Thursday, October 9, 2008

Stop Running, Seriously?

So, as some of you may remember, I pulled a calf muscle a few weeks back while running and I've been struggling ever since. Well, I've been pushing through because I've only got around 3 weeks left till my half marathon (my 1st one ever)... Yesterday I could barely walk. I ran an awesome 5 miles Tuesday night, but when I woke up Wednesday - I was sure that something major was wrong. And there was/is. I've had really bad shin splints for a while now and they've not gotten better (because, I push through instead of laying off). I went to the Dr yesterday and he informed me that my leg muscles are so swollen right now that they're pinching my nerves - and that's why it hurts so bad and my toes are going numb. I'm dead serious when I say that I couldn't walk yesterday. I walked slower than a senior citizen who has a walker. Seriously. So, what's wrong you say?

I have the beginnings of Compartment Syndrome and had I not went in yesterday...had I waited, he would've had to cut open my legs to release the pressure and/or I could've lost my legs due to cell death. That's super scary! Now, the bright side to all of this is... He knows that I want to run this half marathon badly. He knows that as soon as I "feel" better that I'm going to start running again...So he told me to lay off the running for a few days - till atleast Sunday, use a heating pad as much as possible, take hot baths, elevate my legs as much as possible, and gave me a HUGE dose of steroids to take for a week. If I do all of this, I should be fine. I can run my half marathon - maybe even train some (just not as much) and then after the half - don't run for a good month. I'm okay with that. I just want to finish this race. Bad. This race means a tremendous amount to me - it's THE highest physical goal that I have EVER had. I didn't play sports as a child - I have a heart condition and was told that I would die if I did play. My parents were really protective of me...So this is huge for me. This is for me, it's MINE. So, yes I will run that half... and yes, I might have to walk a tremendous amount..but it will be worth it - for me.

Just please pray that my legs heal super quick and that I can do this half marathon and put it behind me. I really want that finisher's medal.

4 comments:

Brandi said...

I really hate to hear this! I would have cried when they said they were going to cut my legs open. Take some time to definitely rest so you can finish the half. It's just two weeks away and then your legs can get the rest they so deserve! I totally understand how you feel about running and being told you have to stop, it's just unheard of!!! :D

Dawn said...

Oh wow!! Interesting. I have never heard of this. At least you know what it is and how to make it better. I know how important this race is to you b/c mine was equally as important to me. Just take it slow, it doesn't matter how long it takes you to cross the finish line as long as you do.

amy (metz) walker said...

Oh girl! Listen to your body...

The Catons said...

so glad you went to the doc and he caught it in time!!!