Today, I finally pulled the plug on the NYC Marathon. I had stubbornly clung to hope that I would be able to run, but that's just not in the cards this year. After feeling a sharp pain in my groin on my last long run for the NYC Half in March, I found out that I had 3 stress fractures in my pelvis. (yes, three. Apparently when I get injured, I really do it well.)
After the diagnosis, I had to be nearly sedentary- there isn't much you can do to heal a pelvis fracture other than rest, and unlike other stress fractures, like in the foot or shin, you're not supposed to partake in ANY physical activity. So from about March to May, I did nothing.
In the middle of May, I was given clearance to start physical therapy, which I've gone to for twice a week since. I was also told I could start swimming, so I've donned a pair of goggles and a swim cap 2-3 times a week ever since. Over the summer, I also had start-and-stops with running. My physical therapist would try to have me run for 30 seconds on the treadmill, but it was always so painful I had to stop. And now, almost October and almost 6 months post-injury, I'm FINALLY able to run 2 miles with only a mild twinge of pain.
Reality hit hard today when I had to hit the 'cancel entry' button for the NYC Marathon. With only 34 days to go, there is absolutely no way that I can physically go from running 2 miles a week to a 26.2 miles in a day. And it wouldn't be the marathon that I wanted to run-- I've waited before to run the NYC Marathon, and I'll wait again.
2014, you better be my year to finally get it right! I'm recommitting to this blog to chronicle my workouts as I get back into running shape. Consider this the kickoff to the road to the marathon...
Showing posts with label pelvic stress fracture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pelvic stress fracture. Show all posts
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Good News And Bad News
I went to the doctor yesterday to figure out if something was really wrong with my groin, or if I was just being a hypochondriac and needed to take some rest. Turns out, I'm definitely not a hypochondriac and my dramatics over the injury possibilities were justified (if not pretty).
Let's start with the good news: I don't need surgery!
And follow it up with a healthy dose of bad news: I have three separate stress fractures in my left pelvis.
After an X-Ray followed by an MRI, I got the news that I wouldn't be running again for at least four weeks. I can't say that I'm not devastated- I was riding high, coming off a huge PR in Myrtle Beach with even bigger goals for the NYC Half and another half in May, and I was so excited to start running in warmer weather! But there is good news- if I follow the doctor's orders and don't run (or do any other physical activity) for the next four weeks, I should be able to run again. Unlike a muscle tear, a stress fracture is a clean, 'easy,' fix.
Now the hard part is figuring out WHY I got the stress fractures. Stress fractures are common in runners, but they typically occur when something is wrong with the body- not just from running hard. Eating disorders are common causes, but I assured the doctor this was not the case. And honestly, I was a bit offended when he questioned if I had a disorder. If I had an eating disorder I would be doing a really poor job of it, as I am a very thick size 6-8. The doctor even told me I didn't look thin. So after we ruled out eating disorder, he sent me to a primary care doctor to run some blood tests and get a bone density scan- several causes are being discussed right now, which is frustrating because I won't know anything for at least a few days and at least another 2 doctor visits.
Word to the wise: IF SOMETHING HURTS WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING, STOP. I was so laser focused on hitting my goal time in the NYC Half, I wasn't checking in with my body. I knew something didn't feel right, but I dismissed it as a little twinge rather than accepting that I did feel pain... all because I wanted to hit my 11 miles for the day. I didn't even hit 11 last Sunday- I was able to run 9.5 before literally keeling over, not able to run or walk without intense, searing pain. I don't know where I'd be right now if I had stopped running when I felt the initial pain- perhaps I'd be totally fine, perhaps I'd have only one stress fracture, perhaps the damage was already done. I don't know, but right now I'm focused on figuring out what caused the stress fractures so I can run smarter when I come back.
Let's start with the good news: I don't need surgery!
And follow it up with a healthy dose of bad news: I have three separate stress fractures in my left pelvis.
After an X-Ray followed by an MRI, I got the news that I wouldn't be running again for at least four weeks. I can't say that I'm not devastated- I was riding high, coming off a huge PR in Myrtle Beach with even bigger goals for the NYC Half and another half in May, and I was so excited to start running in warmer weather! But there is good news- if I follow the doctor's orders and don't run (or do any other physical activity) for the next four weeks, I should be able to run again. Unlike a muscle tear, a stress fracture is a clean, 'easy,' fix.
Now the hard part is figuring out WHY I got the stress fractures. Stress fractures are common in runners, but they typically occur when something is wrong with the body- not just from running hard. Eating disorders are common causes, but I assured the doctor this was not the case. And honestly, I was a bit offended when he questioned if I had a disorder. If I had an eating disorder I would be doing a really poor job of it, as I am a very thick size 6-8. The doctor even told me I didn't look thin. So after we ruled out eating disorder, he sent me to a primary care doctor to run some blood tests and get a bone density scan- several causes are being discussed right now, which is frustrating because I won't know anything for at least a few days and at least another 2 doctor visits.
Word to the wise: IF SOMETHING HURTS WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING, STOP. I was so laser focused on hitting my goal time in the NYC Half, I wasn't checking in with my body. I knew something didn't feel right, but I dismissed it as a little twinge rather than accepting that I did feel pain... all because I wanted to hit my 11 miles for the day. I didn't even hit 11 last Sunday- I was able to run 9.5 before literally keeling over, not able to run or walk without intense, searing pain. I don't know where I'd be right now if I had stopped running when I felt the initial pain- perhaps I'd be totally fine, perhaps I'd have only one stress fracture, perhaps the damage was already done. I don't know, but right now I'm focused on figuring out what caused the stress fractures so I can run smarter when I come back.
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