Finding the Silver Lining

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been getting. I’d much rather be writing about running or fun Fall things, but I’m really lucky to have this great community who understands what I’m going through. Or at the very least, can imagine what it might be like.

So truth be told, I’m not really seeing a lot of ‘good’ when it comes to being on crutches, but there are a few and those are the things I am trying to focus on while I try to recover from this latest injury.

1. More ZZZ’s – I’ve been exhausted the past week and a half. This means I’m getting to bed at the same time as usual or even earlier, so between 10 and 10:30pm. And because I can’t go to the gym with Woody, I’m sleeping in until 6:20am so I can get the tea going before he gets home. This means over the past week and a half I’ve been getting nearly 8.5 hrs of sleep every night! That is absolutely unheard of for me. It’s pretty crazy and I know it’ll take some major adjusting once I can go back to the gym.
2. Power Shoulders – my arms, particularly my shoulders, are becoming super strong. They hurt, because I never use my shoulders and upper arms like this, but it’s getting slightly easier every day, so I’m gaining strength.
3. Flatter abs – many say the key to a flatter stomach is to keep it tight all day to engage the muscles. I am not very good at this usually, but it really helps on crutches to keep my stomach muscles tight. I’ve definitely noticed a difference, so now I just have to keep it up once I’m off these blasted things.
4. Priority Seating – I get to sit in the priority seating at the front of the bus. Unfortunately it’s not that easy to get in and out of the bus, and sometimes it takes asking for it, but I always end up with a seat on the bus. Even during rush hour.

Okay, so those are the only benefits I can see from being on crutches, but it’s something. Right?

I’m getting super excited to read all the blogs, articles, tweets and Facebook updates about the NYCM, which, if you don’t know, is next weekend (Nov 6)! It’s such a fun time in this city and even those who can’t even imagine running to catch the bus, will get excited for the marathon. It’s a huge 26.2 mile party and personally, I think it brings out the best in our city. As of now, I’m still scheduled to volunteer at the expo on Saturday afternoon, but we’ll see how I’m feeling next week and if I’m still on crutches. It’ll be extremely disappointing if I can’t do it. I love running, runners, the marathon spirit and this city. I love being around it all and I do not want this injury to keep me from it.

A piece of advice – if you feel something strange, muscle or bone, go see your doctor right away. If you can do anything to keep an injury from getting worse, do it. You don’t want to be on crutches. Runners want to be running, not hobbling along.

Take care of yourself!