Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Moving Forward

Right now I'm in this weird kind of limbo.

I'm off the crutches but I'm not ready to run yet.

I know the Brooklyn Half Marathon, which was to be my first of the year, is off the table. How could I possibly run 13 miles in 17 days? Impossible.

I'm in limbo because I don't yet have a plan and I'm not sure how to create one.

Short-term Goal #1: start running again
I need to take it slow, but if I want to achieve goal number's 2 and 3, then I can't wait too long.

Short-term Goal #2: New York Mini-10K June 11
I have 38 days till this 6.1mile race. It is one over my favorite races and I couldn't run it last year because of an injury, so I'm not going to miss it again this year.

Short-term Goal #3: See Jane Run Women's Half-Marathon, Seattle, July 17
I have about two and a half months before this race. There are so many reasons why I want to run this one (including the chance to meet Mel); I definitely don't want to miss out on two half-marathons in one year!

One of the reasons why I had this most recent stress reaction is because I have osteopenia. I was diagnosed with this in when I was 28, which is really young for this condition. This diagnosis ultimately lead to my diagnosis of Cushing's Disease later that year. Because I have osteopenia my bones are more susceptible to fractures and breaks than normal. When Sports Doc told me about the stress reaction, she also said that because of my condition I need to start training long before the typical runner and increase my mileage slowly. Of course for someone who thinks the longer the better, and who has races coming up, this is not what I wanted to hear.

Right now I'm thinking this Saturday will be my first run, but only a couple miles. When I started training for the Broad Street Run, even though I have been working out 5 - 6 days a week for years, I went from running 2-3 days a week to 5 days. I think this increase in mileage so quickly is what did me in. I've definitely learned my lesson and will have a more even mix of running and cross training this time. But other than that, I don't have a plan yet, but somehow I will get to the starting line in Central Park on June 11th.

I'm not too concerned about the Mini 10K, it's six miles, but the half in July has me just a little nervous. I'm still determined to get there though.

If any of you are a running coach, or if you know one, who might be willing to help me workout a plan, please email me - lmhansen (at) hotmail.com
  • What has helped you come back strong from an injury?
  • What are your short-term fitness goals?
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Today's workout -
20min elliptical
2x20 lat pull down
2x25 cable pushdown
2x15 weighted side bends
125 crunches
3x15 reverse hanging crunches
3x15 back extensnion
stretching
foam roller

9 comments:

Lauren said...

I hope you are able to ease back into your running without issue and that you are able to run those races. :)
My short-term goals are to keep up with my training plan and to be more consistent with my strength training.

Raquelita said...

I really hope you're able to achieve these running goals, Lisa! It sounds like you are approaching this very sensibly. Let us know if you get a training program!

My short-term goals are to complete my second marathon in June (hopefully to PR) and to do more yoga.

Anonymous said...

I am confident that you can run that race in July. You just have to take it slow and not try to build up your miles too fast.

Rach said...

Injuries suck! I've been lucky enough never to face anything as severe as a stress fracture...but my knee likes to act up. I've been trying to focus on my form. I've also heard the more you push the pace the more likely are you to get injured...so when in doubt, I'll go take it slow. I hope you feel better soon! xo

Steel Springs said...

You have some fun races coming up. I hope that you're able to figure out what works for you and that you can get to the starting lines feeling healthy and strong.

chris mcpeake said...

Just take your time rebuilding the mileage and you will be back to previous levels in no time

RunToTheFinish said...

ohh i think that race sounds like sooo much fun, wish I could make it out there.

coming back from my 3 month injury induced hiatus i have to say was mostly about being patient and not trying to do it all at once

Gina; The Candid RD said...

I never knew you had Cushing's Disease. To be honest, I don't know much about it...I know it affects the adrenals, but that's about it. And osteopenia? Wow, you're an inspiration! Who says health conditions can hold you back from doing what you want?! That's awesome.
I think your plan sounds good, for a smooth entrance back into the world of running. You know more about training than I do, but it sounds like you're on the right track!

The Boring Runner said...

Oyy, coming back from injury is never fun. Push to hard and you get hurt again. Push not hard enough and you get bored.

I think you have the right approach, start slow and set many layers of goals. Good luck!