The Boot

The last few weeks I revved up my cardio ...just a bit too much.  My body was accustomed to my 3.8 mile walk but I decided to run/walk 5 to 5.5 miles 3 times a week.  I was loving it!  My heart rate monitor read 700 calories burned on these excursions.  I was looking forward to pushing myself even more...  until the foot pain started. 

I was previously showing signs of plantar fasciitis in my left foot.  It wasn't too bad and I kept running.  This was causing me to put extra weight on my right foot.  My right foot said enough and I now have a stress fracture in my right foot.  I was given the oh so glorious boot to wear.  I can only remove it to sleep, shower & drive! 

At first I was devastated.  30 days in a boot.  No cardio.  How will I burn calories?  What about my workouts?  Will I gain weight?  I've worked so hard to lose weight I can't gain weight!  So what did I do?  As soon as I walked out of the doctors office I found the nearest fast food restaurant - got a burger & fries and called my Mom and cried.  (No, I'm not an emotional eater.  Ha!)  So many things were racing through my head.  How will I keep up with the kids and their activities?  What if Olivia runs from me when we are in a parking lot?  How will I chase her?  What about the upcoming wedding that both of my kids are in and how will I help get them to walk down the isle?

This self pity party lasted about 2 days.  Then I realized the cookies and junk food were making me feel like crap!  I thought about the people that don't have use of their legs and how difficult life must be.  How stupid of me to feel so bad about my set-back.  I have many reasons to be thankful!

I'm thankful I'm healthy.  At least my injury is the result of trying to do something good for myself.
I'm thankful it's just a little stress fracture.  I will run again.
I'm thankful I have family and friends to help me. 

I've also learned a few things.
Gradually increase mileage when running.
Listen to your body when you have any sort of pain. 

Time seems to pass quickly and so will my time in this boot.  I'll be back at it soon!