A bit of an update on the running injury front: It’s going well! I think, I hope (?). I had a follow up with the orthopedist/sports medicine office and my x-rays looked good. The plan is to start running (with walk breaks) in about 2 weeks. Part of me hoped to get a definitive answer at the appointment. Something along the lines of “WOW, everything looks great! You are completely healed and we can guarantee this will never ever happen again.” As expected, that is not *exactly* what they said. It was, as many things are, a bit more nuanced. X-rays looked good and I haven’t felt pain in many weeks (since mid-October). The usual time off of high impact exercise for this type of stress fracture is 10-12 weeks, so the plan is to take 11 weeks off and see how things go. I’m a bit anxious about how things will feel upon return. I’ve never done a walk-run plan (although I most definitely should have postpartum!). I’m hyper aware of the right side of my body and am sure I will be stressed out at the slightest bit of a niggle. But the only thing to do is move forward. I’m starting PT with a new provider this week (one that specifically works with runners) and am looking forward to working on some imbalances and weaknesses. I won’t really be able to get into training until the New Year, but that’s okay. I’d be lying if I said I relished a forced break (I’m a control loving Virgo at heart!), but I’ve found a way to be present and find enjoyment in other things these past few months. I’ve walked a lot, I’ve worked more, I’ve read many books. I can survive (can be happy!) without running, but it’s also a huge part of my identity, my history, my social life, and to a lesser extent, some of the freelance work I do. And I miss it.
In related news, a bittersweet moment from the week: A long stroller walk with my two kiddos.
They say you won’t know it’s the last time until after it’s over and yet, I can see the days of the double stroller rapidly dwindling. For nearly 4 years, this hulking piece of plastic and metal has been a constant in my life. We bought it in February 2019 when the kids were 6 months and 2.5 years old. That was also a season of no daycare/preschool. On weekdays, I was home alone with two kids, trying to work part-time, and the Double BOB was a sanity saver (and often the only way I could get in a run). Later that year, I logged miles with it as I trained for my first marathon after having Evelyn (Chicago 2019). And well, we all know how 2020 turned out. Again, with no school or daycare and often too nervous to have my 65+, not-yet vaccinated in-laws stay with the kids, the stroller became my lifeline. It’s how we explored the neighborhood, it’s how I got my 2 and 4 year olds to take a nap. I thought for sure we’d be done with it when Teddy started kindergarten, but even now that he’s in first grade, it’s hanging on. We still go for long family walks on the weekends if the weather is decent (sometimes one or both ask to walk, other times they are content to ride). And we’ll probably use it during an upcoming Disney trip. But I know its time is coming to an end and as I pushed them through the village streets last Friday, I felt a particular type of nostalgia. The feeling where you know something isn’t over *quite yet,* but soon it will be. Anyway, to my well loved Double BOB, thank you for your years of service.
For more thoughts on strollers, you might like my friend Amanda’s new book. It’s on my bedside table and I’m planning on reading it as soon as I finish the 1,100 page Truman biography my book club chose (lol whyyyy) for December.
Other things I’m loving this week:
A heating pad! I bought mine at Walgreen’s for $20. Such a small luxury, but so nice for achy backs and chilly mornings. #thisis38
These smart plugs. We have the christmas tree lights plugged into one and I love being able to turn them on and off without getting up.