Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wednesday Workout Update - Fear Factor Edition

I injured my ankle on January 15, 2011.  Nearly a year later, I've finally been given the green light to go ahead and start walking for exercise, adding some running as I tolerate it.  I'm sure you all understand how excited I am about this - finally, there is true hope and light at the end of this tunnel...who ever would have thought that a stupid ankle injury would sideline me from running for a year?!?

So I've gone for several walks, with a bit of running thrown in.  And each time?  I'm scared.  It hurts, and I am immediately convinced I've done major damage to that ankle.  I guess that is normal, coming off of such a long injury and surgical recovery (or at least I'm going to pretend it's normal, lol).  To ease my mind and convince myself that I'm not doing any damage to the ankle, I'm having to individually evaluate each ache.  Sounds ridiculous (and I feel like a baby, doing this), but I spent so much of last year trying to not make my ankle worse - it's hard to make the transition to "it's okay to hurt a little."  I walked for 30 minutes last week, and threw in a couple of very short bursts of running (think 1 - 2 minutes) just to see how the ankle did.  I had discomfort, but my orthopedist told me that I would...and that eventually it would go away.  So fine.  I was just ecstatic at the thought of running again!

On Saturday, with an unseasonably warm temperature of 70 degrees, Jeff and I set out for a 3 mile walk at the scary statue park.  My goal was to run for a minute every 10 minutes (I guess you would call that intervals, but I was trying to be all casual and just sort of sneak some running in there)(like my ankle wouldn't notice it)(spoiler alert: it did).  I did fine for the first three times of running (and I'm talking a really slow jog, folks), but the fourth time?  Yeah, that hurt quite a bit, so I stopped the running.  Finished the 3 miles, though.  This week I'm only walking - trying to build up a base and get my muscles used to this again.  And I'm back to swimming (as long as the temps don't dip below 40 - that's my "it's too dang cold!" cutoff point).  I have visions of being a cross-training fool soon...and of course, having the body that comes along with all that work.

Pictures from Saturday:
  
Hello Ricky Bobby, remember me?  I know you wanna go fast, but this was all I could manage...hang with me and we'll go fast(er) soon.
 It was warm enough that the cold coconut water afterward was quite welcome!
Do feet have muscle memory?  It took a bit to get them used to this whole "walking/running" idea.
The newest statue at the park - this one isn't so scary - maybe because he's not pointing a gun like all the others?  He's a WWII airman, sculpted to resemble the first President Bush.
 Kinda looks like him...
 Nope, the helmet doesn't come off!
My walking partner.  Maybe one of these days, my running partner?

22 comments:

  1. after the whole fantastic post my fave is still the two of you at the end.

    LOVE your LOVE.

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  2. Does the ankle hurt when you walk or just when you throw in the bit of running?

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  3. Shelley, I can’t believe it’s almost a year ago since you’ve had your injury. Time sure does go fast.
    I can understand that at the pain you’re afraid you’ve hurt it again. I’ve had an injury once at my calf and when I got the green light to exercise again, I was afraid too I would hurt it again.

    You can’t imagine how happy I am with your photo’s this week. Shelley in running clothes, in running shoes, with Ricky Bobby (could you find him by the way). Girl you’re back on track, I know for sure!

    And swimming and running? Only have to add biking and you’re read for a tri!

    Great post, one that makes me happy.

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  4. I hated that feeling when running again and I feel any ache and going wth is that? is it bad? what does this mean? blah blah blah. I was driving myself nuts and well still do!


    I hope the pain goes away quickly!

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  5. I sprained my ankle when I was a Jr in High School, and it took almost 4 years for it to be completely healed-- I kept injuring it, and each time it took longer to heal. I know it can be rather frustrating.
    I hope you're able to get back to where you were before real soon!

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  6. Awwwww what a good looking walking group you have there! And don't you worry, you WILL be running soon enough and it won't hurt that speedster there with you to slow down once a week or so.

    The photo of you and the Pres? Too funny!!

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  7. Aw, what a great start to your comeback. I know how scared I've been coming off of super minor injuries. You have every right to be tentative and cautious.

    A whole year? It's been that long? Yikes.

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  8. I know you want to go faster, but the time will come when you'll run again - hang in there!

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  9. I bet lots of other runners have 'war stories' of being sidelined for a year or so with an injury. You are doing it just right-slow and steady wins the race!

    Oh, and are you pre-medicating with ibuprofen before your walk? I bet it would help!

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  10. I know the feeling. My problem was the other end of my body...my shoulder...after reconstructive surgery it took me a year and a half to get back to normal with alot of pain and anxiety about "was I doing damage" because I had pain doing certain things. Just hang in there...slow and steady wins the race!

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  11. SO glad you are able to start running. Give it time. It'll get better! I love that you take goofy statue pics. I've been known to do that myself.

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  12. yes! i love seeing pics of your garmin! GO SHELLEY!

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  13. Ricky Bobby!! Glad to see he's back. I think it's totally normal for you to think about every ache and pain that comes from your ankle - but my guess is the more you walk, the better it will feel? and then you can start running more?

    Have a great day!

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  14. I think you're approaching this the right way - slow and steady. Take your time and you'll get there!

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  15. Yay for the green light! Be patient with yourself. I hope it progresses quickly for you.

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  16. Awesome news about your ankle...but if you come up with a post how you ignored a bad pain to keep running, I'll be very disappointed with you young lady!

    Prayers for your ankle!

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  17. Awesome news about your ankle...but if you come up with a post how you ignored a bad pain to keep running, I'll be very disappointed with you young lady!

    Prayers for your ankle!

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  18. Awesome news about your ankle...but if you come up with a post how you ignored a bad pain to keep running, I'll be very disappointed with you young lady!

    Prayers for your ankle!

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  19. Yay for running again. Small steps. You'll get there.
    Walking those 3u miles will certainly help get you ready.
    Have you been shopping for any new running clothes? ;)

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  20. I'm so happy to read this post, Shelley! I am so, so, so familiar with the awkward "is this a good hurt or a bad hurt" feeling and I can definitely empathize there. I hope it starts to feel stronger soon & I'm glad to see Ricky Bobby back on the blog :)

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  21. Great start after so long... and I love the pictures!

    Deb

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