Tried living in denial but, reality set in…

Ok, I got some bad news yesterday evening.  I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my pelvis.  Treatment is “eliminate all pain-generating activity”.  It will take at least 4 weeks to heal.  I first noticed the pain after my Spring Meadow race in Helena.  I saw the Dr. Monday and had an MRI yesterday.

Stress fracture is where the arrow is pointing

I had a feeling it was a stress fracture.  I got a stress fracture in my femoral neck a few years ago when training for a Half Marathon, so I know what that pain feels like and this pain in my pelvis is very similar.  I tried to ignore it for a couple days (that’s a pattern with me – deny there is a problem and maybe it will go away).

So last night was tough emotionally.  I was sick to my stomach, had a number of good cries and was also trying to figure out if continuing on with IM training for this year is realistic.

I talked with my coach today – He is AWESOME!  I went into the discussion wondering if I should even be thinking about continuing training for Louisville.  I never even asked the question… he just started talking about what we are going to do, how we can continue training through this injury.  There was not even any discussion about whether it’s possible.  I left his house with a smile, a belief that it still is possible, and feeling extremely happy!

Right now, I’m not sure what activities I can do...

1.  No running
2. I’m not sure about hiking
3.  Maybe biking (the seat kind of puts pressure on that fractured area) but it doesn’t hurt to pedal so not sure about the bike yet.  I will probably be doing a lot of rides on my trainer to lessen the impact/jarring that is felt from riding outside.
4.  Swimming is ok
5.  Pool running is ok
6.  Strength exercises – upper body ok, and maybe some lower body (lunges are out).  Need to visit a PT to determine which exercises are safe to do.
7. Easy walking ok (not sure about brisk walking yet, need to try it)

At this point I will just have to try some things to see what causes pain and what is ok to do.  I am determined to keep working toward Louisville.  Healing takes precedence but, I will do whatever I can over the next month to stay in fighting shape.   I am not ready to quit and will continue to re-evaluate chances for a successful IM over the next few weeks.  I have had some good cries and I am disappointed but, now I am ready to move forward!