Telling a runner they can't run is like taking the air out of balloon. The balloon just can't function. I'm feeling sad and depressed as I'm so very close to running marathon #3. I felt like I could have set a PR. But what is done is done. I could run on it, but I know it would prolong recovery and do more damage. The ache doesn't feel as deep or strong as when it did during my last stress fracture (ironically, it is in the same place though). If it doesn't start to feel better in a few weeks, I will pay the $1000 and get the test done. It if starts to feel great in a week, I will do a few test runs and reassess. Last week, 3 out of my 5 runs started in the 4:00am hour. It wiped me out. Granted I would rather be running at 4:00am than not running, but I was getting worn out. I was having a hard time getting "life" done during the day because I was so tired. Everything was revolving around this marathon. And honestly, there is more to life than marathons. I need to remember that.
Maybe it is a blessing in disguise. Maybe I need to regroup and get my life back in order. I need to have a very minor surgery done and was waiting till after SGM, but maybe now is the perfect time. But the thought of having to start "all over" to build my fitness seems like a lot of work. What if I can't get back in shape to my current fitness? Whenever I'm injured, I feel like I can't claim the runner status. I don't fit in with my running friends. I feel fat and lazy. I've had a few really stressful issues lately and I'm grateful I've had running to help cope. But now how do I cope? My non-running plan it to wear a boot for a few weeks. No bike or swim, but lots of core and upper body lifting. Bike/swim after a few weeks. Re-evaluate as needed. Any advice is welcome.
Sad.
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