Still on the IC but mending

[JoP61]

Well the foot is definitely broken - fracture clinic confirmed this week. But no plaster required (yeah!) and they want me to try walking without the big boot (apparently, fears about blood clots, etc). It actually feels a bit better today, like the pain is a good, mending pain, instead of the sick, horrible pain. (Does that make any sense?)

I can't pretend that this injury hasn't hit me hard, and I'm feeling low because I can't run or do much of anything except hobble about. However, Wimborne encouraged me to keep posting about the injury, so here I am.

Am planning to do C25K again when I'm fit, with Michael Johnson this time. Can't wait!

Hope you are all enjoying your running and keeping safe. Back soon. 😀👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Ok... that’s not a great diagnosis, but what is great is your thinking... yes it sucks, but you’re already planning the comeback... MJ is a legend and if he wasn’t then he wouldn’t be worthy. I hope he’s ready to get his ass kicked!

My advice would be to google seated cardio to find some videos that will help you keep the fitness up while you can’t run and make it that little bit easier on the comeback.

I’m with Wimborne... keep posting... we got you injured just like we do when running.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement! I had been wondering about exercise so will follow up your suggestions.

Before I did C25K I would have retreated into depression following this injury, but I've decided I need to look ahead at the positives and make a plan! Looking forward to kicking MJ's ass! (I think). 🤣🤣👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Just play the videos before you do one... some have leg work you may not be able to do, but most will be fine. Some of them are tough... but you can beat tough, you’re a runner!

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I love that you think I might be tough! Determined to have a go now. 👍👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Anyone who gets through W1R1 of C25K has an inner tough... and you’ve done far more than that... you can do anything you set your mind to with progression and effort. Enjoy keeping the cardio fitness up.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I definitely will - thanks. 💪

[limberlou Graduate10]

I know how you feel!! A year ago on the 30th I fell ( whilst walking !! Not even running!!) and sprained and fractured my ankle. I was told no running for at least 12 weeks and I was devastated. I’d just completed B210k and was running every other day and loving it.

At first I was so upset I posted on here to say I wouldn’t be on for a while as it was upsetting me to see all the runs posted when I could only hobble. Then I had so many messages of support from so many people on here that I posted my recovery journey instead. I had to wear a boot for 6 weeks and try not to weight bear for 2 whole weeks but during that time I went onto RaceatMyPace and set myself a target to walk 50 miles during July as part of my recovery. I ended up exceeding this and changing my goal to 75 miles and got a lovely medal to celebrate it. Then I pledged to walk 75 in August and managed 100 miles instead.

I ordered some arnica pillules from Amazon and took those throughout and also bought arnica gel and rubbed into my ankle several times a day. I also bought a wobble board to strengthen my ankle and kept up with lots of Pilates exercises to strengthen it while it healed.

I walked where I usually run, I picked pounds of blackberries and rose hips and made pies, crumbles and cordials. And I was probably fitter by the time I could run again than I was before my fall.

And keeping positive really helped. Keep checking in with this site and you’ll get lots of advice and support. Good luck!!

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Thank you so much for the support. You had an awesome recovery plan - I hope I can emulate that in some small way. How does arnica help? Would be very interested to know.

Happy running! 😀👍

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I’m not sure but both my dr and my sports masseuse were amazed at how quickly and well I healed. Once I could walk on the foot without the boot (6weeks) my masseuse worked on my glutes and calf muscles - which had taken a caning during my hobbling about and also underneath my injured foot and loosened up scar tissue which made it so much easier to walk on it. Well worth the money for the massage

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Sounds good. Will investigate the arnica.

I found a good physio recently when I had a bad back so perhaps she can help get my muscles into shape when I'm getting back on my feet. 👍🏃‍♀️

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Being currently booted too I can resonate with this. I've been cycling instead of running and have just got my highest distance of the year for my June virtual medal 😀. I hadn't thought of massage to loosen up/straighten out all the lopsided hobbling damage, but I'll get on to that - thanks for a great tip. Your story is an inspiration 😍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh that’s such a shame. But whilst it’s still not great, I’m pretty sure you’ll heal quicker with a broken bone - and heal stronger - than if you’d torn a tendon/ligament. So hang in there, and look forward to your date with Michael some time later this summer! 🤞😀

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheeky! I'm hoping you're right. My brother-in-law snapped his achilles tendon and had to wear the big boot for 3 months!

Looking forward to running again in August, hopefully. Will be interesting to see how I cope with C25K second time round. Happy running! 👍👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Keeping everything crossed for you! 🤞🤞🤞

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Yeah I started up with C25k again when I started back - then a few 30 min runs then back to B210k again. Easier second time round 😁

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Let's hope I don't lose all my fitness - hopefully not! 😀💪

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I'm guessing it will be easier 2nd time round... I hope so

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

That’s a pain (literally). Have you thought about taking up the cello while you can’t run? 😁🎵

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Hmmm....the cello. Anyone who has heard me trying to play the piano would probably discourage you from making that suggestion! However, I will have to think of something constructive to do whilst I'm on the IC. Hope your running is going well. 👍👍😀

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I've got a chest cold so haven't been running. I'm hoping to feel up to it tomorrow...

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

How annoying. Hope you feel better tomorrow and can get out for a run. My only (small) consolation at the moment is that I don't like running in the heat. However, I would rather be running and hot than be on the IC! Get well soon. 🤧

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Note my avatar 😀

It really sucks doesn't it! Was into my 5th week post injury before I finally found an NHS person who really looked and listened, so 4 weeks of potential recovery were wasted. That bit sent me to a dark place but this week I feel more positive. Ive been booted for a week and a half and have an MRI this weekend. I'm still desperately hoping it's not a stress fracture but pretty sure it is! So it's seated workouts for me too. I'm lucky in that the physio said I can cycle, so I've rediscovered my bike - hopefully that's keeping my legs going and a bit of cardio too. Patience just isn't my thing, but I'm finding the support on here really helpful. I will follow your progress with interest and genuinely wish you the very, very best speedy healing and positive outcome.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Nice boot! Mine is black, which the nurse said goes with most outfits. 😂😂

Seriously, though, sorry to hear it took so long to get the right attention. At least when I turned my foot it was pretty obvious something major was wrong! I hope your recovery is going really well - I must make an exercise plan as well to keep me going.

Very best of luck with getting back to the running - will be thinking of you, so keep posting. 👍🤞❤

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I had to buy my own boot !!! The NHS advice was no walking until after your MRI 🥺. Buying my own boot was the compromise. As a self-employed gardener it no longer looks like the photo. I already had a plan for HM training. It's very depressing writing 'seated workout' in slots that say 'long run' 😀. There are too many slots where I have recorded 'rest' over the last 6 weeks, but I am trying to turn that around. If you get exercising that will help shame me into action 😍

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Well I feel a bit like you too - I know I should be planning some appropriate exercise, but I haven't quite got round to it yet. The support on here is helping me to actually think about doing something! Good luck with the MRI and your recovery. 😀🤞

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I also got myself a gadget to go on my other shoe which levels you up so you don’t get hip ache( as I did for the first week or so). About £12 on Ebay I think. Called an Evenup Medical Post op Shoe Walker. Worth every penny

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Sounds so useful! I do feel like hop-along Cassidy as I stomp around in the boot! 😂😂

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Oh no!!! Bless you. How awful. Gosh that's hard to cope with.💖🤗

Well I can wholeheartedly recommend Caroline Jordan's hurt foot fitness videos on YouTube to save your sanity although you will want to throttle her at times!🤣 Her positivity is a good tonic too.

Meanwhile don't be a stranger. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery 🤞

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hey JoJo

How lovely to hear from you. Thanks for the tip! I'll give it a go. I have been reminded of when you broke your toe and how crap it was at the time. Things are improving but I'm still hobbling about and it gets a bit wearing after a while.

How are things with you - last time we messaged you'd cracked the HM distance, so have you gone beyond that? I aspire to your achievements!

I will try to keep posting but I am so bad at it. No excuses whilst I'm on the IC!

Take care and happy running. 👍🏃‍♀️😀

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Thank you, I'm doing great. We just got married last Friday, I'm up to 18 miles, just 2 to go to reach my current goal of 20 milers comfortably. Loving the trails, roads not so much. Trying to avoid the nettles but not always winning that one! 🤣

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Woo hoo! Many congratulations on getting spliced! 🥂🥂🎈🎈💕

18 miles is amazing - well done. I haven't run further than 10km - a rather distant memory at the moment!

Will let you know how my recovery goes. Happy running! 👏👏👏🏃‍♀️

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Thank you 💖

Yes, do keep us in the loop. Don't let it get to you too much. Keep smiling because you now have the secret recipe! 😉🤗

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I do?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

You do! Running, steady and regularly = better wellbeing! 👍🏻😉

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

👍👍👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Wimborne]

I had a quick word with Michael and he’s happy to wait for you ...... 😀. So good to read your post as it means you are still with us. It’s mad but after a few weeks time seems to go quicker and every day you will notice a little improvement that keeps you going ... this week I have managed to do a tip toe!!!!!! Every day you get closer to coming back and be excited... just imagine how great our first runs will be.... take care Jo

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

Well I musn't keep him waiting too long! It's funny what you said about little improvements - my foot feels better and stronger today and I actually feel a bit more cheerful!

Oooh, tip toes - you'll be getting your ballet shoes out next!😂😂

Looking forward to that first run but must learn to walk properly first....😀👍

[Wimborne in reply to JoP61]

That’s such good news it’s feeling a little better. I am in tip toe heaven and loving it. It’s my new thing. That first wobbly run will come one day for us. Keep focusing on those little things...still can’t quite manage to point my toe though but give me time and I will be pirouetting 🎭.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

Go Margot!! 🤣🤣

[Wimborne]

How are you doing JoP61 ????

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

Not brilliant, I have to admit. Feeling quite down and a bit isolated, as I've had to cancel various trips, etc, what with not being able to drive. However, I have resolved to do some seated exercise this afternoon, so hopefully a few mini-endorphins will lift my mood! How's the ballet going? 🙂

[Wimborne in reply to JoP61]

Oh bless you. It’s hard going but it will be ok.... it just takes time. I hated not driving and getting to work was a nightmare but it got me out at least. Some weekends I didn’t leave the house at all though. I was on the forum daily just virtually chatting away which helped. Don’t forget each day that passes is another healing day and you are closer to the end than you were yesterday. And the ballet is going well. Now advanced to a bouncy walking trot thing on a treadmill and just think that 3 weeks ago I felt I would never heal but it’s healing faster now than in the beginning. It’s been nearly 9 weeks so stay bright.... you will heal, you will drive, you will do ballet too and you will be back out running ( well bouncy trotting anyway to start with ) just hang on in there 🤗

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

Bouncy trotting sounds like a new thing..... you could start a craze! 😂😂

Just wanted to say thank you so much for asking after me. It's really appreciated. I tried the "hurt foot" workout and gave up after 6 minutes. What a wimp. Feeling very stodgy and stiff. Anyway, will have to sort myself out this week and try to do something purposeful. The foot still hurts but is definitely stronger, so all good in that respect. Happy trotting. 🏃‍♀️❤

[Wimborne in reply to JoP61]

Hi JoP61. How are you doing?? Hope you are healing and managing ok.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

Hey Wimborne

Thanks so much for asking - the foot is healing well and feeling pretty good. No pain or limping. I have managed some yoga and pilates classes, helped by an excellent elasticated support thingy. Am keen to run but am not going to do that until I see the doctor again (10 days to go!).

How are you getting on - still bouncy trotting or have you progressed beyond that? Sounded like you were mending pretty well last time we messaged. Take care. 👍😀

[Wimborne in reply to JoP61]

That’s such good news. I am so pleased and you sound much brighter too. I have progressed to trotting which is good news but not pushing it too much as it swells quite a lot still. And it’s funny the pain I get is up my leg not in the ankle. But we are both on the mend so who could ask for more. Pilates and yoga 🧘‍♀️ sounds great. You will be very stretchy too.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Wimborne]

You're right - I am feeling much more positive. Doing the classes has helped a lot. Am slowly getting bit more stretchy - couldn't believe how stiff and unbendy I felt at first!

Have you had advice from a doctor about when you might be able to run again? Happy trotting - sounds like you're making great progress. 👍