Thursday, April 23, 2009

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)

15 comments:

The Gibsons said...

YAAYAYAYAYAYAYAAAAAAA!!! (and that's my excitement...for you)

wow, you're going to do awesome, and will definitely be doing yourself a favor by following that race day regimen...the easier to take it sunday, the more races you'll be running (with certain cousins, perhaps?) in the future...

so AWESOME...i can't wait for sunday--you're amazing!!!!

Ashley said...

SWEEEEET!!!! I'm so glad you're feeling better!!! I still can't do stairs that well yet...better than a few days ago...but not well. But my event is over, so at this point I can deal with it. ;)

I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear all about the race when you get back!!!

Ashley said...

PS - I love that your blog title has "Calf-tastic" in it. I made a post to one of my other blogs today with the word "Bungtastic" in it. True story.

www.thebungblog.blogspot.com ;)

RunningLaur said...

I do plan on doing rnraz again - most likely the half for fun, bc my running partner wants me to stick with her - we'll see, since it's far off. But I am running it for sure.

If you're planning to do it you can use the discount code GFCPARAGON and save $15 during April or $10 after that!

RunningLaur said...

Oh and have fun at the marathon! Since you'll be a little slower, take it all in. Hope the calf agrees with you the whole way, you'll be great.
Yay marathon!!

Marlene said...

Sounds like good news!

The best part is, your first marathon is a PR no matter what. I know it's difficult to look at it that way after all the training, but you're making a smart decision by slowing it down and taking care of your calves along the way.

sneakersister said...

I'm glad that your calf is feeling better and that you do plan on running this weekend.

Good luck!! Can't wait to hear how it all went.

Ace said...

Rock on! That is awesome news. Can't wait to see the sweet race report! Game on!

Oz Runner said...

glad you got the green light to run and the calf is mending up....praying for good weather (meaning no rain and minimal wind) this weekend...see you in OKC!

J said...

I am so glad that you are feeling better and on the way to making a good recovery!!

Aron said...

YAYYYYY great news!!! Now just get really excited for this marathon! It's #1 and nothing compares :) just take everything in and soak up every moment of that race! I personally think not having a time goal and going out there for the experience is the way to do #1... you have nothing to be disappointed about and can enjoy the whole thing - because like I said its awesome :) sooo excited for you!

Amy said...

Haha, I understand your excitement! (even though I'm a wuss and only doing a 10K instead of the full marathon). yay! :) :)

X-Country2 said...

YAY! GOod luck!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

I'm so so excited for you! Awesome news indeed!!!!! I'm looking forward to your race report, but I know you'll do this! Enjoy!

Unknown said...

great news - great plan. :-)