Ohhhhh...(more than) halfway there!!!

What can you say? You can't take the Jersey out of a girl!

Yesterday I got my second round of Euflexxa shots in my knee. Even though this means that I can't really workout very much, I know the long term benefit will be awesome! I'm already feeling a little better and can't wait to put this treatment to the test.

My nurse yesterday that did the shot was really informative. She helped me to understand why the shot is so painful and why, in some ways, it's even better than cortizone. I'm no doctor, far from it, so please don't take this as medical advice. Here's what I like: it actually acts as more cushioning in your knee (which for me is gone from when I fell and tore up the cartiledge), it doesn't just reduce the swelling/inflammation. With more cushioning, the hope is that there won't be any reason for the knee to become inflamed. Love it!

Of course, the timing of this means that I'm missing the first few weeks of Dumbo Double Dare training. Guess it's better to get it out of the way now! Stay tuned, because I'll be sharing my personalized training plan in a few weeks (once I have it all hammered out). I can't wait to get back to running again, and hopefully, pain free!!!

My Year in Review

Well, we've come to the end of 2014, and it's been a heck of a year!  This blog has been up and running for a full year, and I'm so grateful to all the friends I've met through social media.  It's been awesome to meet people in "real life" that I feel so connected to online.

As we get ready to ring in 2015, everyone is looking back as their own personal ups and downs of this past year.  Sometimes I feel like the year flew by, and other times I can't believe some things were just a year ago.  Here are some of my bests and worsts from 2014:

January: Completing the Dopey Challenge!  That may be the best of the whole year.  I've never been so proud of myself.  I PR'ed the full and cut 26 minutes off my previous PR.  It was seriously one of the coolest things ever.  If you are a pretty serious runner, I highly suggest taking on this challenge.

March:  We took an amazing trip to Hawaii.  It was there I realized how important being healthy and fit was.  I got to enjoy things like hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling with ease because I was in good shape.  It was the first time I looked around and realized how fitness is not only fun, it allows you to have more fun in "real life" too.

May:  Worst day of the year for sure--May 18th when I fell during a routine 8-mile run in my neighborhood.  This incident defined the rest of the year and I'm still struggling with it today.  Ironically enough, I had no idea how bad it was at the time.  I even went shopping all over town before going to the urgent care.

July:  Knee surgery.  It didn't fix anything.  It was an overall cruddy experience. 

August/September: My return to running in the Dumbo Double Dare.  It was such a slow race, but a little sign I posted on my back (and on social media) turned it around.  Runners are the best group in the world, and they pulled be through with each and every encouraging word.  It was the race that brought me back to life.


September:  I made a conscious decision to start pursuing fitness as a full-time career.  I signed up as a Beachbody Coach and registered to become a RCAA running coach (training is in March, 2015).  Making lemonade--and realizing that I have a huge passion for fitness and I'm pretty good at it too.

November: I completed the Wine & Dine half in the rain and the Vegas RnR Half in the freezing cold.  Oh yeah, and I registered for this little race called the Goofy Challenge.

And now, I sit here reflecting back on a year FILLED with blessings.  Even at some dark times, I was able to see that there are positives that can come out of every negative.  So, thank you 2014 for the ups, the down, and everything in between.  Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you had a great 2014 and 2015 promises even better.  Cheers!

Pre-Race Reality Check

Wine & Dine is over (I promise a race report is coming soon) and now I'm onto the next one: The 2014 Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half.  I'm pretty tired from the fun of the Disney race and weekend.  I definitely did something wrong at that race because my back is killing me.  I also registered for Goofy so I have a ton of training ahead of me. 

As I picked up my bib last night (and realized that I am corralled WAY too far up), I thought back to when I registered for this race. I registered the night before the Disneyland Half Marathon with the thought that I'd "have fun" at Wine and Dine, then turn around and race Vegas.  I had grand ideas of chasing 2 hours again.

Tonight, I sit here and pray just to finish the race under 2:30.  Yep, 2:30.  I'm not even close to where I was before surgery.  It's a huge reality check for me.  I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.  I know I need to get back to a doctor and figure out some next steps.  Surgery clearly didn't provide the relief I was hoping for (in brief, they just removed some floating pieces of cartilage; I still have a huge hole in my cartilage).  Damn.  I was hoping I wouldn't need more procedures.

I'm working on coming up with a new training plan, incorporating more PiYo for stretching and strength.  I know Goofy is going to be really slow.  I thought I'd be racing by Surf City Half, but now I'm not sure about that either.  It's going to be a much longer road than I anticipated.  BooHooooo.  I'm done complaining.  :)

My Newest Workout Obsession--PiYo

I realized I'm a little late to the party, and there are many people that have been doing PiYo for years, but hey, better late than never, right?  This is seriously my newest obsession.  Don't worry, I'm still massively obsessed with running and Be Bad Hip Hop and Zumba and BodyPump.  This is just an addition :)

About a month ago, I decided to expand my fitness business to include Beachbody Coaching.  Of course, to be a good coach, you need to know what tools you are using to help people.  I knew I needed to continue to get myself healthy after surgery, so PiYo made sense for me.  Low impact, yet challenging.  Inspired by Yoga and Pilates.  Flexibility and strength training.  Yep, sign me up!  It was all stuff I needed to balance my cardio-heavy life.  I was excited when I got the DVDs and really enjoyed the workouts.  I even sweat--which I didn't expect.  It was way more challenging than I thought.  I was hooked (and getting great results).

No sooner than I was raving about the home workouts did the opportunity to get trained in PiYo Live come right to my doorstep!  Of course, I jumped!  I could better help people doing the workouts at home, AND I could also bring this awesome workout to my clients at the gym.  Yep, sign me up again! 

Yesterday was the training.  Today, I am so sore!!!!  PiYo is no joke!!!!  I absolutely loved it live, too (not that I had any doubts).  I'm not a Yogi...not even close, so I was thrilled when, during introductions, our master trainer said to me "You are exactly who PiYo is geared toward!"  I guess that was something I missed along the way (this program has been around for about 7 years, I was just never interested).  This is a fast-paced workout that focuses on total body strength and flexibility.  I was literally dripping all over my mat! 

So now, I come to you, as one of the newest converts--and a certified PiYo Live instructor!  :)  I seriously can't wait to get my own class and spread the love.  Just like I tweeted yesterday: EVERY runner should be doing this workout! 

Just finished #PiYoLive training. LOVE this format! Every runner should be doing this workout! #runner #BeachbodyCoach #PiYoRebellion
— Disney Runs Family (@DisneyRunFamily) October 27, 2014

Vegas peeps--stay tuned!  I'm planning some fun preview workouts and hope to get a live class soon.  If you're not in Vegas and want to try PiYo, I'd love to help you get started and coach you through the program.  You can contact me here or find me on Facebook (Alyson Stater).  Do you already PiYo?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this program!

Recommit to Rehab

I plan a lot of my blogging when I'm out running.  Makes sense, right?  This IS, after all, a blog grounded in running.  Sunday, I headed out for a 9 mile run, and thought I should try to push my run intervals a little and run for 1:30 and walk for 1 minute.  It did not quite go as planned.  I have a race in two weeks and I'm feeling a little beat down.

 

 

What I'm realizing quickly is I have not done my part in rehabbing my knee after surgery.  Especially since I've been back to teaching classes at the gym, I have slacked on my knee exercises.  It's tough, because since my doctor refused to give me therapy, I'm doing it all on my own.  I have great advice from medial professionals I really trust.  So this week, my plan is to recommit to getting this knee stronger.  (Didn't I promise this before???).

 

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Here's my plan:

 

Leg Press--both legs & right leg only

Lateral step up & over the BOSU

Squats on the BOSU

Single leg step ups on a platform

Balance with resistance--4 ways

Clockwork lunges (5 ways)

Lots of stretching!!!

 

What am I missing?  I know some of you out there have had knee problems.  What exercise got you back the strongest?

Long Run & Race Update

Sunday is my long run day.  I wanted to be sure to get back to some serious running.  My race calendar is full and it's not going to get easier without putting in the work.  To be honest, I haven't been feeling that great since the Disneyland Half.  That race was a huge pick-me-up, but the runner's high didn't follow me home.  It's still pretty painful to run and the speed is non-existent.  Last weekend, I was so busy and gave up after just 4 miles. 

 

I committed to getting back out there for an 8 miler this past Sunday, and I did it!  It was hard, it hurt, and my mind was not loving it, but I did it!  You know those race shirts from runDisney?  They should make those for training.  "I Did It--running in my boring neighborhood all alone". My average speed was about 13:45/mile, and I did a 1/1 run/walk ratio.  I'm not sure I could do more than that, but I guess it's an improvement from the race.  There you have it!  8 miles. Done.

I deserved a good recovery!

One of the reasons I finally got back on the road is I caved and signed up for another race: The National Nurse's Half Marathon on October 11th.  It's a local race, beautiful course, and my friends are teaching a special Zumba class at the finish line.  Of course, I could have just done the Zumba class, but hey, when I'm presented with a coupon code, I just can't resist!  Silly me thought I'd be faster, but it will be a great training run for Wine & Dine. 

 

 

Anyone out there ever hear of this race? Anyone gonna be there?  What's next on your race calendar?

Live Your Passion

After yesterday's pity party (thanks everyone for letting me whine), I wanted to give the flip side of being injured.  A while back, I wrote a "why me" post.  (You can read the whole post HERE)  It was a little less whiny and more of trying to make sense in that "things happen for a reason" thinking.  I was struggling with two dichotomous theories: was this a message to stay with my stable life, or was the message that I truly love fitness and running and I have an intense passion for helping others love it too.

Well, now that I'm back to running (slowly) and back to teaching classes (with modifications), I can start to zero in on the fact that this has made my passion very clear.  I have a passion for fitness and I would love to make a career of that in the future.

So... this past weekend I took my first step, and I did it for two reasons: first, I need to help myself and second, with all the knowledge I have, I need to help others.  I decided to become an Independent Team Beachbody Coach.  If you aren't sure what that is, I basically help people reach health and fitness goals by coaching them through a variety of programs.  I know you've heard of programs like Insanity and P90X, right?  I'm so excited to get started with my own program and to see where this all takes me.  Interested?  You can check out my page:

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/alysonstater

I am definitely ready to get started and live my passion.  Have you ever considered a major career change?  Was it scary?  Did it work?  AM I CRAZY?  :). 

Why Getting Back is Harder than Getting There

It's been a little over 8 weeks since my knee surgery.  I was on cloud 9 when I finished the Disneyland Half Marathon 2 weeks ago, but then a cold limited my workouts for a week and I'm still slowly coming back.  This past Sunday I went for my long run.  It was hard.  Really hard.  Again.  I cried.  Okay, I cried twice.  But it wasn't tears of pain, instead to was tears of mourning the loss of what was. 

2:04 Half Marathon

I know that health, fitness, and running are not one-way streets.  We all have times where we soar, and we have other times where we falter.  I know that for sure: my first half marathon in 2010 was my PR for over 3 years!  I chased and chased that time, but could never beat it.  I finally did in 2013 and that was the start of one of the healthiest times of my life.

That's a PR smile!

I PR-ed my half, I trained my butt off for the 2014 Dopey Challenge, and I ended up PR-ing my marathon during that 4-day challenge.  Oh...and not just a PR...crushed my previous marathon PR by 25 minutes!  I maintained a good base through the spring, and then I fell on May 18th...you all know this story by now.  So now here I am, 20 pounds heavier (well, probably about 16 since I started my DietBet), and giving up on the goal to break 2:00 in a half marathon this year.  No, I'm not giving up completely, but just putting things on hold.

Back to Sunday and my tear-filled run.  I was barely keeping a 14 min/mile pace, and that seemed impossible.  Going faster seemed impossible.  Sub-2 hours seemed impossible.  All I could think about was where I was headed and how quickly that all slipped away.  I got to thinking about how defeated I felt trying to get back to where I was.  Even though it took me 3 years, I never felt so defeated aiming for that half PR.  I was disappointed during some races, that's for sure, but I was never so down on myself.  I felt like I was chasing something, but I was at least taking some steps to get there.  I never felt like my body was letting me down.  There were times I could have trained more.  There were regrets about race day choices.  I never cried, though.  Now, trying to get back, I cry.  Somehow, getting back is harder than getting there. 

The site of the fall.  And I get to pass it almost daily :(

I'm sure there are plenty of people who disagree.  I know there are plenty of people who'd like to tell me to put on my big girl panties and suck it up.  Today, though, it's hard, and I'm going to whine just a little more...

Road to Recovery: One step at a time!

Yep, that's the spot.  I'll stay on the other side of the road for now!

On May 18th I fell.  Hard.  I fell during a routine 8 mile run around my neighborhood; a path I have taken hundreds of times.  I was worried about my hand and about the scrape on my elbow getting infected, so I headed home.  I was going to finish my run on the treadmill later.  That never happened.

Months of resting, physical therapy, and a knee surgery followed because my hand and elbow were the least of my problems.  I tore a chunk of cartilage off my femur.  A pretty darn crappy injury to have.  There isn't any great solution, surgically or otherwise.  The surgeon removed all the floating pieces in my knee.  I'm left with a 1 cm hole, full thickness (meaning it's all the way down to the bone) and a constant clicking in my knee.  Every step I take is like driving over a pot hole. 

2 SLOW miles!

Surgery was 17 days ago.  I have no restrictions; my activity is only limited by pain and the extreme weakness that is the results of months of inactivity, overcompensation, weight gain from emotional eating, and side effects of surgery.  But today.... today was the day that I charged up my Garmin and hit that same path where I fell.  Today I logged miles for the first time. 

It's amazing to me how much conditioning I have lost and how 2 little miles, walking slowly, causes so much pain.  It's also amazing how getting outside and going for a "run", even when you're not really running, just walking, and it is a distance you would normally double or triple mentally helps. 

I have a funny feeling I'll be paying for my workout tomorrow...

Road to Recovery: 1 (+ a little) week post-surgery



Getting ready to go under

On the ride home with my pillowpet

Happy Sunday everyone!  Getting a little personal here--this post is all about me :).  On July 17th I was cut open... okay, not really, it's only two little holes... for a knee chondroplasty and scope.  The surgery was successful in my eyes: the doctor was able to take out a few cartilage pieces that were "floating", he cut one flap, and he was able to smooth out some cartilage.  Believe it or not, if you haven't been following along, all of this started with a silly trip and fall during a routine run in my neighborhood.  I wasn't paying attention, was looking at my I-pod, and tripped on a piece of metal on the sidewalk.  Yep, I think back over and over to that day and wish I could turn back time. 

Post-op leg

I'm a little over a week out from surgery, and exactly 5 weeks from the Disneyland Half Marathon, and I gotta be honest--I'm starting to get a little nervous about being able to cross that finish line.  The doctor was very clear over and over again that he wanted to do microfracture surgery to "fix" the problem (I, however, am totally against that surgery, so I decided not to give consent for that procedure).  There is a very real possibility that this surgery does not provide much relief from pain.  Yep, I did a surgery that may not have fixed anything.  It was a Hail Mary--my last hope before looking into some more experimental procedures.  For all of you wondering, no, my doc hasn't put me out for the race; he says it'll be based on how I heal and feel. 

 

My knee is starting to look normal again; I can almost see my knee cap.  I have full extension and just got beyond 90 degrees of flexion.  My calves are really tight and have actually been causing more pain than my knee.  So weird!  I'm trying to stretch, but it's tough with my other limitations.  I can't use any type of lotions or creams on my leg since the incision isn't totally healed; I'm looking forward to being able to put some arnica cream to help the muscles.  I'm still in a routine of icing most of the day, elevating, and minimal movement.  My only "exercise" is simple leg lifts, which are surprisingly difficult.  I honestly thought I'd be walking around a little more than I am at this point. 

 

Starting to see a real knee

I can't let myself give up any hope, but it's waning as each day goes by.  I think I will find resolution to this whole issue eventually, but I don't know when.  So, what do you think?  Will I be a spectator or a participant during the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend?  If you were me, what would you do to train?  Please be careful when you are out on your runs!



Road to Recovery: What's It All Mean?

Are you all tired of hearing about my injury yet?  Today marks 6 weeks since I fell.  6 WEEKS!  It's commonly known that 6 weeks is kind of the "healed" point for most tissue repair.  I should be feeling much better at this point, but that's not the case.  Some weird part of me thought I'd bound out of bed this morning and be 100% better.  Nope.  Not the case. 

So... along with perseverating on the options, surgery, therapy, and other injury related things, I've been pondering the meaning of life.  Okay, not quite the meaning of life, but more like the meaning of this injury.  Not to get all "do do do do... do do do do/ Twilight Zone" on you, but I do think that things happen for a reason. 

There must be a reason why this happened (other than my own stupidity for not paying attention to my running).  Here are my two theories:

First, my confession is that I had been considering leaving the world of education for a work-life full time in fitness.  No, not tomorrow, but I was really considering the move post-babies and I hadn't really worked out all the details. 

That being said, here's my first theory: This was God's way of telling me that it would be foolish to leave a stable career which I'm fairly skilled at.  Not to brag, but hey, I did get a job as a central office administrator at the age of 30.  My career has been very successful, thus far.  I have been lucky and am so grateful for the positive experiences I have had.  Am I supposed to really do this forever? 

Or, theory two: Did this injury occur to really show me how passionate I am about fitness and running?  I literally cannot stop thinking about running and how much I want to get back on the road.  I have deeply missed teaching my classes, and I have immersed myself in reading about fitness and running.  In a strange way, my sadness along this journey has made me aware of a true love of sport.  Is it true that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life?

There they are--two polar opposite theories, and I can't figure out what it all means.  Or is it just a cautionary tale to pay attention before something serious happens when I'm running?  Or is it a sign that I need to have my phone and an ID with me just in case?  Or heck, is it really just me needing to obsess over something and since I can't run to clear my head, all I can do is throw around conspiracy theories?  So... what do you think?  What's it all mean?

Road to Recovery: Week...???

This is my first link up!  Woot woot!  I immediately jumped on the opportunity when the topic announced was injuries!  I'm ALL OVER that topic lately.  So here's how it works: superstar bloggers Patty from My No Guilt Life, Erika from MCM Mama Runs, and April from Run The Great Wide Somewhere are the hosts.  They pick a topic and bloggers share their own posts on that topic.  Be sure to check out these 3 blogs and the many other bloggers talking injuries this week :)

I thought this was the worst-wrong!

So, for any new readers, let me catch you up:  I fell while running.  Hard.  Sprained my wrist, hit both knees, tore cartilage in my right knee along with an MCL sprain.  I'm actually exactly 5 weeks and one day out from the fall.  On some level I'm still in shock that I hurt myself so badly from a little fall.  I'm still not back to real workouts.  Some days I feel like it's getting better.  Other days I'm still in significant pain.  Ugh!

This past week I had a visit with a PT.  It was actually the best medical visit I've had yet.  He did a thorough assessment, including comparing my left side to my right, injured side, watching me walk all different ways, and listening to my symptoms.  He really put the pieces together (and was the first one to do so!  I had previously seen 3 doctors and did not come up with anything that made sense).  He thinks most of my pain is from a strain in my hamstring tendon, which likely pulled from my overstrides while trying to stop myself from falling.  It was a HUGE a-ha moment!  Yes, that's exactly what I was feeling.  Finally, someone listened to me!  I've been really frustrated because the tear in my cartilage was not where I was feeling the most pain.  It wasn't adding up.  Now, it totally does.  This also was awesome because I got real guidance on what to do/what not to do within my "workouts".  No, I'm not working out really, but just biking and leg lifting with zero resistance.  I cannot tell you how invaluable this visit was!!!  I finally feel like I am really on the right track.

So, that being said, week 5 and nothing too much more has changed.  Well... other than the number on the scale. Booooo. I'm finally encouraged that there is an end in sight and maybe even an end that doesn't include surgery (oh yeah... that was another awesome side effect of PT...he agrees with me on no surgery).  I'm still hoping to be able to run in Disneyland Labor Day weekend for the Dumbo Double Dare.  Obviously my goal of a 10k PR during that race is out the window, but just finishing both races will be  huge accomplishment!

My life on a stationary bike...for now :)

There you have it!  One more week of big limitations, then I should be able to start increasing my workouts and training.  My takeaway for everyone this week is to be sure you are consulting with medical professionals you trust!  Keep asking questions until it makes sense.  Listen to your body and your instincts.  When it all clicks, you'll know.  I am so fortunate that I work in the profession and was able to go to one of the best physical therapists in town.  I am able to pick the brains of PTs all the time and get some awesome advice.

So...anyone ever have an injury like this?  It's kind of a weird one!

Road to Recovery--Week 2

Week 2 is underway!  To be honest, it started with me feeling a little low.  I actually spoke to another fitness instructor friend who is also a chiropractor and he made a simple but profound statement: “Some of my clients even get depressed.”  That pretty much sums up how I’m feeling.  On one sad drive into work, I came to the conclusion that I use running, dancing, and gym time as my stress release.  Now, I’ve replaced that with eating junk and watching bad TV.  Week 2 is where I change that.

Thursday—didn’t do much of anything.  In all honesty, didn’t feel too bad but it was the last day my employees were at work and I was wiped out from a very long day.

Friday—a whole lotta walking around at work.  This was enough of a workout.

Saturday—Wasn’t feeling great, so took the day off

Sunday—Got my booty to the gym for a BodyPump class.  It felt awesome to workout again, even though I really had to modify a ton and didn’t do any legs. 

That small little tear causing all sorts of issues!

Monday—dun, dun, DAH….met with the orthopedic surgeon.  It was not at all what I was expecting.  I thought he’d recommend a little clean-up and I’d be on my way back in 4 weeks.  Nope.  Not at all.  His recommendation is microfracture.  The one thing everyone advised me against.  The one thing I said absolutely NO WAY to prior to this appointment.  He wants to wait another 4 weeks and see if I can live with this tear.  The size is right on the cusp of “shouldn’t cause too much issue” and “you need to deal with it or else...”  Not at all what I was expecting.  Oh…and I decided to teach my Be Bad Hip Hop class this afternoon too.

Tuesday—Finding that I’m really getting depressed about the options.  I’m starting to obsess a little, trying to look up every possible option.  It’s easy to say “get a second opinion” but really my doctor has given me the same options that I have found online.  Oh…and I decided to teach my Zumba class.  Ouch.  That really hurt.

Wednesday—Holy cow!  Yes, I just said holy cow!  I was in so much pain!!!!  I am really paying for teaching two days in a row.  It’s very interesting, though, because I barely did anything.  I also finally got approved for physical therapy.  My doctor ordered no resistance exercises or any impact.  Eek…not what I was expecting.  I start next Tuesday with one of the best PTs in town.  I’m going to give it the best shot to not go into surgery. 

Well…and since I’m posting this so late, the rest of the week kind of went the same way.  Didn’t do much.  Some pain, some days better than others.  The only silver lining was runDisney released the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend medals.  Yes, I’m in total denial about being injured and the possibility of not running.  So, here they are, straight from runDisney:

 

Will you be earning any of these medals?

Road to Recovery--Week 1

Injuries happen.  Yes, even to those who are well conditioned and workout all the time.  Since this is my reality, I thought I’d start a weekly post on the road to recovery.  It’s not a “how to”, instead it’s a “this is where I am and where I’m headed”.  Might even be a little selfish and serve as a "keep your head up" for myself.  I WILL be ready for the 2014 Dumbo Double Dare, and I hope it won’t be a terrible day, but rather a celebration of really hard work.  Anyone can train for and run a race, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this road to recovery might be even harder.  So here it is: week one on the way back to running:

Wednesday—started at home physical therapy.  Nothing fancy; just some leg lifts, half squats, range of motion.  After my exercises, I was in a ton of pain!  I couldn’t even walk up the stairs to go to bed.  I was worried.

Thursday—bad day of pain.  I finally put my foot down with the doctors at urgent care and demanded an MRI and a visit with a specialist.  It didn’t take much convincing.  I did my exercises again, this time with a few glasses of wine (we’re being honest here, right).  Yes, for the record, it helped.

Friday—got an MRI.  Won’t get the results for a while.  Pain is much better.

Saturday—went to the gym.  First time on the bike, no resistance.  I made it 12 whole minutes, but I had to stop a few times.  Also did my exercises at the gym.  Also spent a few hours dancing with the Be Bad Hip Hop girls to review choreography.  I barely moved around, but I was in a ton of pain when I was done.  Hope I didn’t overdo it. 

Sunday—went to the gym again.  Much better today.

Monday—I couldn’t find a sub, so I taught my Be Bad Hip Hop class, sort of.  I warned my students via Facebook and my class delivered!  I did it at about 50%, and it was pretty painful.  I also received some bad news with my MRI; I tore cartilage in my knee.  I will have to wait a week to figure out what the next steps are.

Tuesday—I spent the day doing nothing.  Lots of the same as far as pain, but since I know it’s a tear, I don’t want to risk doing more damage until I see the doctor.

Wednesday—ditto! (and that’s kind of my plan for the rest of the week, too).

Well, I started this post thinking I'd be writing a chronology of my own therapy adventures, yet Monday’s results derailed the plan.  My hand (which I also sprained in the fall) feels much better.  I’m going to give it until Saturday, then try to do some weights.  Other than that and maybe a little biking, I’m going to try and be a good patient.  No pushing it, and I’m really just trying to rest.  I hope the rest doesn’t equate to weakness going into treatment. 

Have you ever fallen while running?  Ever needed surgery? 

11 Days and I'm Melting Down...

Well, it's 11 days post-fall, and this morning, I lost it.  Full on, sobbing in the car, sobbing at work, lost it.  Why?  Well, my initial "fell, got bruised, drat!" has turned into "fell and really, seriously hurt myself".  (By the way, if you are totally lost, read about my fall during my last long run HERE).

Since my last update, I've returned to the doctor and got a lovely diagnosis of partial tear/sprain of my MCL (medial collateral ligament) in my right knee.  No MRI (yet), and orders to rest and start physical therapy at home (got a list of prescribed exercises).  I started on those last night, and shockingly I was in excruciating pain!  Again, not sure why I would think anything different, but I honestly didn't think much of this fall.  I really thought once I was "pain free" I'd be back running quickly.  I hardly slept at all, and now I can't walk up the stairs.

My "I hate this" look

Fast forward to this morning.  I left my cell phone upstairs and started up the first few steps to grab it before heading to work.  Ouch.  It hurt.  Bad.  Really, really bad.  Stabbing in the back of my knee, bad.  Oh my gosh something is really wrong bad.  Let the pity party begin.  Okay, not as simple as a pity party; more like a full-on meltdown!  I'm super frustrated with the doctor telling me to "wait and see" before getting an MRI or seeing a specialist.  I'm super frustrated with myself for being so careless on my run and tripping.  I'm super frustrated at the very real possibility that I will need to take time off and really have to fix a serious injury.

I have a full race calendar planning for fall/winter, not to mention a second job at the gym which I've been absent from for two weeks.  My spirit is a little broken; my heart is hurting.  I'm feeling so defeated.  My running schedule proudly posted on the fridge, held up by my Mickey parts magnets, under my Dopey Challenge decals, mocks me everyday.  (okay, maybe this is my pity party)

Now, don't get me wrong...I know it could be WAY worse.  I know this is a blip in time and in the grand scheme of life, this is really nothing.  But today, on day 11, I'm melting down.