This past week, August 11, was the one-year mark since we lost Scott. It was a strange day, for me as well as (I'm sure) for all of us who were close to him. For me, the hard part was during the day or two leading up to the 11th. I couldn't help but think back to one year prior, when we were all blissfully unaware of the awful events to come. I still miss him every day, but I also know he's still here with us in some way.
Okay, about my running: I'm supposed to be starting Week 9 of my training, but running is, unfortunately, something I'm not allowed to do right now. On August 2, several hours after I completed my 11-mile run, my foot (metatarsals) started to hurt. Although it hurt, it did not alter my gait in any way; it was more of an annoyance than anything else. I continued to do my short runs that following week, and on my long run day, instead of running 12 miles, I worked out on an elliptical trainer for 2 hours. I have decided that the elliptical is, hands down, the most boring piece of exercise equipment ever invented. Ever. It is, though, a zero-impact workout, and it gets my heart rate up for an extended period of time. That's what's important right now.
What's wrong with my foot, you ask? I don't know. I finally went to a sports medicine doctor last week. The x-ray doesn't show a fracture, but the doc has me in a boot for two weeks, just as a precaution. It's especially fun wearing the boot because it's August in Maryland and I sweat like a horse. Makes things soooo comfortable! :-/
After two weeks, if my foot still hurts, the doc will do a bone scan. If he finds a fracture, he's shutting me down. Completely. No more running... hence, no marathon. The thought of not being able to do this race is something that makes me sick to my stomach. I'm not running this just for the hell of it... it's not about me... it's about something that's so much bigger than that.
The good news? I'm being positive about this whole thing. Being the stubborn person that I am, I was going to take the boot off after one week, just to test it. After talking with several friends (one an athlete, one a nurse, one a mother of teenagers), I was lectured enough that I've changed my tune and will, begrudgingly, wear it for the full recommended two weeks.
After only a couple of days in the boot, the foot is feeling better, which makes me think it's not broken. After the two week period, I will test it gently. Providing all is well, it will take some adjustments to my original running schedule to get back on track, but I will do whatever it takes to be ready for the race on October 11 (yes, even if I have to walk some of it).
Some of you may ask about my climbing. Well, I've found a way around that also. I'm doing upper-body workouts on something called a campus board (using only your arms to climb up an overhanging wall). I'm not strong enough to be very good at it just yet, but after two weeks of these workouts, I may increase my climbing grade by at least one rating, so that's a bonus. In addition, I've done a little bit of bouldering on VERY easy problems... yes, with just one foot, a spotter and a soft crash pad. You can tell the girl not to climb, but she'll still find a way to do it. :-P
I will keep everyone posted on my progress with this injury, and in the mean time, don't forget to donate!
Oh, and one more thing... the boot has been especially cumbersome and claustrophobic as I've spent the week moving into a 3rd-floor walk-up apartment with a 50-pound-dog in tow. You should try it sometime... big fun! ;-)
