I’ve been struggling with a running injury for over a month now. After seeing a chiropractor, an acupuncturist and finally a sport’s physician, I got my diagnosis today (after an hour and half of a body numbing MRI). I have a stress fracture in my left sacrum. This is a very hard place to break. I am off running on land for at least 6 weeks. I am not able to run Grandma’s Marathon and might not be able to run the Pikes Peak Ascent in August.
I am frustrated. This is the second stress fracture in 2 years. After talking at length with my running coach, I am taking a step back and reevaluating everything. I am meeting with a registered dietitian. I am spending all my time in the pool and bike. And I’m having to confront the reality of trying to do too much at one time.
I hope to look back at this time and see the path of where this injury took me. Maybe a new career path? Maybe preparing us for our daughter’s arrival? Maybe a new sport? It is very humbling to be brought to a complete halt from something you love. I am having to learn how to release my stress in new ways. And I’m having to have patience and let my body heal itself.
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Hang in there! My dad was just recently told to just go walking for 8 weeks while a disc injury in his back heals. He’s been running 6-8 miles a day for over 30 years and he too has been in training for future races. (And the Pikes Peak was always his favorite!)