Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Um, Now What?

I ran 4 miles in the early morning sunshine this morning. It was the first early morning run I've been able to do in a very long six weeks, and it was warm enough to wear my cute running skirt. I felt great during my run, albeit a little out of shape. 4 miles used to be the bear minimum I would run on any given day; today it felt tiring by the end. This disappointed me, but what did I really expect after 6 weeks of only doing ballet, swimming, and aqua jogging?

I was greatly encouraged that I did not hurt during my run, and with the knowledge my MRI was clear. However, in the back of my mind, I was thinking that all is still not well-no matter what the MRI said. I did some research online yesterday after my results came in, and found a few other options of what the trouble might be. The most likely culprit, a longitudinal stress fracture. In other words, going down the length of the bone rather then across. Apparently this type does not show up on an MRI, only with a CT scan.

Although a possibility, I don't WANT to be injured, so I figured I would go with the first answer-my MRI was clear, time to slowly start running again. So back to my run this morning. I am still very much enjoying my new garmin-not sure what his name will be yet. Right now I'm thinking Brick, because it's heavy! I also have a hard time keeping it off the bone on my wrist, which is a bit uncomfortable. Thoughts? I have skinny wrists, kind of incongruous to the rest of my body.

I felt great after my run. A few twinges, but nothing major. I am feeling in the clear! I am clearly on the road to recovery, and my hopes of running Seattle are improving. Two hours later, my shin starts to hurt, and throb, and pulse. Dang. The disappointment is huge.

Right now my plan is to take another week, head back to the pool and give running another try next week. I am not sure if I should try to go back to the doctor, or try to get into a sports doctor to truly find out what's going on. If it is a stress fracture, does it really matter that i have a picture of it? The treatment is the same-rest. What else could it be?

Spend extra money on a sports doctor for an answer, or keep resting and testing?

Monday, May 10, 2010

News, News, News

First of all, Happy Birthday to ME! It was my birthday on Friday which was wonderful. My big present, my new Garmin 305 (WOOT WOOT!) had gotten here the week before, but I was good and left it in the box after checking to see that everything had come. Friday night the family took me out to Olive Garden, my favorite. Not my favorite with kids, but I'll take it anyways. Hubby was very sweet and got me a running book, and a silly crown and wand to wear at dinner, (I totally did, too). The rest of the family got me gift cards, which I promptly spent the next morning on new running shoes (review to come).

Saturday as a birthday present to myself, I went for a run to test my new Garmin. It felt amazing! I could also tell I was out of shape, but it just felt great to RUN! I spent most of the 3 miles looking at my Garmin watching my pace and distance. Way too entertaining. It's a good thing I ran on the sidewalks. Oh, and I discovered that walkjogrun.net is not so accurate. My shin hurt somewhat after my run, but it was worth it!

Mother's Day we went to the Mariner's game. It was awesome! We got cheap seats in the LF Bleachers, which ended up being excellent. It was hot! We came home with a little sun, and all very happily exhausted.

And now, the big news:
I have been waiting for a week and a half for my MRI results. Waiting and waiting. They were supposed to get them last Tuesday. I called Thursday, and they didn't have them. I finally got the long awaited call this afternoon and....
the results were normal. Okay, this is techincally good news. Except now they don't know what caused the pain, and the lump and all that. The lady from the office who called said I could follow up with the doctor if I wanted. For what? If the MRI didn't show what was going on, what would?

For now, I'm focusing on the positive. It's not a stress fracture! And I am so going on a run tomorrow morning. We'll see how my leg handles that, and go from there.