Welcome! This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. The purpose is to connect with and support other active women. We want to hear about your adventures. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it. It's up to you! Race recaps are also encouraged! {See complete rules} This is the last opportunity for an entry to win our Lucky Linker $75 Gift Card! Remember, the link stays open through Wednesday evening.
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Monday I decided to return to the doctor. After 10 weeks of dealing with my metatarsal stress fracture, I was still experiencing some pain. I wanted reassurance it was healing properly. Delightfully, I found out it was completely healed and my pain was more than likely being caused by a neuroma. The doctor assured me it was OK to run. Hmm...makes me wish I had gone back a little sooner. She also warned me not to go run 30 miles the first time out. {Who does she think I am? Ha Ha!}
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| I'm dreaming of this race distance...just like the ones I used to know... |
It is comforting to know my fracture has healed. However with the neuroma, I am not completely pain free. Of course there is a wealth of internet information on the subject which gives me great hope and terrifies me all at the same time. The foot pad I tried seemed to make the pain worse. However, I discovered on my own that pedicure toe spacers work miracles. {Eu-frickin'-reka!}
The Disney Marathon is still looming in front of me. I'll admit the not knowing is stressful and I'm tired of worrying about it! But as I finish up this post, my foot feels strong and fantastic. There is hope. Maybe, just maybe. My fingers are crossed, but not my toes!
The Numbers:
Tuesday - Ran 2 miles @ 9:46 pace
Wednesday - Ran 3 miles @ 9:33 pace
Thursday - Biked 15 miles (Avg HR 151)
Saturday - Ran 6 miles @ 10:00 pace
Sunday - I returned to the bike for my "long slow run". I cycled 57 miles with an average HR of 150. This is another personal distance record. It was very warm and holy cow WINDY. The gusts required me to keep making corrections to the bike. It took me right at 4 hours.
Total miles RUN (whoo hoo!) = 11
Total miles BIKED (wee hee) = 72
And that's a wrap!
Would you run a marathon 15 weeks after a foot fracture?
Tell it to me straight...
OMG! I LOVE that 13.1 ornament! It is so cute!
ReplyDeleteI found it at the Route 66 race expo. It's a favorite.
DeleteTough call! Have you thought about run/walk intervals to relieve some of the stress on your foot? My coach is a big believer in that method for building mileage while reducing risk of injury. Perhaps it may work in your case? Interesting that the pedicure toe spacers help. And nice job on the long ride! Just imagine riding in the wind with deep dish carbon wheels - that's downright scary!
ReplyDeleteI have thought about run/walk intervals and will more than likely have to do that for the marathon itself. Previously, I was having more discomfort when walking than running, but I haven't tried it with my spacers. I can't imagine fighting the wind with the more resistant wheels. I'd come around downhill corners and think I was going to wipe out.
DeleteYou know I would! You did a great job staying in shape. We talked about you on the way home from our run. You're going to do well.
ReplyDeleteYep, I know you would! It's all about taking chances. If the pain stays away, well you know. I have to say it's kind of scary to have been the topic of conversation...
DeleteSo glad to see you are progressing with your running! I hope the pain goes away...it's good to know that you are healed but I would still be very frustrated to be in pain after focusing on recovering for so long!
ReplyDeleteHappily, the pedicure spacer thing seems to have done the trick. I had zero pain today. ZERO. So, I'm feel very encouraged.
DeleteOh gosh... I think with you still feeling a little pain, I'm not sure you should do it. I know you know your body best, but pain is pain. You have to judge it. It's not the end of the world if you miss the race - remember that...
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct. It will all come down to the pain. I am encouraged that the pedicure spacer has seemed to alleviate the pain. Now whether it stays away remains to be seen.
DeleteI've been wondering what you'll do for the marathon. I say go for it! You've done such a great job keeping your fitness up, and you still have some time to get runs in. Congrats on your four-hour bike ride. I CANNOT imagine. You have so much grit and determination, which is why I think you should go for the marathon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer! If the pain stays away, it will be an easy call, although I'll be completely terrified and worried on race day. I've worked so hard to get to this point and hate to throw it away.
DeleteI have worked hard! Sometimes I think I worked harder than I did training for the first marathon I didn't run. I just want to be rewarded for sticking to my crazy plan, you know? I want to think it was all worth it.
ReplyDeletewell, I think you should go for it, but with caution (as you mentioned). Hello? Disney? It's not like there won't be anything else to do along the route if you need a break (ummm, photo-ops with all the princes and/or Mickey?)Having never done a Disney event, I would think it would be the IDEAL event to have a recovering-from-injury thing, because there would be ZERO pressure (or expectation) to "race" it.
ReplyDeleteGood points. I've got to accept the fact it won't be the marathon race I wanted it to be. I'm struggling with that a bit. But, there are no assurances that any marathon would be an ideal race. Anything can happen during training or on race day.
DeleteYay, congratulations on being "ok"ed to run again!! And great work on a 4 hour bikeride, what an amazing workout!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I've enjoyed using my bike as alternative training. Increasing my mileage has given me something to work toward.
DeleteWith the kind of training you've done, I'd definitely be running Disney! I emailed you some pointers I hope you find helpful. I think you'll surprise yourself in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcia. I really appreciate you doing that for me. That is my other email that I refuse to check from home, so I'll see it in the morning. I like good surprises!
DeleteUgh, that stinks for sure! As far as doing the race goes... I would say, talk to your doctor about your goals. If they think it's okay, I would definitely take it easy at the race. Just make it a fun time, don't worry about a time. Just do it for fun and to finish.
ReplyDeleteI did talk to my doctor. She said I'd know within a couple of weeks. She did not say I couldn't or shouldn't, but to just listen to my body. I definitely would have to throw time goals out of the window.
DeleteGlad you've been OK'd to run, but I'm sorry to hear you're still dealing with pain. You've got a couple of weeks to try to increase your run distance and see how you feel. Fingers-crossed for you that you can still do Disney!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. The toe spacer is working wonders. I had no twinges today at all. So, I'm feeling very encouraged right now. We'll see what the next run brings. At least I had no after effects from the 6 miler!
DeleteSuper nice job! The training you did while you were injured really kept your fitness up and didn't seem to hurt your pace! I'm so happy for you that running is back in the picture!
ReplyDeleteThanks. My winter pace would typically be a little faster, but all considered I'm happy to see those numbers.
DeleteSo glad you got the ok from the doctor to start running again. Since you asked, no I would no run a marathon 15 weeks after a foot fracture. I would be too nervous to aggravate something and be out for much longer of a time ! I prefer to be able to keep running short distances, but keep running, than try the marathon and injure myself.
ReplyDeleteYes, further injury is definitely one of my concerns. I think because the doc wasn't overly concerned and insisted it was completed healed (and had been for a while) has helped a little with that anxiety.
DeleteAwesome news that your doctor assured you were good to run! If it's not painful to run, I would run the marathon but probably would take it easy. A Disney marathon would be so fun!
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely would have to take it easy. It would probably have to be a run/walk interval thing. There's no way I could run the whole thing without spending more time on my feet prior to the race.
DeleteI don't know what I'd do; I thought the marathon was in January? 15 weeks sounds doable to me, if you take it "easy", remember it's your first & the goal should just be to finish. All that biking & pool running has kept you in great shape.
ReplyDeleteI have had a lot of success with run/walk this year & I definitely recommend it!
It is in January. It will be 15 weeks from the day I originally hurt my foot. (I don't have 15 weeks to train.) All that nutty biking and pool running was in hopes that I could still do this race. Part of me hates to waste all of that.
DeleteNice job on the 57 mile run. Yes, I am probably that crazy person that would run a marathon fairly soon after a stress fracture, but I would not push it. We need to meet up if you decide to race! By the way, my husband had a neuroma years ago in his foot and had minor surgery and it has been pain free/perfect ever since.
ReplyDeleteI definitely would not be pushing it! The neuroma pain has gotten better this week. I don't know if it will stay that way. The toe spacers really did help. Such an easy solution! I'll definitely let you know if I decide to go and we will plan to meet. Dare I let myself get a little excited about this race for a change?
DeleteI think I would run 15 weeks later if I thought I could handle it and not risk injury again. Glad your able to get back out there!
ReplyDeleteThere is always risk of injury, whether you've been injured or not. I think once you have been injured you develop a fear. I'm hoping I'll just "know" in a couple of weeks.
DeleteUmmm... CONGRATS on your fracture being healed and getting back to running!! I probably would go for a half in 15 weeks just not a PR attempt. I am glad to read you are back to running!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It feels good to get back to it. I definitely would not run the race at a race pace. Mentally, I'd have to turn the switch off and run for fun.
DeleteYAY for being healed! If I were better I'd definitely get back out there. I'd at least see how I felt a few weeks later and do it for fun - not for a record or time (and being careful not to risk injury). I had 2 stress fractures one spring and couldn't WAIT to get bak out there!
ReplyDeleteI also had a stress fracture in my ankle years ago. They are not easy to deal with and seem to take their own sweet time. Obviously, patience is not a trait of mine.
DeleteI am so excited that it's healed. Do as I say and not as I do but I would totally run that Full. Because I shouldn't and I always do things that I'm told I shouldn't! 😁
ReplyDeleteWell, yeah that sounds like me too. I'm one of those people you shouldn't tell NOT to do something because that means I will do it just to prove you wrong. I was curious how many people would do the same crazy thing!
DeleteThat's great news! All you have to remember is Disney is fun. You can slow down, have pictures with characters or in the parks, and/or grab a drink in World Showcase.
ReplyDeleteVery true. If there is one race to relax and just have fun -- this is it! I could be contemplating one of those really seriously ones, which would definitely cause more stress.
Deletereally hope you can get back to doing what you love soon!! I love those ornaments!!
ReplyDeleteI hope so too Mar. I'm a huge sucker for ornaments. I pick them up everywhere I go.
DeleteCongratulations, you're finally healed! That must be such great news and it looks like you haven't missed a beat! Hopefully the neuroma pain diminishes soon!
ReplyDeleteThe runs last week were definitely not easy, but still enjoyable. I felt that heaviness sensation you get when you've not run in a while. I hope that goes away soon, along with the neuroma pain.
DeleteDon't ask me because I am healthy and afraid to run 26.2 miles.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that yo are healthy. I hope you stay that way. You are an awesome runner.
Back to your question - it would depend on getting in those LONG runs and how you feel. I would be worried about another stress fracture. I had one 3 years ago and every twinge still scares me.
As everyone said above, you could take it very slow and walk most of it. The next one will be the real thing.
Bingo Darlene. I remember how long it took me not to be scared of the ankle fracture I had years ago. If you've never been injured like that, you can't understand. Ignorance is bliss...because you can truly injure yourself in any race (or just out on a run) at any time. But we have that extra worry of having been there and "knowing".
DeleteI love the picture of you on you bike! Humm would I be able to keep up with all the pool running and biking you've done, I doubt it but I would so try and do my race. Especially if I got news I couldn't hurt my foot anymore. Well we will see, the weeks are flying by and we'll be in Orlando very soon! Eeeek!
ReplyDeleteEek is right! You know I want to badly. I just fear doing something really stupid, I guess.
DeleteI was so happy for you when I first read that you were given the ok from the doctor!! With all your training I think you are ready for the full, but if any doubts you could always change to 13.1? I hope the neuroma pain fully goes away!!
ReplyDeleteNo, they won't allow you to change distances. That would be the perfect solution. It also costs too much money to defer, so I didn't do that. I'm encouraged there haven't been any ill affects after my runs.
DeleteIf I were you, I would continue to run it, but see how I feel during the race. You could always run/walk the last half if you feel the need. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
That's sort of what I have in mind...allow myself to walk some if needed.
DeleteThat sounds like very encouraging news about your foot! Glad to hear you are able to run again :)
ReplyDeleteAs far as running the marathon - I would see how the next 4-6 weeks go. If your longer runs go well and you're able to continue building distance, I'd say go for it maybe with a goal of a strong finish versus a time goal. If the longer runs or adding mileage causes issues, maybe consider switching to the half.
Best of luck these upcoming weeks!
Ha -- I don't have that much time. I think I confused people by the 15 weeks. That is the time from initial injury to marathon. I wish Disney would allow you to switch distances!
DeleteI'm glad your foot is feeling strong! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you at the Disney marathon :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that! I'll need all the good luck I can get.
DeleteSo excited for you that your fracture has healed! I think only you will know if you feel comfortable running the marathon. A healed bone is one thing, but a brain that is in the right place with it is a different thing all together. You'll know what is right for you. Congrats on getting through the healing stage regardless!
ReplyDeleteYes, it will definitely take the power of positive thinking to get through that race!
DeleteWhat a relief to hear your healing continues and has made such leaps and bounds! I adore the 13.1 holiday ornament and the Mickey-shaped collection of red bells. Disney does Christmas SO WELL. You had a fantastic training week and you look so fierce on your bike!
ReplyDeleteIn general, I wouldn't try to run a marathon 15 weeks after a foot fracture... HOWEVER... the Disney races are super-geared towards both runners and walkers from all experience levels. If there were ever a race to run/walk without worrying about time, the Disney race would definitely be it. So I might test things out over the next few weeks and see if you think you can handle the distance on your feet in general. If so, then I'd go and run/walk it!
I buy Disney ornaments on every trip. I should do a small Disney only tree. Yes, this is probably the most forgiving race for people returning from injury like me. Excellent point!
DeleteI think if I had the OK to run and had still kept up my fitness which it sounds like you have I'd probably go for it! I'd definitely let go of any time goals and just do it for fun/just to finish. I love Disney races marathon weekend is definitely on my to do list! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that makes it hard is that I have done other Disney races - half marathons. So I know how wonderful they are. I don't want to miss out.
DeleteCongratulations on being able to run again. What great news! Killer bike rides, too! Have a great week. :)
ReplyDeleteI plan to continue to those long bike rides and taper as I would with a traditional training plan.
Delete72 miles on the bike. Awesome. You don't seem dressed for a windy 4-hour ride though. Just be careful out there and enjoy!
ReplyDeletehttp://runwright.net
Although windy, it was nearly 80 degrees. I was sweltering! I did have on my sunscreen.
Deleteglad to hear you are healing well!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that. I hope it only gets better from here.
DeleteGlad to hear you are healing properly!!! I hope the pain subsides, soon! I would listen to your gut in regards to the race. I have run many a race with injury, because I don't think I'll ever be 100% again to be honest.
ReplyDeleteOne of my thoughts is, "What if this is my only chance at running a marathon?". We can't foretell the future.
DeleteIt's good to hear that you are able to run again! I would definitely be wary of the marathon distance so soon after a big injury. Can you do the half? You don't want to put yourself out for longer than necessary if you reinjure it by doing too much too soon. Whether or not I would actually listen to that advice myself is questionable though.
ReplyDeleteNo, I can't swap race distances. The only way I could do it without total fear is to run for fun, without a time goal, and with lots of walk breaks. It's just a little hard for me to switch my brain to that line of thinking.
DeleteI am so happy to hear your foot is still healing and you can run and are finding ways to deal with the neuroma!!! And congrats on the bike PDR! Dayum!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to do what you want at Disney. I ran a marathon three months after having three stress fractures in my lower legs. But my legs no longer hurt. I wouldn't run on a hurt foot (or leg). :( You'll have to see how you feel!
Believe me, I don't want to run on something that hurts! My foot continues to improve daily...so I'll just have to see. I do think the stress fracture is absolutely fine. Stupid neuroma.
DeleteI have never fractured a thing- well a couple toes but they don't count. Can you do it? I think if you already ran 6 miles whats another 6? I am cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be too worried about the half distance, but it's the full marathon I'm registered for. Can I run another 20? Eek!!
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