah Man....Where's Waldo


I'm definitely feeling the affects of the "race" right now.  My lower legs and feet are pretty sore and all I did was walk.  LOL  But it was fun and for a great cause.
Goal for this week is to figure out when my physical therapy starts.

Until Next Time.....

I actually RAN today!!!!

In the end everything will be fine, if everything is not fine, then it is not the end! - Keith Cameron Smith

 

JUST kidding……I mean, I technically did "run", but it was in my head, in a dream.  Of course I knew it was a dream since well, I've got this on me.  Being injured and wearing a boot hinders the whole running thing.  Here is me and my friends daughter, who recently broke her ankle, so the two of us hopped around her brothers soccer game while I was in Cleveland hanging out.

Meaghan and I

 

Well it’s been awhile…..for a lot of things.  48 days since I have laced up the shoes and ran.  24 days actually wearing this stylish black boot on my leg.  Been 21 days since I last blogged and I've only sporadically checked others, which bums me out since I've learned I enjoy it.  Has been about the same time since I have done anything productive, as far as activity wise and frustrates me.  Part of me can’t get focused and other part tries to make excuses I suppose.

 

I have managed to keep myself busy and like everyone, looks back and thinks….Man, where did the time go.

 

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I spent 2 weekends in Cleveland volunteering at the area prison.  A friend of mines mom founded a non profit group called Wings Ministry.

The goal of the Wings Ministry is to connect spouses, caregivers and children of inmates with the nurturing and supporting relationships of Christian people in local churches. (ok, so I copied that from the site...lol)

It's really an eye opening experience.  We start out with games with the inmates and their children/families until everyone arrives and gets settled in.  There are songs from the prison band and interaction from everyone.  After that they act out a story from the bible.  Everyone participates, which is one of the "rules"  So the kids and families and volunteers get picked from the crowd and dress up for the story.  Once that is complete, the director speaks with the families while the kids and their dads go to the tables that are set apart so they can spend some "arts and crafts" time.  They can make cards together, decorate cookies, make necklaces out of cheerios and pretzels.  This is that part I enjoy, just watching them interact and seeing the joy in their eyes, doing something so simple.  Once that is finished we get into groups and have pizza and cookies, with at least one volunteer per table.  Spending time talking, answering questions and relaxing.  After dinner is cleared up we grab a bag and everyone gives one person at the table a new "outfit".  Creativity, with only newspaper, ribbon, paper plates and odds and ends.  It sounds corny, but its pretty fun.

Watching them leave is the hardest part.  Not a dry eye in the place.  In a way its hard to actually "explain" everything that goes on, some of which almost has to be experienced I guess. (if anyone gets the chance, come check it out)  Here is the website:

 

Was able to spend some time with most of the Cleveland 10 Miler girls, which was awesome.  It was sort of a way to celebrate some birthdays that happened in the past few weeks, mine being one of them…..I’m not a big birthday person, at least when it comes to me.  I’m all about everyone else’s and yes, that may be hypocritical, but that’s life…heehee  Heck, if it were not for facebook I’m not sure how many people would have known when mine was anyway.  But that’s fine, as I have been told, we all need our special day.  The less time the spotlight is shining, the better.  Dinner with friends is perfectly fine way to celebrate.



Mellisa, Me, Deb, Kim and Nell



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I've spent the last week animal/housesitting.  Watching animals can be fun and frustrating all at the same time.  Cats, pretty easy, low maintenance.  Dogs, they are like kids.  Need to schedule everything around them.  Everywhere in the house you go, they go.  Plus they have yet to learn to speak English.  I mean, hellooooo, isn't that what Rosetta Stone is for, to learn to speak new languages?  Have they not come out with a dog version?  LOL

Luckily my friends have a back yard, so I can let them outside rather than walk them around the neighborhood, since I'm pretty sure one of the labs would drag me around.  But it's like a mini vacation.  Of course, it's still in Ohio, I still have to go to work, just a different place to sleep.  Ok, never mind, not like a vacation. 

 

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I had a follow up with the Doctor this week.  I didn’t expect the worst, but also knew this little thing called pain was still there when I am without the boot, so nothing he said really shocked me.  The boot stays on….for now.  He has a plan.  He wants me to slowly work my way out of the boot, and no, that doesn’t mean I attempt to take it on or off like an 80-yr old w arthritis.  Starting next week, each day I take time without the boot, working my way up to a full day.  Both the stress fracture in the right leg and the stress reaction in the left leg were tender but the pain when he poked around was minimal.  The foot however hurts like H E double hockey sticks….(That would be ‘hell’ for you non spellers)  J

He is starting me on physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles in and around the foot.  I also need to get some sort of orthopedics or special padding for my shoes, especially if I am going without the boot.

So no plans of training, in regards to running.  But I can still daydream and look ahead.  I may or may not search the sights to find any cool half marathons or triathlons when I get bored.

 

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Speaking of running, I will be participating in a 5k tomorrow.  The Lifeline of Ohio Dash for Donation.  I signed up before I was injured and this little thing won't stop me.  Now before you get any crazy ideas of yelling at me, I am NOT running.  I will however be walking (or hobbling, however you classify it)

Worst case it was brought up that they would get me a wheelchair and my buddy would push me the whole way along with his kids.  Told them I would pass on the wheelchair, as funny as that would be.  It's for a good cause and with some good friends.

Here is an article about the family and the race.

 

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I’m also using my “down time” towards reading.  I guess it helps when there is nothing but crap on to watch on TV, but I feel more productive this way.  I was about to start another Myles Monroe book and I’m itching to read Rex Crain’s new book, but I came across another book and started reading “The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking” by “Norman Vincent Peale“   It’s actually a great book so far and highly recommend it.

 

Yes, it sucks being injured.  Yes, it sucks wearing this boot.  But hey, it could be a lot worse.  It could be broke and have to be on crutches....It could be permanent.  The world does not stop, so you have to adjust.  I know it will be awhile before I am able to run again, but it’s all good.  Doesn’t stop me from planning my next race (which yes, I have looked into)  Granted, another marathon is not in my foreseeable future.  If someone put a gun to my head and asked when that would be, I would have to say 2013 at the earliest.  There’s always fun races as well as triathlons that are ahead before that.

 

I’ve at least gotten a plan of sorts, for a few things.  While it still sucks to drive by seeing everyone run, I don’t “have” to run.  I’ve found that I do actually enjoy it though, so coming from a swimmer, its weird to say.

 

Life doesn’t always go according to plan…..But that’s ok.  You need something to rock the boat every now and then.

 

Until next time…….

 

Side Note...Special thanks to my friend Kim who FORCED me to blog today.  Yes that's right, made me....and yes, by force, I mean suggest that just because I am not running doesn't mean I should stop blogging.  My blog was a way to hold me accountable during marathon training, as well as get me out of my comfort zone.  So since I currently have no race to look forward to, I can still hang out "outside of my comfort zone" and write about others things (as boring as it may be)  :-)

Of course she also threatened to physically harm my other leg if....ok, ok, ok, I'm just playin around.  Heehee  thanks