Character is revealed through adversity

It appears that the qualities of my character which have been revealed through this particular instance of adversity are along the lines of emotional, stubborn, and unable/unwilling to follow instructions. (who, me??) I found it somewhat shocking that both my husband and trainer essentially said they were GLAD my foot was put in a cast. But half a dozen other people since then have responded in exactly the same way. My neighbor said it was good because if it was anything removable I'd take it off and be out running. I did not realize I was perceived this way. Enlightening! Will I change as a result? Mmmm, probably not. That would be way too conformist for me!

My idea

I didn't see anything wrong with my idea that perhaps by continuing to work out my GOOD leg (leg curls, extensions, leg press, etc) it might somehow help the other one too. I thought it was clever and creative, showing a CAN-DO attitude. Turns out I was the only person who saw the value in my ingenuity. Glad JRP got a nice laugh out of it.

In reality, after just half a day with this cast and crutches, I realize just how much of a workout my good leg will get regardless. In fact, there is tremendous cardio potential in a crutch workout! It might be the next workout craze.

I've been removed from the field trip tomorrow and I'm pretty grateful. As hard as it will be, I'm going to spend the next three days REALLY taking it easy. I'm going to make it my job. I will load up on movies, lay in bed with the foot up, and catch up on work. Why the hell not. I need to get better as quick as I can. This will be weird. Wonder if the family can hack it??

Funny quote

"The moment I say I want to put a number on my chest, that’s when I start saying I accept the risk of injury,” Dr. Foster said. “It’s a decision people make and I think it’s a good one. But you’ve got to accept it. Training is not totally innocuous."

From: Want to Go Faster? You Need a Trainer (NYT)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/health/nutrition/23best.html?em

Yup, I accepted the risk of injury. As a result, today I am sporting a lovely waterproof cast in a shade of blue to go with my eyes. Now If I can just manage to keep from killing myself on stairs or while driving the car left-footed, I will be in good shape.

Going from crutches and two feet to crutches and one foot is a whole new ballgame.

Drumroll, please

OK, here it is: torn talofibular ligament, ankle sprain, edema of tibia and fibula. ADDENDUM: Dr. Lebolt said they are stress fractures.

Lovely. At least I know. I am removing the Pittsburgh Marathon countdown clock from this blog. Game OVER! But only for now...I'll find a nice fall marathon and crush it and get to Boston next Spring!!

Final answer....

Well, today I went "public" so to speak with the news that the Pittsburgh Marathon is a no-go for me. After sulking most of Sunday and hitting emotional rock bottom, I think I am finally at peace with it and I am beginning to allow myself to look forward.

Saturday night's 30 min treadmill walk pushed things too far I guess and I am back to square one. Despite the fact that it seemed to go OK (I mean, really, how can you say for sure what is pain and what just feels odd?). But when I got off, any load on that leg came with a shooting pain. It was scary and not much better at all on Sunday. And not much better today either. I resorted to crutches as recommended, even to the gym. Clearly I am in acceptance and recovery mode...whatever it takes.

Back to PT today, where the consensus was we rolled the dice and came up short, but it was worth a shot. I have no regrets about having tried. Now we regroup and move forward. I am back OFF the leg once again. I tried the bike today and it was bad news...first time. I'll try again Wednesday.

Jake and I are thankfully back in good stead and he is trying to help identify other non-running goals I can work toward in the short run. He has shown enormous patience with me the last two weeks and I know that this is disappointing for him too. It is hard not to feel like I let him down, but he put a positive spin on things and pointed out I'll still feel like a veteran training for the next one! I know I will be stronger heading into it, mentally for sure. I'm ready to get to work. Well, almost. Right now my job is to be patient and careful and start replacing the energy I've drained from the strain on several relationships!