For the last two weeks, I’ve felt a bit like I’m being stoned to death by pebbles. I’m thankful that all of my problems are relatively minor, but the inconvenience and frustration factor is way up there. Every time I start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, something new happens. Today, we discovered we have flying squirrels in our attic. Seriously. I’d ask “what next?”, but that seems to get me in trouble every time.
The “best” part of all this? I still can’t run. I tried on Tuesday and today and both times I made it less than an eighth of a mile before my ankle was yelling at me. On the bright side, it now stops hurting within minutes of quitting running. (I was limping a bit for two days after Thanksgiving.) On the not so bright side, I still can’t run.
Amazingly, I’m ok. Today I worked out at the gym for an hour. I hit the elliptical, the rower, and a recumbent bike. They all got my heart rate up and none of them hurt. One of the old guys who’s always there commented on my exercise ADD, but at least I got an hour in. Tomorrow, I plan to try out Bikram yoga for the first time. I’m telling myself that I’m becoming more well rounded (and I’m actually becoming less “rounded” as my muscles respond to these different workouts). I’m also telling myself that it will help me coach if I get an injured runner. Sometimes I even believe what I’m saying, but it’s awfully hard to be a runner who can’t run.
Oh, Mama, I'm sorry. I have to agree with all of your "silver lining" thoughts, though. It will totally make you a better coach to understand how it feels to be injured. And the cross-training is definitely worth your while. Of course, having said that, I still hope you're back on the roads quickly!
Does it hurt when you walk? I started walking a lot when I couldn't run this summer. Eventually I learned to really enjoy walking….even could reduce stress that way. It's the not same, but it's something.
hang in there, it will be an adventure learning all the new stuff !!!
Seriously, flying squirrels? That's crazy!Keeping my fingers crossed for some relief soon. I would think Bikram might help–let's hope!
So sorry to read that you're still not running. You've got a great attitude though and that's bound to make it heal faster 🙂 Hugs….and flying squirrels…unreal!
On the upside, you have all these new adventures to share with your beloved readers. Not many other blogs are offering flying squirrel stories. Did you give him a name?I hope your ankle starts feeling better soon!
What is the difference between a flying squirrel and your average everyday squirrels in the park?? Hang in there…you will soon be able to run. 🙂
Ugh, I hope you're back at it in NO time!
Really sorry to hear you can't run right now. I have ankle pain right now too. I have been wrapping it and doing the whole RICE thing. I also have some nerve pain in a toe on my right foot that sucks #$*&^.Not just squirrels but flying squirrels no less!!
Hang in there! Sounds like you're keeping active, which is a good thing.
Way to tough it out and stay active. You'll be rehab'd soon I am sure.
Flying Squirrels? I don't know how you're holding it together, but you're doing great. Something good has to be around the corner – maybe a healed ankle!
I am sorry to hear that you are not running. You are doing the right thing by doing the Yoga and the other gym exercises:) You are keeping busy and getting that heart rate up. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
yay for Bikram!cant wait to read what you have to say about it.
"Rocky” J. Squirrel in your attic???? Be on the look out for his partner Bullwinkle…..
Ugh! Sorry about the ankle AND the flying squirrels! Good news the pain stops right away now, I'm sure you'll be back soon!Hang in there! Sending a big hug your way!
That sucks the big one – but I do agree it will totally help you coach a injured runner, just like we can help a friend suffering from PPD, we went through it so we can relate. And look at all the cross training you are doing, if you don't move it, you'll lose, so good on you for staying out there. You'll be running no time!