Hip Strain... Or so I thought on the 20-Mile Run
(don't stop reading until you get to the end)
Three and a half weeks of training, two weeks of an impeccable diet, and one last long run before the marathon, add in the attitude I had that day and it should have rivaled the 16-mile run for being the best run of the season. Like the 18-mile run, I started cramping early around mile 11, hamstrings and quads, but between 11 and 14 (water stop) it felt like my hip flexor was cramping. When we arrived at the water stop I was almost in tears, somewhere between pain and disappointment in knowing I might not complete the 20 mile run, and not knowing whether to continue or throw in the towel. After talking with a coach, run captain, and mentor, I decided to keep going, knowing that if it became worse that a car would come get me.
Emily kept me going, with encouragements for another couple miles when Erin joined us. She said it looked like I had marathon runner's shuffle, which is from cramping of the hip flexor muscle. I couldn't raise my leg over obstacles, and it spasmed pretty bad a couple of times. I ended up walking to 18-miles and grabbed a ride to the start, at 18 I really felt I could walk, but not run the last 2 miles. It took about 30 minutes to get back to the start, and when I tried to get out of the car my right leg gave, it felt as if all the power had gone out of my leg and hurt worse than I imagined it would.
So I got home and barely able to put any weight on my leg, hopped and limped around using a cane until Monday morning when my friend Kris brought over a pair of crutches. I love my friends, those crutches made my life so much easier. I figured that with the hip strain I might still make the marathon... I called Coach John and at this point I could put about 50-70% pressure on this leg and he informed me that not being able to bear weight on a limp generally meant fracture and that I might have a stress fracture.
Yeah right, I'm sure, me a facture are you kidding? The podiatrist just told me a couple weeks ago that I look like I have good bone density. So I go into work today and chat with my friend Lisa, who has had 4 kness surgeries, broken bones, and fractures, because I have never experienced any of these things and she convinces me to go to Urgent Care. Come on, I can put 80-90% of my weight on it today, I barely need the crutches, but I'll go. I need the ok to run the marathon; it's two and a half weeks away.
Well, after explaining the situation to the doctor and 3 x-rays later... no sugar coating, it's straight to the "I have bad news, you've fractured your pelvis, right there. Stay completely off your right leg. And see the other side, it looks like you've fractured that one several years ago and it healed fine, are you sure you didn't hurt it before? No work or activity for 3 days, and you can't go back to work until you get the orthopedic surgeon's ok. "
I actually had to have the nurse re-explain the part above to me, I heard fracture and managed to hear, but not process the rest. I knew it was a possibility, and it made sense, but I kept hoping above all else that it wasn't so. I was ok, until I hit the parking lot and started laughing and crying together. It just seemed to go so well together, to get so close and then blow it. Then came the calling the fewest and most important people that needed to know - Lisa, parents, work, my doctor, and my coach. The OS my doctor recommends, is booked solid and we have to see when he can fit me in...
I will know more once I see the doctor, but according to the coach 8-12 weeks until I can start training again and, even then, I will have to take it a little slower. Supplements, yes lots. Sitting on my rear, was hoping that was almost over as I had booked a full weekend- Friday -social event, Saturday 5-year college reunion, and Luau party, Sunday-Bay to Breakers (hmmm, not this year). We'll see. I want off the crutches as I swear I'm hurting the left side - let's see that would be the almost falling, tripping over my feet/crutches, and landing too hard on my left side because crutches are a lot more difficult than they look.
I will continue to keep the blog up, as it just seems to be one adventure after another. I have more doctors appointments and this could get interesting - I've already learned a lot about running.
(don't stop reading until you get to the end)
Three and a half weeks of training, two weeks of an impeccable diet, and one last long run before the marathon, add in the attitude I had that day and it should have rivaled the 16-mile run for being the best run of the season. Like the 18-mile run, I started cramping early around mile 11, hamstrings and quads, but between 11 and 14 (water stop) it felt like my hip flexor was cramping. When we arrived at the water stop I was almost in tears, somewhere between pain and disappointment in knowing I might not complete the 20 mile run, and not knowing whether to continue or throw in the towel. After talking with a coach, run captain, and mentor, I decided to keep going, knowing that if it became worse that a car would come get me.
Emily kept me going, with encouragements for another couple miles when Erin joined us. She said it looked like I had marathon runner's shuffle, which is from cramping of the hip flexor muscle. I couldn't raise my leg over obstacles, and it spasmed pretty bad a couple of times. I ended up walking to 18-miles and grabbed a ride to the start, at 18 I really felt I could walk, but not run the last 2 miles. It took about 30 minutes to get back to the start, and when I tried to get out of the car my right leg gave, it felt as if all the power had gone out of my leg and hurt worse than I imagined it would.
So I got home and barely able to put any weight on my leg, hopped and limped around using a cane until Monday morning when my friend Kris brought over a pair of crutches. I love my friends, those crutches made my life so much easier. I figured that with the hip strain I might still make the marathon... I called Coach John and at this point I could put about 50-70% pressure on this leg and he informed me that not being able to bear weight on a limp generally meant fracture and that I might have a stress fracture.
Yeah right, I'm sure, me a facture are you kidding? The podiatrist just told me a couple weeks ago that I look like I have good bone density. So I go into work today and chat with my friend Lisa, who has had 4 kness surgeries, broken bones, and fractures, because I have never experienced any of these things and she convinces me to go to Urgent Care. Come on, I can put 80-90% of my weight on it today, I barely need the crutches, but I'll go. I need the ok to run the marathon; it's two and a half weeks away.
Well, after explaining the situation to the doctor and 3 x-rays later... no sugar coating, it's straight to the "I have bad news, you've fractured your pelvis, right there. Stay completely off your right leg. And see the other side, it looks like you've fractured that one several years ago and it healed fine, are you sure you didn't hurt it before? No work or activity for 3 days, and you can't go back to work until you get the orthopedic surgeon's ok. "
I actually had to have the nurse re-explain the part above to me, I heard fracture and managed to hear, but not process the rest. I knew it was a possibility, and it made sense, but I kept hoping above all else that it wasn't so. I was ok, until I hit the parking lot and started laughing and crying together. It just seemed to go so well together, to get so close and then blow it. Then came the calling the fewest and most important people that needed to know - Lisa, parents, work, my doctor, and my coach. The OS my doctor recommends, is booked solid and we have to see when he can fit me in...
I will know more once I see the doctor, but according to the coach 8-12 weeks until I can start training again and, even then, I will have to take it a little slower. Supplements, yes lots. Sitting on my rear, was hoping that was almost over as I had booked a full weekend- Friday -social event, Saturday 5-year college reunion, and Luau party, Sunday-Bay to Breakers (hmmm, not this year). We'll see. I want off the crutches as I swear I'm hurting the left side - let's see that would be the almost falling, tripping over my feet/crutches, and landing too hard on my left side because crutches are a lot more difficult than they look.
I will continue to keep the blog up, as it just seems to be one adventure after another. I have more doctors appointments and this could get interesting - I've already learned a lot about running.
posted by JenDorsa at 10:21 PM
3 Comments:
you've done such a fantastic job; being so strong and positive. having a different experience of one of the most important thing in my life, i can feel what you feel. i'm keeping my fingers crossed and my prayers that none can get any worse than now; and that you'll fully recover within a blink of an eye.
call me if you need anything! stay off of work, and relax!
love,
yusi
I'm so proud of you! You've accomplished so much, don't forget that. I'm heartbroken you can't participate on race day, but glad you went to Urgent Care. we need you!! and we're here to help take care of you. You'll figure out the crutches in no time... and they make great accessories to meet men!!
love ya, Lisa "yes, I've had four knee surgeries" Eskey
Hmm I love the idea behind this website, very unique.
»
Post a Comment
<< Home