Thursday, October 14, 2010

Lululemon Giveaway Winner and Trying to Stay Positive

The winner of the Lululumeon gift card and yoga stuff is Laura from She Did It (and now she wants more). Please email me at brisdon@comcast.net with your address and we’ll get  you your stuff. Congrats!

F*cking stress fracture.

I think I finally figured it out -the key to blogging success. If you want to get a quick 170 comments on your blog, get a stress fracture. Preferably get it right before the race for which you’ve been training to drum up more sympathy. Throw in a panic attack in the MRI machine and you’re golden.

In all honesty, you have no idea what your 170 comments have meant to me. I read each and every one. In fact, last night I posted about the injury quickly, then we went out for dinner wine and crying in my crutches. By the time I got back, there were already a boatload of comments. I sat and read and sobbed. Not only do you guys get it, but not one of you told me to give up running. You all told me to fight. You made me feel like I could make a comeback and go to Boston on April 18, 2011.  I am signing up for that damn marathon on Monday and my ass will be at that start line in April. I didn’t bust my butt to get my BQ, only to give up now. Femur neck stress fracture be damned.

And, to think before yesterday’s doc appointment I actually thought the femur neck was in the neck (as in the thing that holds up your head). When Google-nosing in the days leading up to the MRI, I was sure that wasn’t my problem because my neck was just fine. I wondered what the hell kind of person injures their neck and can’t run due to hip pain. Losers. Look, I never said I was good at anatomy. Hurting myself and crapping my pants are my specialties.

Giving up this weekend’s race and the reality of not running for the next few months is devastating. You would have thought someone died around here last night. But, if you know anything about me, you know I don’t stay down for long. There are worse things than not being able to run (I guess. Are there really?). I need to focus forward. To stay positive. To take all that energy I put into running and put it into something spectacular.

Are stripper pole lessons weight bearing? Doesn’t look like it:

stripperpole 

But then my kids might draw this:

whenigrowup

After much pondering, this is the question: If you run so much you fracture your bones are you a devoted and/or hard core runner or just stupid?

Let’s break it down. This is my second stress fracture in 13 months. I have only been running for 25 months. Those are some shitty odds for sure (even if I did qualify for Boston between the two fractures – cha cha). Some may think I train poorly or take a hammer to my bones to get attention. Let me tell you what I think.

I train hard. Very, very hard. But, I am reasonable. 

  • I follow the ten percent rule.
  • I keep my mileage low (35-50 miles per week).
  • I take my daily calcium (1000 mg) with Vitamin D (800 IU).
  • I only run four days a week and take at least 1-2 days when I do absolutely nothing but rest.
  • I cross train.
  • I stretch and build strength with yoga.

For shit’s sake, bones, what do you want?

Seems my bones may be weak (duh). I will be that 90 year old woman on a cruise ship who breaks her hip (hopefully running on the ship’s track), and have to be med-evaced out by helicopter. But, at least I went down running.

I am in a high risk category for weak bones: female, white, single (that was a movie I think), thin, history of a previous fracture. I will now have a myriad of tests: blood, bone density, etc. to see why this is happening. It could be that a hormonal or metabolic imbalance is causing my bones to fracture. It could be biomechanics. Maybe I have one leg that is longer than the other and I need a lift in my shoe (freak!) or some special orthotics. Lord, don’t give me these:

Shoe-lift-midsole-cut-through-rocker-sole-high-toe-spring

I’m not sure how the cheetah skirt would look with those kicks. I wonder if Dean K. would like them. Aaahh, Dean K. Wonder what he is doing now (probably running the Chicago Marathon for the 49th time since Sunday without water or food) and if he knows the peril of his favorite running partner.

Whatever the cause and whatever the case, I am getting to the bottom of this injury.  In the mean time, I’m trying not to cry whenever I pass a runner in my car or someone mentions the word “marathon” (even when talking about back to back TV reruns). It will be okay, right?

Trying to stay positive,

SUAR

75 comments:

  1. yay for staying positive. it WILL be alright :) and you WILL sign up for boston. and i WILL meet you there (even if i don't sign up which i go back and forth on i'll be there to meet all my bloggy friends going! and hopefully that statement didn't sound creepy hahah!)

    you'll totally get to the bottom of this injury and then you'll be unstoppable :)

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  2. You are awesome. Period.

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  3. I somehow missed your post yesterday. That sucks and I agree that you should go for Boston. You have worked too hard and have a great attitude. Don't let a little fracture get you down. I just had quite the experience running Portland this past Sunday and my knee was brutalized. As much as I want to say that was my last full I refuse to do it. I can't. I am determined to get a frickin PR if it kills me. I'm not sure where or when but it will happen. I have faith that you will overcome this. You will be amazing.

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  4. We encourage you to FIGHT because we know you will - and that Boston will be just as amazing as the race you ran to get there!

    Don't sell yourself short with this Pole Dancing idea - could be the next best cross-training. Move over, Yogis. ;)

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  5. Yes, pole dancing is weight bearing trust me. I lost a bet with my husband and now have a pole in our bedroom to prove it!

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  6. There's the SUAR attitude. Heal quickly and completely and I hope that they find something simple like a vitamin imbalance. "You been eating your beets?? No?!!??? Incontinence too????? Good lord, we haven't seen this in nearly a century of Western medicine. You have a vitamin D43 deficiency. Eat some beets and here's a shot and you should be good as gold for Boston. Don't forget your beets." Or something like that.

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  7. Those are the coolest orthotics I've ever seen... you combine those with your pole dancing and you'll never have money problems again, those dollar dollar bills will come pouring in! "Make it rain!"

    Hang in there, you'll be back and better than ever. :)

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  8. It will absolutely be okay. I'm not sure, those shoes are kinda sexy...

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  9. It will all be okay. Your body is just telling you it needs another breather, much to your chagrin. Just remember that not only did you qualify for Boston in between fractures, you also ran with Dean! I'd say that's mighty successful and ultra cool. Not too many people can check both of those off their list.

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  10. I love love luh huv your blog; not just because of the running and poop talk but your honesty and willingness to put it out there! Your stress fracture BLOWS! Period! I'm sorry :( but holy shit you have accomplished what seems like alot in 2 yrs, not just running but the blog too. Nice work! I bet you will crush Boston! I'll be rootin for ya. Ps...takes alot of guts to follow your instincts.

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  11. Stay positive you will figure this out and fix it. Until then there's the stripper pole for rehab and extra money.

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  12. Hey, you could always take up swimming. But then you might have to worry about crapping in your wetsuit. That would suck.

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  13. Do all those tests and get to the root cause of the problem and then you'll know how to fix it. You'll be back running sooner or later. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

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  14. Deep breath in... you're strong... you'll come back even better.

    I'm looking forward to your blog to keep me focused on running MY first marathon.

    Thanks, Beth!

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  15. Way to stay positive even though you are devastated :o( And it is nice to see you can still laugh and make jokes (that kids drawing was hysterical! LOL!). You WILL run Boston and you WILL kick some serious butt!! Stay strong!!

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  16. One of my docs is a Rheumatologist and he ALWAYS prescribes vitamin D with calcium to his osteoporotic and penic patients. Google vit D and osteoporosis and osteopenia and see if that might help. FWIW, he does a loading dose of 50,000 units/week for x weeks (can't remember) and then 2000 units daily.

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  17. OH, one more thing - I've spent the last (almost) 2 years injured - for me, it is my calf muscle. Tears about every 3 months. I'm following a new plan now of 1:2:3 and 6 days/week (distances are in a ratio of 1:2:3; i.e. 2-4-2-4-2-0-6). So far so good.

    http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1612485;search_string=runtraining;#1612485

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  18. you are awesome and an inspiration - keep fighting and keep writing cause you really make me laugh. So much so, that I've actually bookmarked you on the browser in my iPhone. You are one of only 3 running blogs I've done that with!

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  19. Funny....pole dancing, new sport?Wow life is changing!

    Cheers from Hong Kong!

    "XTB" Xavi.

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  20. Honestly, your training never seems crazy to me, but pretty normal, thought-out, and not over-the-top. Maybe you've just had some bad luck. I think after you rest and recover from this one you will be more than ready to get back out there, continue to kick butt, and be injury free! You definitely have inspired me in my running!

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  21. You will so be at that starting line in Hopkinton!
    Have you had your vitamin D levels checked?

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  22. omg, i actually cried every time i passed a runner for the first few days. go ahead and cry, you're allowed.

    i was thinking of you last night and how this is your second fracture is such a short amount of time. i'm glad you're getting those bone tests done. no doubt you train hard but you also train smart so maybe there is an underlying reason why this is happening.

    keep your chin up. and i'll see you at boston.

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  23. I'm waiting on my X-ray results as I write this. I'm definitely not running my very first half marathon on Sunday that I have been training for since June, and I may not be running at all on Sunday if I am told I have a stress fracture in my ankle. All because I ran a 10k about 3 weeks ago and managed to come in 3rd place in my age group. The price I paid is my shin giving up on me. I dunno what I did during that 10k but I can't run now. My friend who runs less than me and had only been training for that 10k for about 4 weeks came out injury free. This girl is confused.
    I wasn't training for a full marathon like yourself, but after discovering your blog and reading this, it is sorta nice to be able to relate to someone. I definitely hit the wine bottle hard the day my leg told me "no run for you!" and I definitely regret running that 10k. But if the Xray comes back as not a stress fracture I can at least hope for my other half at the end of November.

    If it weren't 8:15 in the morning here I'd totally be raising a glass to you and your courage and hoping for the best!

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  24. Now that's the attitude! You'd make those shoes look sexy. I'd choose shiny leggings with leg warmers though - very 80s! On Sunday, I will use your positive attitude to get my fat @rse through those miles. Be thinking about ya!

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  25. I think you deserve to take a few days and just sulk (I would!). Then focus on your cause and effect. You'll get to the bottom of it and you'll toe the line in Boston.

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  26. i kind of hope you have to wear those shoes, only because I think it would be hilarious.

    I was telling my husband about you last night, and the first thing he said is "she's pushing her body too hard!" and I said "NO!" And he said "obviously she is, she hurt herself!" and I said "no!" and then he said something but all I heard was "blah blah blah" but I explained, "she runs a lot, but not stupid a lot, I never read anything that made me think, WOAH, she's going to get hurt."

    I don't think you did anything wrong. Not that I'm an expert or anything.

    I was glad to see a post from you this morning, you make me laugh and I love that.

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  27. I have so much faith in your strength and your attitude. You are going to come through this with flying colors and what better race to make your comeback than BOSTON??

    Good luck with all the testing in the meantime... I hope you get some answers.

    And make sure you take those motor carts for a ride around Target. :)

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  28. You are so strong and you are a fighter, so you will be on that start line in April and you will do great!
    Just make sure to rest and take care of yourself over the next few months!

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  29. Hey those are the shoes Dean ran in on Sunday! So cool he's lending them to you for your recovery.

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  30. Hey this is my first time commenting. I feel your pain I had 2 stress fractures in less than a year. Turned out I had virtually no vitamin D despite running in the sun. May want to get that checked??? It's an easy fix. Anyways you'll get through this and Rock Boston!

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  31. You may need more sun = vit D, and if not sun then maybe supplement. Calcium w/o vit. D won't help you much. I remember reading about Deana Kastor's foot fracture at Beijing Olympics and that blood tests showed very low levels of D.
    I can't wait for you to post about crossing the finish line in Boston in 2011.

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  32. Definitely sign up for Boston! You worked hard, and you deserve it.

    I know how it feels to be devastated by stress fractures -- I've had three femur stress fractures, and I "retired" from running because of it. (I wrote about it here: http://annasrunninglog.blogspot.com/2010/10/reality-check.html).

    Now I'm back and feeling strong. So, come Boston, I'm sure you'll feel recovered.

    Oh, and Carmen Electra released a set of workout DVDs called, "Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease." My roommate a few years ago had it; the ones using a chair are not weight bearing!

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  33. love this post;) and i got teary eyed w/your opening paragraphs here;-)

    and yeah for April and Boston! eyes on the prize...;-)

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  34. Yup! Stay positive and look to your future of running! You are not finished running. You are having a set back and you will overcome this!

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  35. Yup...it will be ok.
    I train hard..well for me but totally balance it with slow running and cross training.
    But everyone is different and injuries happen. You are strong and will get through it.

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  36. sorry about the stress fracture. injuries SUCK. i spent all summer sidelined, so I understand.

    but in the grand scheme of things...this will probably help you train even better and smarter in the future. it will be okay.

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  37. "I need to focus forward" That's exactly what I though while reading your post yesterday. Long term goals keep me going through the not so good running times. Take care!

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  38. Sorry to hear about the stress fracture! Don't let it stress or bum you out too much, though. You will be able to get your running up in no time when your bone is ready because you do take such good care of yourself!

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  39. REMEMBER what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!!! just rest right and let it heal and you'll be awesome!

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  40. I didn't comment yesterday, sorry. But today is why I continue to read this blog. You are unstoppable. Someday, I want to be like you, without all the broken bones.

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  41. I am so very sorry to hear this! I totally missed your post yesterday. I don't even know what to say, so I'll just send you a big hug, and I'll be thinking of you when I'm in Denver this weekend. :(

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  42. Wow - this is horrible - I was out for a week and cried....I've also run a marathon so I would be totally bummed if this happended to me....no duh huh? Well, I have no great workds of wisdom or sage advice other than - this doesn't define you - just cause you can't now, doesn't mean you won't. Lots of love and sympathy from so many - wish it could heal injuries!

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  43. I think you are going to have to choose between shoes - stilettos with clear heels or the orthotics. Because on a pole, you would be getting no tips with those black orthotic shoes! That's my tip for you - free of charge :)

    Bummer about your fracture - you will recover soon!

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  44. You are stronger than you think. This is merely a blimp on the radar with your road to Boston. You're going to come back stronger and wiser, I just know it! But go ahead and have a pitty party for a while (or a glass of wine, or 12), this is plain crap!
    Sending you a big hug!

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  45. OK, so the orthotic shoes AND the stripper pole, plus a little schmear in the undies . . . you're gonna be quite the attraction.

    FYI, and I'm not sure how to break this to you, but . . .
    Femoral Neck Fracture = Hip Fracture. It's the same thing.

    Focus forward, lady, focus forward!

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  46. Way to stay positive. You will get past this and be a better runner than ever. Plus, you can still do non weight bearing exercises, right? Water jogging here you come! Sending positive vibes your way :)

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  47. I'm sorry I missed commenting on how awesome you are and how you'll pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start kicking ass again as soon as you are healed. As an injury prone ru--er (tendinitis and I have tattoos of each other) I feel your pain. As do countless others. I hope you get a prognosis you can live and r-n with. You WILL be at that damn April event (I left out the words to make you feel better.) Hang in there kiddo. You got lots of you know what left in you!!!!

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  48. Thank GOD for your humor.. but I talk about you ALL of the time and I am SO SAD that you have a fracture... 2nd no less.

    How long are you "out"? Praying for your sanity and for quick healing!!!!!

    (that reminds me...I better go start drinking my milk!)

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  49. Absolutely... focus forward... and you know those are some HOT shoes.

    Just curious, but is it possible that landing on your legs after falling out of an airplane could have contributed to the stress fracture? Not wanting to take away from your bad a$$ experience and fear-conquering... but just maybe?

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  50. we can go to veags and see?! just sayin'.

    I'll pass on the 170 comments. Wish I could blink you better. :( Like I dream of Jeanie. Where's the freaking Jeanie when you need her?!

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  51. your amazing.. your funny, your sweet, your blog rocks and you rock. i'm so sorry you have to go through this yet again :(

    i'm here for you and if you need anything, be sure to let me know. i'll run the last 6.2 with my heart just for you on sunday. when it gets shitty, i'll think of how much pain your in not running and i'll man up and run hard for you.

    hang in there! xoxoxoxo

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  52. Hey Lesley: No chance jumping out of a plane caused this. My landing with the parachute had an impact the equivalent of stepping out of a car into soft sand. In other words, there was no impact - we just slowly glided onto some gravel.

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  53. b, hang in there, I find you a source of inspiration and I appreciate your deep desire to run. Patience, grasshopper, patience!

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  54. Stripper pole cross training huh?? Suweet. You should wear those shoes, you'd make lots of money I bet.

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  55. stop running? not even an option. Which I need to increae my calcium BTW. Thanks for reminder.

    While on crutches, make sure you are milking this for the family to wait on you, clean and you know, just do stuff you don't wanna. lol

    April 2011 in Boston sounds awesome! Love the 'tude!!

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  56. Hey Beth, I'm a little behind on reading blogs so I'm just finding out your bad news. I'm so sorry. :'-( I feel so sad for you. Boston 2011 will be worth the wait. Hopefully you'll feel better on Monday when you become an official entrant! I look forward to meeting you in April! I hope your spirits are up and you're doing okay! Hang in there! Sending healing thoughts your way! BTW, Your attitude is simply amazing!!!

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  57. Do you think they have a stripping competition you could sign up for in the meantime? You could do 35-50 booty slaps per week instead and then try to collect as many dollars in your panties as you can in 45 seconds.

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  58. I'm glad to hear you are getting your bones checked out - maybe that's the good that can come of this? Then you'll be the 90 yo running WITHOUT breaking her hip :)

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  59. Beth,
    You're great sense of humour and sheer determination will get you through this - did I read right, have you only been running 2 yrs? Wow! amazing what you've accomplished.
    I started a year ago, and it's baby steps, I'm still a newbie.

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  60. Love your blog, you crack me up! I know how you are feeling. However, I don't have a stress fracture, but I have a hamstring issue that hasn't gone away all summer long. I am suppose to run NY in a few weeks and I know I should call it quits right now, but I am praying for some miracle. I have been able to get away with the discomfort up until this week. It has hit the bottom of my hamstring and I can't run a mile with out limping. I haven't pulled out yet, hoping that it will go away. It's killing me because this year I don't have a plan "B" and this will be the first year in 8 that I may not run a marathon. I am really looking forward to this race, not that I was going to race, but this would have marked my 10th marathon. NY is one of the greatest races. You would love it, people are peeing at the start behind buses, behind blankets (me) and some just peeing anywhere they could find. Anyway, take it easy and recover completely, because you will need all your strength for the hills at Boston. It isn't that difficult of a race, I qualified for Boston again at Boston. Unfortunately, didn't make it back the following year.......the winter here in Jersey got the best of me!

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  61. oh man I was traveling this week so I am just catching up with everyone! so so sorry that you are dealing with this and yet I have a feeling you will use it as a great way to teach so many of us how to deal with the curve balls that life throws..plus we all know you'll come back even stronger

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  62. I don't regularly comment on your blog, although I do often read it. I just figure that I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said by your gazillion loyal followers. Today, again, I can't imagine that I have anything to say that you have not already heard/read! But, if nothing else, you can add 1 to the total count of well wishers and I hope that helps you stay positive. It's the least that I can do to express my gratitude for your often thoughtful and always funny posts!

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  63. Testing is a very good idea - I would definitely want to know what was up if it were me. Glad to hear you're going to go for it in Boston - I wish I had the speed to do so, but Ill just have to cheer on those of you who do! :) Sending strong healing thoughts your way - and I'm VERY glad you're not throwing in the towel!

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  64. I really enjoyed reading this blog post, keep on writing such interesting posts.

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