Das Boot - February 11, 2013 - March 27, 2013

February began with a painful 2.5 mile run from Energy Lab.  The first mile and half was ok, but then my foot began to throb.  I jogged the flats and downhills and painfully walked the uphill portions.  I had my sports massage shortly after this and Shannon worked out my foot.  She encouraged me to call the doctor to get an xray at this point, since it had now been 2 weeks since Hogpen, and my foot was not getting any better.

 

Monday evening for swim, I had to get out of the water, my foot was hurting so bad.  Tuesday morning's spin was similar.  Anything at a high cadence or at heavy resistance, was very painful.  I certainly couldn't do anything standing on the bike.

 

So Thursday, I went to the Podiatrist who had helped me with my Shin Splints 4 years prior. Since my sympoms sounded like a stress fracture, we took xrays. ( How sexy are my bones, btw?) 

 

 

Since nothing showed up on the xray, I was sent for a bone scan.  Here is the kicker - in the 3 days between the x-ray and the bone scan, I sprained my ankle while walking the dogs.  This was no ordinary sprain.  I heard a pop in my foot; Here I was, in my pjs, on the ground. I stood up, and was immediately dizzy.  I started walking the dogs, and I had to lean on the electrical box because I was nauseous.  I got a little scared, but figured I was fine, since I was still able to walk. 

 

For the bone scan, I showed up at a Northside Hospital building and they injected me with a radioactive material.  3 hours later, I went back and they took 2 images of my feet.  I had to sit completely still for 8 minutes each time.  If you know me, this was very difficult!  I did get to lay down and watch tv during this time though! I left the hospital with my scans and immediately took them to the doctor who was able to see me within a few minutes. The good news - I didn't break my ankle from my fall.  The bad news - Sure a stress fracture. Apparently, the treatment for a severely sprained ankle and a stress fracture are the same. So I left the office with the infamous boot. (note how skinny I am in this photo, day one of das boot.)

 

The first few days in the boot were ok.  Walking in the boot took some getting used to, especially the stairs.  I eventually figured it out and became a pro!  My original plan was to pick up swimming to at least 3 times a week and throw myself in the gym to get some weigh training done.  This did not happen.  When one is confined to a boot and told they can't do anything, what happens?  They lead a sedentary life and begin eating.  Cookies, Candy, soft drinks, pizza!  While delicious, these were not doing me any good.  I was already up about 3 to 4 pounds since Augusta (Winter break will do that to anyone,) but I sure packed it on this time!  I am now up 10 pounds from Augusta race weight.  While this sucks, I am not worried, because I know it will all come off when training begins.

 

As the weeks went on, I swam 1 to 2 times a week.  I got more frustrated and even a little depressed.  I felt so out of the loop with my triathlon buddies.  We have new members who I really don't know because I don't go to anything!  After 3 weeks, I was able to get on the bike, but indoors only.  I did one spin class, not paying attention to the instructor.  It felt great to be on the bike, but I didn't push it at all. My ankle was certainly a bit sore the next day.

 

I went out of town while I had the boot.  I rode through 2 airports in a wheelchair.  My pride went out the window the day the boot went on!  The good thing - you get to go through a special line at airport security!

 

So after 6 weeks and at least 6 pounds, the boot finally came off!!!

 

 

I was given a brace for my ankle for extra support.  I am allowed to bike indoors only, and walk doing my daily activities.  Next weekend, I can go outdoors on the bike, get on the elliptical machine, and even go for a mile walk!

 

I did a spin class earlier in the week.  I actually did what the class did, but I used a lower resistance than what I would have normally done.  While my heart rate was not super high, and my legs weren't burning from the class, I know I was making some progress.  I got in the pool as well, and for the first time in 10 or so weeks, my foot didn't hurt at all when I kicked! I tried hard not to overdo it.

 

I have 4 weeks until I can run again, and I am counting down the days!  While I am a little behind on my biking and running training for Ironman, I am not worried.  I will be able to catch up on the bike, and do my own thing on the run.  I can't wait to spend time with my best friends for the next 5 months, the LOO Crew.  149 days until IMLOO!! 



"The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter."