Getting Over Stress Fractures

RunningOnWontons

Hello there,

Any other injury-prone runners out there? I'm curious about anyone else's experience with dealing with not only preventing this type of injury, but also (and I know this sounds weird) psychologically getting over the fact that it happened.

A little background: I am a former runner, and I loved mid-distance running (8 miles at a pop was about my max) for fun in my 20s. A number of issues occurred in my late 20s (including several foot fractures) that culminated in me suddenly gaining a lot of weight. In fact, I think the weight gain itself caused at least one of the fractures (a stress fracture blown out into a full break in one of my metatarsals). Two separate orthopedists who treated me at the time suggested that I give up running, but that is not an option I'm willing to consider--at this point in my life, anyway.

I'm now 31, and extremely out of shape compared to how I once was. Oh, and I'm pregnant, too. I'm certainly not looking to start pushing the running at this moment, but I'm walking 5 days a week, between 3 and 6 miles at a time, thinking that I can build a stronger base of fitness to build on after I have my child and can return to running. I dream of competing in races again, and I'd love to work on more ambitious distances once I'm stronger and healthier. I currently work some intervals of jogging into my walks, but I am finding myself fixated on the fear that I will injure my feet again. I don't want this fear to hold be back, especially after I'm at a healthier weight post-pregnancy and can realistically start to push myself a little more.

I am trying so hard to do the right things...like trying to get my eating habits on track, too...for example, I know calcium and vitamin D are especially important for bones, and I'm trying to fix my intake of these (which has been far too low in the past). I bought a new pair of shoes that are extremely well cushioned (more for the psychological benefit of thinking they'll shield my feet from injury than anything else).

Sorry for the length of this. I'm feeling a little defeated right now. Quitting running would be the easiest option, but I refuse to accept that. ANY tips would be of help to me. I have a lot of time on my hands right now, and so if there are any guides or books about returning to running after an injury that anyone can recommend, that'd be great, too. Thanks for reading.