the calf-tastic girl on a mission...

I realize I haven't offered any updates, partly because I have been in a worried funk, and partly because I didn't decide and find out from my PT Doug whether I would be running or not. But I appreciate that you are all out there concerned about this situation. So here it is kids, I will be running the OKC marathon on sunday!


I have a nice long post coming, either later today or tomorrow. For today though, I'll just offer you a quick update. First know that I had a very bad stress fracture in my right foot metatarsal last September, it left me on crutches for five weeks and in a cam walker (i.e. heat on a stick) for two weeks. That had left my right leg much weaker than my left. I didn't rehab properly and only did weights a few times a week, and that was only until I started teaching full swing, clearly that wasn't enough. My right leg is just weaker. Second, I had hip problems in the past which caused me to focus on stretching my hips, leaving me to neglect my calves, which got me to where I am today. Interwebs, I barely EVER stretched my calves.... stupid, stupid, stupid.


I went to PT yesterday really bummed out, as I was getting deep tissue from Doug it was all I could do not to cry out of frustration, not pain, just frustration. I started talking to him about how I was feeling and he has a way of making me feel 100% better about everything. Explaining things well, telling me to take it easy and I will finish, which is exactly what I need to hear. I asked him how my knot was, and the good news, no the amazing news is that it has gotten much, much smaller. It started out the size (and please keep in mind i have very scrawny little calves and legs) of... well make an "OK" sign with your thumb and forefinger. That is massive for the size of my calves my friends. Oh and I'll take a picture of the bruise tonight, because it is the size of the original knot. It is now down to the size of two of Doug's fingertips. AMAZING! I am bruised up from therapy, but as of today I can walk down steps almost pain free. I even got up and did the elliptical this morning for 30 easy minutes and my leg is feeling fabulous.


That said, it doesn't seem there is a stress fracture, and since I went through multiple x-rays and bone scans last fall, I don't want to expose my body to that again so soon. Therefore I won't get a bone scan or x-ray, but Doug hasn't even mentioned thinking it is necessary. My shin doesn't hurt an ounce anymore, and my calf is only tender from the deep tissue bruising. My plan for the marathon is to stretch every two miles and follow the Jeff Galloway 9 minute per mile pace plan, run 4 miles, walk one minute. This will affect my time, but I'm at peace with it now. After a lot of crying and frustration, I'm at peace and honestly just plain thrilled I get to run the marathon!


I'm excited and nervous and can't wait for Sunday! It's going to be an amazing day. And you my fellow bloggers, are amazing as well! Thanks SO much for putting up with my whiny pouting. I'm done with that. I can't wait to get back on Sunday night and share the victory with all of you.


Okay this wasn't such a short update. But more on the marathon to come later today. I can't believe it's only a few days away! IEIEIEIEIEIAAIIIEIEAAAAAKKKKKK!! (that's my excitement)