Michele and I celebrating a learning curve during Labor Day weekend with George looking on!Just a quick little update.
George and Mama Grey and the rest of my family are doing great. George and I spent Labor Day weekend hanging out with Ron and Michele-my brother and sister-in-law. We rented a cabin in North Georgia and paddled and I walked alot and rode my bike and evenings found us cooking, eating and having more fun together. Awesome!
I am riding my bike and walking and doing some running. What I thought back in July to be tendinitis may be more complicated. For over 40 days I did not run. Then I thought I’d go stir crazy and finally made an appt to see my doctor again.
Even my doc, upon hearing my report of a non-running lifestyle still seemed to be puzzled about the persistent inflammation of my joint and tibia above. Perhaps it just needs a shot of steroids to bring down the swelling all at once…or perhaps there is another underlying condition?
I have an MRI scheduled for 9/21. Four days ago I started taking Celebrex-samples doc gave me and I certainly improving and have even done an 11-mile run and 5 and then 6 mile run without ill effect since starting on the medicine. Only problem is my insurance won’t cover it. (Despite it being the only anti inflammatory that has EVER helped any soft tissue injury I’ve had!) Sooo…doc is going to go to bat for me with insurance and in the meantime I have 4 more days of samples and since I have a prescription, I may be able to order the generic for a reasonable amount from Canada?
Certainly this lingering injury has been frustrating. And it is causing me to really do reflection and soul searching. I love ultra running and don’t want to quit…yet for 2 years in a row I have run into mysterious body mechanicals… and I vow to discover what in my psyche and / or physical composition is causing these issues?
This fall I plan to take some swimming lessons in Boone. I want to do some triathlons next year… I think having a couple of those scheduled will force me into cross training!
I also am beginning to accept I need to create a lifestyle overhaul-mostly around the idea of stress reduction and change of diet to be more attentive to quality of foods rather than ease of preparation. Think switch from Diet Mtn Dew, red wine, 3 musketeer bars and pb &j sandwiches to more quality food. None of the before mentioned items need to “go”…yet quantities reduced to make room for quality calories and nutrition. There is a Weight Watchers group starting where I work. For a bit I’d been considering joining as the structure and membership dues might help keep me accountable to a healthy diet overhaul…yet since I am already at my “target weight” according to their charts, I don’t think I’d be allowed.
Plans for me race directing the 2nd annual New River Trail 50k on 10/10/09 are full tilt boogie. 107 registered runners as of this evening.
My focus now is climbing out of my silly funk and educating myself future about my body and doing good things and spending time with good people and hopefully helping some of the young people at the high school where I work. Annette has climbed out of her cave and has the courage for whatever comes next!
8 comments:
Glad you are out of the cave, Annettey! It sounds like you have done a great deal of quality reflection and setting of priorities...time with family, friends and good health are the most important things we can give ourselves. I am glad to know that you are also considering tris---a very healthy, relatively "balanced" lifestyle move though it also has tendencies for over doing...I am a refuge from the tri trenches and those years racing were really fun. I will be thinking of you as you direct your awesome race (my friend Emily Whitworth is running---tell her hi for me :-). Hope our paths in the woods cross soon. I am sending you healing thoughts.
xoxox
Well, well - there you are :) YOU are an amazing person and one of the finest people I've met in the sport. You'll kick this thing - I'm sure of it. Tons of mountains, trails, streams, hills, rocks, roots, mud, critters, and races await your return to ultra running.
Best of luck with your race - wish I could make it down from Vermont. I had a blast last year helping out.
Cheers,
Mike
Annette, I don't think you have been in a cave, but you have been very active in other things. You are an active and focussed lady. I remember the play you were involved in last year. You had a ball and I know it brought back so many memories from your New York years. Our entire lives involve change and different interests and you have certainly adapted to those changes. I know you sometimes feel forced into changes due to injury, but you will find the answers to your continual injury. Give it some time and be patient with yourself and your body. We all certainly miss seeing you as the runner, but more we miss seeing you as the person. I will get to see that person in a few weeks at New River and I look so forward to it. Speaking of your race, things are moving along and participation seems to be better than last year. You are making a name for yourself as a race director and you certainly deserve that. Keep your chin up and I hope the MRI next week gives you some answers. I hope you are a better swimmer than I am. I am like a lead weight going through the water. See you soon, Rick
Annette,
I've been battling crazy things lately too; ultra's are hard and take a lot of you; some people can endure them like crazy, but when you add up work stress, life stress, and physical stress (running, yard work, house work) it adds up and some of our bodies just break, period. You've had a good year of running; heal up and you'll be back out there.
I too looked into changing my lifestyle more - I decided to hire a nutritionist; it's been paying off huge for me! http://eatingandlivinghealthy.com/
Meredith has worked with Kevin Sullivan (top 5 at WS 100 this year) and Jamie Donaldson. She has made a difference with me and I feel stronger and recover much better than before. See at NR 50k if I stay healthy!
Nick Whited
Glad to see your post. I've been wondering about your status. As a "recovered" endurance runner I understand the conflict. Best wishes to you in your recovery and future!
Thank you so much friends for your support and information.This week I went to the library and in addition to my usual " books on CD", checked out a couple on inflammation and good nutrician..I know this stuff-yet need a kick in the butt! Being on ultrarunning "hold" has me chomping at the bit-yet, just beneath, I know there are opportunities in all of this! (After all-I don't believe all this stuff just happened. I believe we in most cases we create our own realities based on the experiences we need to become more of who we really are.) I am passionate, sometimes narrow minded and impatient soul, and that's what really gets in the way! Thank you so very much for the welcome encouragement!
Now that is the Annette we all know and love. You are strong and wise and you will find the answers. Rick
Annette,
Good to read from you. I look forward to possibly seeing you at your NR50K. I hear great things and dad and I will probably be putting in a late registration here soon. Be well!
-Matt
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