But, I do have this to share - I had an "aha" moment at the foot doc yesterday. Since last week when I said my foot was sore I have run twice. Both times it was very sore afterwards and I've been feeling pretty blue about it. Yesterday, I went to the podiatrist to see what he had to say. First some background on him: he's a 25 time marathoner, Boston qualifier many times over, but got a little bored with just running and now he's an Ironman working to qualify for Worlds (Kona). So yeah, I'm sure he was super impressed with my 4 marathons and 3:54 PR.
He listened to the saga of my foot and we talked about treatment options - one of which was to start cross training with the goal of doing a triathalon. Me, skepitcal (cuz I'm a runner, right?), says "yeah, but I'm a poor swimmer". Him: "Well, then train." Me still obviously skeptical. He got up to leave and then turned and said "I just think it's important for you to start feeling like an athlete again".
He left.
I started crying.
I guess he gets it.
I'm not always the best at expressing my own feelings and reactions, but when he said that it verbalized exactly what I've been feeling for the last 6 months - like I'm losing that "athlete" identity I had worked so hard for. I kind of need to feel like a badass again. And what he said makes sense in that I need a new goal for now to get that feeling back. Fix the head and the foot. So, a triathalon? I'm still not ready to commit, but I am going to look into more cross training (baby steps, right?).
I leave you now to go do my favorite Christmas morning ritual...
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I don't know if I'll be able to get on here in the next few days, but wanted to wish everyone a very HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Hop on over to blog hop at Fitness Health and Happiness to meet up with other fitness minded bloggers!
14 comments:
It's SO helpful to have a runner dr who gets it... even if it's not exactly what you want to hear. What about a duathalon? Then you could skip the swimming! I was not excited about cross training this summer, but ended up loving it and feeling stronger b/c of it. It's still tough to lose a bit of running for a time...
At last. A doctor who understands!
And maybe swimming isn't your thing, but maybe biking could be? Or water aerobics? Or yoga? Or rock climbing? THAT would definitely make you feel like an athlete again! :)
Best of luck with your recovery!
Wow, that brought tears to my eyes too. I have just been dealing with my foot for a couple of weeks and that is how I have been feeling too. Running makes me feel like an athlete and without it, I feel a bit lost :( I can't imagine dealing with it for 6 months or longer for some people. You should do a tri. I am a really poor swimmer too and have been afraid to try a tri. Maybe that should be a new goal?! I planned to do a short run today but my feet still hurt, so I don't know. Have a great day!
Coming from the Friday Fitness Blog Hop!! Wow! What an aha moment! Just what you needed before 2012!! Happy Holidays to you and your family!!
www.lgilifeandfitness.blogspot.com
Wow, that is awesome that he gets it. And I think he is right. I started swimming a few years ago as a way to get a workout in at lunch time and it was hard, but great! My first swim was only 10 mins long, which was strange after running for 3 or 4 or 10 times that! But it really kicks your butt and feels really good! Good luck and Merry Christmas!
I am not a runner anymore (bad knee) nor am I an athlete, but I do enjoy working out, and I know how you feel...at least this week, since I've been under the weather. I am wishing you all the luck in the world cross training for your triathlon, I know you'll do great!
And PS, I LOVE coming home and turning on my Christmas tree and sipping a glass of wine after a long day at work. I agree - very peaceful!
xoxo
OMG I love that story. "I just think it's important for you to start feeling like an athlete again" is perfect for how it feels when physical activity is limited or stopped altogether. I'm writing it down.
I have not doubt, triathalon or whatever you choose you will do whatever it takes to feel like an athlete again.
We have the same morning ritual :)
Happy holidays Kathy.
Awesome that your doctor 'gets it'. Good luck with the treatment.
Enjoy Christmas, your coffee moment sounds lovely. I hope it's a wonderful celebration.
Hope the treatment goes well for you Kathy! Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy that cup of coffee in the morning!
I feel for ya sister! I went through the same sort of thing this past summer. I love what Doc said as well. So true. I remember the feeling I had when I first starting road cycling. I felt like a kid again. I love it! Here's to hoping that swimming will give you that much needed feeling. Merry Christmas! Now I want coffee......LOL
Boy o boy, did he nail it or what? Wow. I can so understand that feeling... and you know I do. Cross-training will benefit you no matter what direction you take. I hope you enjoy a lovely Christmas :)
Aw, I know exactly how you feel about not feeling like a athlete part. Now that my speed has slowed a little since my my injuries it took me a looong time to accept that even in my new state I am STILL a runner. And So are you. You are STILL ar RUNNER, an ATHLETE and a BADASS!
What a great story! Happy Holidays! Hopping by from the FF blog hop.
Great story, sounds like you have an awesome Doc. Last year I had knee issues about the time my youngest just turned one, i still had baby fat to lose but couldnt do much with my knee. I was depressed and upset when talking to my doc.....she said I needed to get emotional help and that she couldn't help me! I was so upset to hear a female sports med doctor say that! anyhow, I got physical therapy on my knee and recovered and everytime I worked out I thought of that nasty comment the doc said. Okay I'm rambling.
Visiting from FFblog hop! Hope your foot feels better and Happy Holidays! :)
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