While attempting a 20-miler this past Sunday my right foot started REALLY hurting after 9 miles. I had felt great so far, and was puzzled by the sudden pain. But this was the kind of pain I knew I shouldn't try to "run through". After reading up on the kind of pain and the location, I've come to find that I probably have a fracture of my 3rd metatarsal. I icing and resting, anxious to know when I can get back out there. I certainly don't want to push things too quickly and re-injury. But I'll be brutally honest with my thoughts right now. I'm worried I'll gain weight, I'm worried I won't be able to train to run the 50K I wanted to run in October, I'm worried I'll go crazy not running, and I'm worried I'll re-injury once I can get back to running. ARGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anybody's experiences and advise are welcome. I'm so frustrated right now!!!!!!
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Thanks, Lori! And have a BLAST at Leadville! I'll be thinking of you often that day, excited to read about your experiences once you get a chance to post them!
Update: Working to find the positive
So I have been injured since July 7th. I took the whole first off. Went to the beach for the next two weeks and enjoyed a lot of road biking, but became increasingly frustrated with hobbling around, which seemed to aggravate my IT band. So I made an appointment to have my foot looked at. I was happy to see evidence on the x-ray of healing, but didn't want to hear the suggestion for a walking boot. I was surprised, though, at how easily I can get around with the boot on- positive #1. I had worked months ago on eating a more plant-based diet, but I have spent increased energy working on my eating even more and I feel wonderful- positive #2. I have enjoyed biking so much that thoughts of a triathlon have begun to creep in- positive #3 (and possibly a new Cool Impossible?!)
If I ever doubted my passion for running, this injury has certainly taken care of that. I can't wait for the OK to go back to running; I have to make sure I reign in my excitement so I don't do too much too quickly. Maybe I'll leave my boot next to the door as a reminder!
Hi Karen - if it is a stress fracture, it is best to be smart now, so you are not forced to be smarter later. It is important to listen to your body and not try to run thru this. They can heal rather quickly unless you do just enough to keep it aggravated - as this will make it linger which you do not want.
Try doing some biking and swimming to maintain some fitness while you rest the foot.