This morning marks one week since my last run, and I just felt like writing out some thoughts from the roller-coaster week that has followed…
- I have a new respect for those that can’t run due to injury. I had no idea how hard it would be to hear other people plan runs, listen to others talk about great runs, or see people running down the street, and know that it is something I simply cannot do. I’m determined that I’m NOT going to ask people to stop talking about running around me, but instead am going to grab hold of this and use it as fuel to keep me going on my rehab.
- I’m trying very hard to stay positive, but I’ll have to admit that it has been an emotional roller-coaster. I go from being encouraged to frustrated to energized to demoralized. I know that I was in the best shape of my life. It is hard to think that a certain percentage of the hard work I put in over the past 12-weeks will be for nothing. I try to push this thought out of my mind, but it is hard. I’m determined to be better than ever as soon as I’m fully healed.
- Aqua-jogging is awkward, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good of a workout it is. I’ve put in over 3 hours since Tuesday, and I think I’m finally getting the hang of how to do it effectively. I’ve received quite a bit of ribbing about doing this, but I’m just trying to turn this into more fuel for my recovery. I’m not looking forward to “long runs” in the pool, but I guess we’ll just see what happens.
- I don’t have a real bike, so I’ve been forced to use a stationary version as another cross training option. I never listen to music while running, but find that the only way I can get through any amount of time at all on the bike is by either listening to music, watching TV, or reading. However, I just can’t get my heart-rate over 120 or so on the bike.
- Over the past week the pain in my leg has subsided considerably. As of Monday I was having a hard time walking at all, and now I feel like I am really close to being able to walk without a noticeable limp. This is encouraging. I’m fascinated by the fact that I was still able to run last Friday morning, but by that afternoon I could barely climb stairs.
- I’ve been overwhelmed by all of the support I’ve received from my friends, Tumblrs, and others regarding my recovery. Thanks to all of you who’ve passed along an encouraging word. However, I’ve been surprised at a couple of negative responses I’ve gotten…For example, telling me to forget what the doctor said about being back in 4 to 6 weeks, and just shut everything down for the rest year. I understand someone thinking this, but why verbalize it? I have no idea what my recovery ultimately holds, but I know one thing. I’m going to work as hard as possible and see what happens.
Well, there they are. Hope everybody has a great weekend. Keep Beast Mode going strong!