A vent and request for help

sz8soon
sz8soon Posts: 816 Member
in Motivation and Support
I started living healthier and working out last October. I have lost 30 pounds so far. As much fun as I was having in the gym, I decided I wanted to try running- never was a runner, never liked running and when I did run I sucked. But shockingly I found I LOVED it. Okay truthfully I think sometimes I hate it- it kicks my a@@! It makes me sweat like no other, I struggle to breath at times, I'm sure I look ridiculous, but by the time I'm done I feel like I went a round with Chuck Norris and won- ok probably not but I feel like it :smile: I feel strong and proud.

So I've been running for 6 months, I've completed two 5ks and a 5k mud run. I've experienced some foot pain- thankfully that went away after I had my gait and footwear analyzed. I've also experienced some shin pain off and on (but more on). After my mud run my shins were killing me so I decided I would take a break from running. Mentally this was extremely hard- but 5 weeks went by and my shins felt great so back out I went. 1st run went great, 2nd run was good, a mile and half into my 3rd run I thought someone stabbed my leg; I limped my way back home.

Saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday, prognosis is that I've torn a muscle in my shin area and have a bad case of shin splints. I'm to stay off of it for another 6 weeks and not resume any full impact activities (running, jump rope, cross fit class, stairs, even told me to be careful while biking I have to keep my leg parallel and stay off my toe) If I continue to do what I've been doing he says I could develop a bone spur or a fracture.

Anyways, long story short: I'm crushed. I do not like being told no you can't do something, it might be short term- could be long term I don't know. I have to lose more weight and strengthen my leg muscles. Here is where I need help- I don't like to swim so that is out and I will be bored out of my mind doing all my cardio on an elliptical. I need your ideas! I already do a lot of lifting and core work, but I need cardio to keep my aerobic level up.

Thanks for any input! I'm also looking for more friends and could use some encouragement if you'd like to add me as a friend- I try to be just as supportive to all the people on my friends list. (I'm still kind of new at the boards and getting the hang of this)

SW 221 :embarassed:
CW 189
GW 130

Replies

  • SelkieDiver
    SelkieDiver Posts: 260 Member
    I hear you, injuries absolutely suck! Back in november I was running wind-sprints (you know, run to the line, touch, pivot, run back, run to the next line, etc.) I got back to the start and WHAM! Serious pain in my left knee. Not like regular knee pain. I rested it, iced it but it didn't get better. Went to the Ortho. he thought probably a meniscus tear and we did an MRI. Turns out I tore the cartilage on the bottom of my thigh bone. it required surgery and 4-6 months of PT. The first thing they let me do was pool walking/swimming, then recumbent bike, then elliptical, then finally regular stationery bike. It was a long hard road but 6 months post surgery I was finally running, building back up with 10 minute intervals. Now 8 months post-op i am finally back out doing what I love -distance running! I have a 7 miler this weekend and I can't wait.

    Do whatever the Dr says. Rest it now b/c if you end up with a stress fracture you're looking at 6 months more rest. Embrace everything he will allow you to do (bike, elliptical, whatever). Just keep in mind its only for a short while and once you heal you can slowly get back to your 1st love. I wish you a quick recovery.
  • Discoveri
    Discoveri Posts: 435 Member
    Have you talked to your doctor about what exercises they would recommend? Could you do a rowing machine? You won't have to deal with impact if you try that. Another option would be to talk to a trainer and they could give you some ideas for exercises.
  • mbagradstudent
    mbagradstudent Posts: 29
    I was a runner for 10 years and then 3 years ago I damaged a nerve in my right foot. It will never fully heal and I'll never be able to run again. It's very sad and I struggled in the beginning. I had to find a new sport...I took up biking. Although I really miss running sometimes, I'm glad I enjoy biking now.
  • gogojodee
    gogojodee Posts: 1,243 Member
    Bump for future reference if need be. Ha.

    I push myself to ridiculous levels (at times) and I need a swift kick in the *kitten* as a reminder.

    Hope things heal well. Listen to the body!
  • sz8soon
    sz8soon Posts: 816 Member
    Thank you guys!

    The most difficult thing for me is wanting to do something- knowing that I am capable of something and being told not to do it. I'm typically a throw my middle finger at the world and say watch me kinda gal- but being in pain sucks and this is as much a mental struggle as it is physical.
  • Catjag
    Catjag Posts: 107
    Ask your doctor if you can take your workout to the pool. Maybe take an Aqua cardio class.

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