Friday, February 08, 2008

Making lemonade

That was a short hiatus. What can I say? I think I was having a momentary anxiety attack. And I didn't want this blog to become all about poor little me.

I went in to see the doctor today. My primary care provider was unavailable so I saw someone new. I was anxious about being taken seriously. Unfortunately there was a nearly only hour back-up so I had a lot of time to go over my story in my head. I had all my reasons ready for why I needed aggressive treatment. Fortunately, the provider I saw, who was a PA, was awesome. I was really worried that he was going to tell me that if it hurts when I run, then don't run. And get over it. But he didn't say that at all, or even imply it. Far from it! He didn't think I was a freak for running 50 miles a week or 20+ miles every weekend. He didn't think I was a nutcase for wanting to get back to running asap. He didn't even think I was whacko for wanting to run a 100 mile race someday. In fact, he's a recreational runner himself, participates in other sports, and seemed to take an interest in my "hobby". Fortunately, I do not have a hamstring tear. He diagnosed a hamstring strain and referred me to physical therapy. My first appointment is next week. Yahoo!

He was impressed with the strength in my legs. So I guess these skinny legs of mine have some muscle in them after all! He said it will probably be six to eight weeks before I can really get serious about running again. But hopefully that is a very conservative assessment. I'm definitely not going to push it. Right now I can pretty much do anything but run. Anything low-impact is okay. So I'm going to try out pool running and will hit the elliptical at the gym too. And little by little I'll test the running waters again.

So Hagg is definitely out. I'm volunteering instead. Pac Rim is probably out too. Hopefully the Rumble is still a go, but there is always the 30k option, if necessary. I'm going to be careful not to overdo once I can run again. But I'm also going to do my best to maintain as much fitness as possible. Thanks for all your kind words and support!

11 comments:

Backofpack said...

Sarah,
I'm glad things are on the upswing and that you got a positive diagnosis. You'll be back in no time! I am sorry I won't be seeing you on multiple loops of PacRim though - that's a total bummer. Enjoy that pool running and write us a post about it!

sherri said...

Good news! I hope your PT kicks your butt so you can get back on the long runs, ya freak! ;)

Joe said...

Oh my...I'm glad your hiatus was short, Sarah.

Boy, does this sound familiar to me from a year ago or so. Yes, you will be back. Yes, you are smart to think carefully. And those "strong skinny legs" will help make the rehab quick.

You have a new "race" to run now...I'm cheering for you!!

onepinkfuzzy said...

yay that you were seen by a good PA. you'll be back in no time!

Unknown said...

Glad to hear you had a good experience and diagnosis. Stay strong and active.

Jamie Anderson said...

Good news on the diagnosis. Hope you're back at'em and healthy soon.

Pinkcorker (Renee) said...

Sarah,
I am sending good thoughts your way so you can heal quickly and I can run with you at the Forest Park 50k! You have a great attitude.
Renee

Olga said...

I love doctors like that, John Foland is one of them. You are very smart in your assertiveness (much smarter than I ever was) and it's the way to go.
As for legs - Gail calls Mike "lightly muscled" instead of skinny...all in good laugh, because he is definetely not "lightly"! Neither are you!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Awesome News Sarah...Good news about that pool running is u will maintain ur fitness and STILL work those running form muscles :-)

Recover Well

Rick Gaston said...

I'm gone a week and things go crazy. Well I'm willing to bet a lot of docs in the Pacific Northwest are big time outdoor addicts too. Sorry to hear about the injury but I'm glad you now have a diagnosis and a plan. Not knowing is so nerve wracking.

Darrell said...

Good to hear things are going to get better. Think long term (easier said than done).