I called my friend Stella, who lives out of state. She is easily in her 90's. Her late husband was a podiatrist, and she manned their (orthopedic) shoe store. Stella knows all about foot issues. I had not consulted her prior to yesterday because she has known me since I was a tiny tot, and I didn't want to worry her. Well Miss Stella set me straight! She said that Dr. C was trying to protect both he and I by painting the "worst case scenario" picture to me, so as to not mislead me into thinking that three months from now (actually, two at this point...) I'd be ready to run another marathon. And, she reminded/informed me that the human body is not based on calculations, i.e. it varies and does what it knows best to do -- and can not be predicted in all cases. So do not despair! Just take it easy, she said. Her most important advice, though, was to "not yell at everybody." HA! Old, Southern women know best (at least here in the South). And she agreed with me as to why Dr. B called it "a slight tear" that would require me to take it easy for three months and Dr. C thought much worse of it... one man's mountain is another man's molehill.
Then I got home and saw that I had a boatload of uplifiting comments on this blog. Awwww - thanks, friends. :)
So what am I going to do? I'm going to borrow Coach Terry's 5-pound bag of sugar and make lemonade.
I thought I was already making lemonade... but apparently yesterday somebody peed in it... :)
I wore my boot to the gym this morning. Tonya instantly knew what we'd do differently, both on upper body days and leg days. What a gal! Now, more than ever, I will focus on strength training. And I'll wear the boot and keep up with my new love pilates, also. And I'll be the best Coach Susan at the run club that I can be!
To make matters even better, Shirley asked me to, in my words, video my Simply Stu Triathlon efforts to be a part of her new "Giving Back" project. That would be a way to show the world what someone can accomplish while being injured. Maybe that will motivate someone else to make lemonade. :)
My friend at work, upon seeing the boot and hearing the story of the doc's prognosis, said (with only kind intentions) "Well, even if you're all done with running, think of all that you accomplished in a short amount of time!" I protested! Then she said "I just mean that you have a done a lot in a relatively short time. You rose to the challenge. You can find another mountain to climb!" That was nice.
So there ya have it -- I am now the spokesperson for down-in-the-dumps athletes everywhere! Ha. Maybe now IS the time to create a podcast, although I don't know that it would be super-interesting. Susan's Road To Recovery?
11 comments:
After reading your post I can across this new-fangled treadmill. Although it might not be feasible, it certainly would fit the bill if you could find one near.
http://www.alter-g.com/alterg/ad.aspx
I don't think there's a podcast for runners that go through an injury... a sidelining injury at that. But there are plenty of runner's who listen to podcasts... and are injured!
I would subscribe to the Susan's Road to Recovery podcast! Inspiration can be found where you'd least expect it, and really the rough times can be some of the more interesting times, when you make new discoveries--like Pilates! Good to hear you're enjoying that. Sounds like you have a great attitude, and I hope you heal up swiftly.
I was late reading your blog post about the latest doctors visit. Once I read it I couldn't find the right words to say and so many had said what I was thinking, so I said nothing. But I want you to know I have been thinking of you and I am proud of you! You are such a strong positive person and I am so proud to call you a friend!
OOH! Do the podcast! I'd definitely listen in!
You're one of the most inspirational netfriends I know, and I think doing something like that would definitely benefit those who are sidelined as well.
Susan, I just know you're going to inspire folks with all that you've been going through. It's easy to be upbeat and motivated when you're healthy but it takes a special person to do so when they're not. You are one of those unique people and I am honored to offer you a starring role in my upcoming video :-)
Oh Susan. I just got over here to read the latest on your injury. So sorry. I know how frustrating recovering can be. Just wear that boot and keep your chin up. Imagine a few years from now, this will be just a blip in the big scheme.
That's the spirit!!! You have so much to offer...thanks for offering it up to all of us.
Hang in there Susan. I can say I know how you feel. Even after I could run again, just the fact that I had lost a lot of my speed and endurance gave me a lot of negative thoughts. You just have to heal and then you will be good to go again. Helping with the coaching thing is a great way to stay in to running. And now you have all kinds of advice you can share with other injured runners too! Keep that positive attitude!!
Susan you never fail to inspire me! Talk about making lemonade!
The podcast is a great idea - how about doing a larger segment for the Extra Mile? Injury happens to us all and we sorely need help in learning how to deal with it.. Does it sound like I'm begging you to share your nuggets with the rest of us? I am.
Oh no - keep the pee out of the lemonade!
Way to stay positive.
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