I’m trying to stay upbeat and positive. It is really hard to say mean things about runners as I drive past them. It’s hard when the temp drops and the humidity goes away to force myself to go get on that dumb elliptical. BUT I’m doing it.
And really, I’m not saying anything mean about said runners above (well, maybe if they run in place or don’t have on reflective gear at night), I’m just jealous. I miss being able to zone out on a run, enjoy the fresh air, and have a really good sweat.
The positives so far? I’ve been able to maintain 35 minutes on the elliptical with no pain. The only pain I have is from the brace itself, not my actual ankle. The PT hasn’t allowed anything past 30 minutes but I pushed it to 35 today. I have made it to 6 pilates classes in less than two weeks. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Last week I got the news that I would be able to try out the underwater treadmill at the PT (per the PT-I’m healing quickly). To say that I was counting down the hours until my appointment is an understatement. The thought of rocking my bathing suit was less than appealing but I didn’t care. I. WAS. GOING. TO. RUN.
I went through my regular exercises, and did my first bit of jumping/plyometrics exercises, and anxiously awaited my instructions for the treadmill. The pool thing is quite confusing. Lots of latches and buttons. I followed directions and got in the pool and waited for the machine to be ready.
The pace was slow. It honestly didn’t feel like running. It was baywatch-running-down-the-beach in slow motion slow. And “my girls” definitely needed a sports bra. I didn’t know what to do with my arms, they were half way in and out of the water and they didn’t feel natural when I moved them. But after a few minutes, I found my groove. The run was actually a lot harder than I expected and I even worked up a little sweat.
get your head out of the gutter-OF COURSE I HAVE A SWIMSUIT ON!
very serious business
promise i’m having fun!
I was only allowed to run for a mile. BUT I DID IT. AND IT WAS PAIN FREE!! I hope to be able to run 2 miles this Friday. You can check out my video below. It’s hard to hear me talking-basically just telling yall it doesn’t feel like running and how far I am going. Big thanks to my PT’s for filming!
This injury has been very interesting. I know I will come back stronger and more determined than ever.
How has an injury changed your running? What’s been the most interesting form of cross training/physical therapy you’ve used? Have you tried an underwater treadmill?
Oh, and yes! You want to know who won the sparkle skirt!?!!? It was my biggest giveaway yet. People love to sparkle…
The Winner:
CONGRATS to SUZANNE! Send me an email, I know you already have it. 
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my goodness, you look fabulous in a swimsuit. I’m at work and my computer doesn’t have “sound”. But I can imagine your voice, “yall, I’m running!”
So glad you are healing quickly.
You look like you are trying to make the best of it. I’m sure it is hard and hopefully the rest of your recovery time goes by quickly!
Wow, what a cool treadmill! I’m glad you can run already, even if it is “only” in the water. Sounds like you are making great progress! Good job!!
hehehe. I love the running video. Those are some sexy legs girlfriend
I’m so glad the PT is working for you! And I’ve NEVER seen an underwater treadmill! How cool! Hang in there girl…you will be back to running in no time!!!
That picture still makes me giggle.
The Hoff will be contacting you soon!!
Where are you going for therpy? I’ve not seen the hydro track OTP !!!
Keep on, keepin on girl you have the right attitude. You know my story of recovery from pubic rami fractures. I am pumped for Detroit Free Pree Oct 21! It’ll be my first half one year to the weekend of the event that took me out. The one thing I learned from injury is it’s very difficult to return when you know where you’ve been …………. patience and transition. When you started running you didn’t know how good it would be when you got there tis why injury recovery is so challenging.
Not sure how I stumbled on your blog, but I’m glad I did! Just recently started running again after a stupid stress fracture. No judgement, here, if you did decide to say nasty things to the jerks out runnig while you cant!
Have you tried deep water running? Like without a treadmill?
good luck!
haha! i know-it’s so tough! i haven’t tried it in the pool-i don’t have access to one. but if i did, i would! thanks for the tip!
such a neat oppty to take advantage of a hydro treadmill. glad you were able to run pain free!!!
From one southern lady to another “Hello”. I actually pulled my left hamstring, Grade 1 to 2 pull, after the NC 1/2 marathon in March. I am now almost done the Marine Corp Marathon training and will run it in October. Injury changed my running life because it made me realize running is not only about running. To be a strong runner you need more. I was an avid heel striker, so thanks to PT I changed my form and read Chi Running. Has made a BIG difference. Then I now ensure I do strength training every other day. I keep my abs, arms, and legs strong because running needs not just your legs. I am grateful for the things my injury taught me.
i totally agree with you! i try and do pilates, yoga, and TRX to keep up my strength too!
i LOVE the underwater treadmill idea- haven’t seen that before! and trust me, this year has been the year of therapy/injury recovery for me so i’ve tried lots of different techniques. i can say that i’m finally getting it back together now and have seen my speed return. still some work to do, but that’s what it’s all about, right? wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Running in a pool is so hard so I can only imagine how tough that is! 35 minutes on the treadmill without pain is great! I’m so glad you’re making progress!
This is SO cool. I’m so glad you took pictures. My PT has an anti-gravity treadmill but I’ve never seen one of these before!
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