Not the news I wanted ....

[linda9389]

... but it's no surprise. Yep, it's a stress fracture of the second metatarsal. I now get referred to the fracture dept of our local hospital and should get an appt in 2-3 weeks. I first went to the GP and x-ray dept of our local hospital a full 6 weeks ago! I could cry. Or scream and shout. Or just lie on the floor kicking my legs. But there's no one here to take any notice, so I'm going to go out for a ride instead (I double checked again on the phone that that's OK), then when I get home it is now definitely time to cancel the 10k and HM I have booked 😭😭😭😭😭. Take care folks.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I am so sorry xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Me too! Once these races are cancelled I will probably feel better. I'll delete all the lines out of my training calendar and enjoy each ride for what it is, rather than begrudging it for what it should have been - hopefully. I'm very lucky it's a perfect time of year for cycling. I might just have been looking at Duathlons last night 🤣🤣🤣.

Would have to be a 'fun' one where an old hybrid bike and no bike kit would be acceptable though

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Sounds like a plan! My bike's an old hybrid 😄😄😄

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Ah, but does yours have suspension? I REALLY wish mine had suspension 🤣

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

It actually does! Although I can't say it helps much 😣😄

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

😏

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

Oh Linda. I am so sorry to hear this. Must be really frustrating that it has taken so long to get this diagnosis too. Our poor old NHS, it's great, but so slow and creaky. I do wish you a speedy healing for your poorly foot. I know it is cold comfort, as you love to run and had races booked, but you will be able to maintain fitness with regular cycling – at least you have that for now. And you will run again; this is just a blip. I am so proud of you for getting out there on your bike after hearing this unwelcome news. Good lass. Stay strong. xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie. I need to learn to be more assertive! If I had pushed at the start for what I thought I needed, I might have been four weeks ahead in the recovery process, so I guess I'm partly to blame. Luckily I'm enjoying the cycling - but think I may just have to spend some money on padded shorts before it's too late 😏

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Easier said than done sometimes, so don’t beat yourself up. Now you are moving forward in the recovery process, so that’s the thing to focus on if you can. And please do get some padded shorts - saddle soreness is a bummer! 😂 Big hug to you. x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Saddle soreness is a bummer - no pun intended 🤣🤣🤣

[LittleNell83]

I am sorry Linda I know how hopeful you were to get out soon.

Enjoy the bike rides and you can do some upper body work and leg strengthening so when you are ready your body is in prime condition.

I hope to see lots of bike adventures

Nell

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to LittleNell83]

Thanks. The cycling is fun and is getting me out and about in the fresh air. It's not the same, but it's a good second best at this time of year. I've dipped my toe in the waters of 'seated cardio' videos this week - interesting stuff, though I must look quite ridiculous Hopefully I can find the motivation to keep that up to supplement the cycling (when no-one is looking) 😂

[C3PO Marathon]

So sorry to hear this. It's so frustrating when the health services don't prioritize this sort of injury.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Thanks. To be honest several of my NHS visits in this sorry saga have been pretty poor (especially the Physio who told me to do heel raises on my toes to stretch out my calves to ease any Plantar Fascia problems - in contrast to the last two physios who both told me not to walk without crutches or a boot!). It seems there's been a total lack of understanding of a stress fracture. I really wish I'd been more vocal in the first week - if I'd pushed harder maybe I'd have got a referral and MRI sooner. Hey ho, water under the bridge now, but maybe a lesson learned for the future. They also all seem to think you can just 'rest' and stay off your feet for 6 weeks - they must all live a very different life to mine 😂😂😂

[Hidden]

Oh dear, poor you. I am really sorry x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen. It sucks! But there are far worse things that can happen and at least it's lovely weather for cycling

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

I am so sorry to read this Linda - and what a pain (literally) that you have had to wait so long to find out the cause of the problem...so frustrating!😩

BUT - now you know and the journey back begins. I have absolutely no doubt that you will be back out there pounding the streets and trails just as soon as you are better. Take care and healing vibes coming your way!x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you. I will, I will. It's my new mantra - I will run again!

[Biddy62 Half Marathon]

So sorry to hear this. Hope it doesn’t take too long to mend. Well done for a positive approach and keeping your fitness up. I think I’d throw a tantrum and give in 😬🤪

Look forward to hearing you’re back in the game 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Biddy62]

Thank you. I've thrown a few and I daresay there may be more yet! I've never been this fit, ever, in my entire life - I really don't want to lose that, so hopefully my motivation will stay strong.

[Biddy62 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I’m sure it will. You must be very disappointed about the races but you seem a determined woman 😉 so I have great faith in you. Keep us all posted 👍🏻😊

[Hidden]

So so sorry. I know how badly you wanted to do it - and having cancelled a 10k race and one of my two half marathons, I have some idea of how you feel. It’s probably not much help, but this will pass and you will be able to pick up those races another time. Can you defer? By the time your appointment comes round, the fracture will probably be healed anyway xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flick. Yes, you've had the exact same problem haven't you - but you're back and will be my inspiration. I will experience the Oxford HM through you I can get a full refund on the 10k, and I will ask to defer the Oxford HM to next year - shame I was too mean to buy the protection insurance that would've let me get a refund 🙂. I've deleted the training from my plan - no more daily torture 😀. You're right, it will pass. And, as I keep repeating - I will run again!

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

You WILL run again 😊 And you can do Oxford next year. I shall do Blenheim next year all paid for. All is not lost, just deferred till later 🏃‍♀️

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

That's incredibly frustrating! So awful for you. The only up side is you've been healing whilst in the boot so you are actually on the right path, by the time you get to see the right person you'll be nearly there!🙄

Meanwhile the bike and chair cardio are great cross training 👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I'm really hoping so too! The weeks have started to tick by. Hopefully I'll be more likely to cycle now for cross training - I'm less sure about the chair cardio though 🤣🤣🤣. I'm also getting some ideas for new running routes too. I've always avoided running along lanes because of safety, but I'm sure I could throw myself into the side much more safely from a standing position than I could from my bike if a car decides to speed along too close to me. I do worry about being vulnerable on my bike, and more than once have considered how ironic it would be if I ended up in hospital with broken arms and legs 🙄

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

I know exactly what you mean. I have had to dodge the odd idiot driver, but yes I do feel less vulnerable than on the bike.

You'll be full of new ideas when the time comes round 👍🏻😉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Cycling does feel very dangerous to me! I'm generally quite risk-averse and speeding along over pot holes and loose stones whilst playing hide and seek with trucks, white vans, 4x4s and audi/merc/bmw speed merchants doesn't come very naturally. I quickly found that strava was unimpressed by my braking on the downhill sections and, if segments are to be believed, no-one else ever bothers with them 🤣

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

I avoid roads wherever possible and use bridleways and off road tracks. Much less stressful. Segments are for glory hunters (That's what I tell myself!) 🤣

[misswobble Marathon]

Oh eck ☹️ It’s bad news for sure but if you get referred to nhs physio then you can sort it with exercises, so don’t be downhearted Do you know for sure you can cycle. Have you tried it yet? I couldn’t as it was just too painful to down pedal. I took it up further down the line as I got much better I used the non weight bearing gym equipment in the local park 🙂

Good luck. Keep us posted 💪👍🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Ooh have you had one too? I couldn't have cycled initially, but it's over six weeks now since it happened. I find it OK especially in the boot (I look ridiculous), and tend to put pressure through my heel of that foot rather than the ball of the foot. I've checked with every NHS person I've spoken to, and they all say it's OK so long as no pain or swelling.To be honest, I won't do anything that causes pain to it because I immediately visualise that as me undoing any healing that may already have taken place! I have to say the cycling is the only thing that has kept me sane over the last three or four weeks.

[Sarumar in reply to linda9389]

Hi Linda, I don’t post or comment much on HU these days, but your post resonated with me and I have so much sympathy for you.

I’ve had two stress fractures of the second metatarsal in a year and I just wanted to caution you about cycling. I think I delayed healing the first time by trying to keep fit in other ways. Like you I also did a lot of cycling (having been reassured it was ok to do so) but on reflection I think it was irritating the stress fracture despite using my heel rather than my forefoot on the pedal. The second time I have completely rested as far as possible and it has settled far more quickly. The first fracture I was out of running for over three months, this time it’s been about six/seven weeks.

The other thing is to make sure you identify why the fracture has happened. I’m currently waiting for an appointment for a DEXA scan to check my bone density (I’m 54) so make sure you ask about that at fracture clinic. I’ve also seen a sports podiatrist for a biomechanics assessment and have been fitted with orthotics to lift pressure away from that area of my foot.

I’m now back running again for a second time and am just trying to build up slowly and steadily.

Sending you much love and wishes for a speedy recovery and return to running, I feel your frustration in your post and empathise in every way - you will get there!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sarumar]

Thank you for replying. It's good to know you're back out there. I'm not sure I could cope without the cycling though, it really did help pick me up. Unfortunately I'm a self employed gardener, so am on my feet all day. I know that is going to slow healing, even in the boot. But short of losing all my clients, I'm not sure what I can do about it. I've also wondered about how I can prevent it happening again as I don't think I've broken any of the obvious rules to get to this point (though I think I would stop running immediately if I were to feel foot pain of any sort again, hopefully at reaction stage rather than push on to fracture stage!). The main point I will take from your post for this stage in my emotional journey is that despite two stress fractures you are still running. Thank you for that. I do hope your DEXA scan shows no problems and your orthotics are the solution. Good luck and thanks again for sharing your experience 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I had a lot of inflammation and at times the pain was really bad. I took anti-inflammatory medication, and even made smoothies, using a Scott Jurek recipe it was very nice actually 😋. Once the inflammation had subsided it was such a relief 🙂.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Just looked it up - is that the Strawburst one? sounds yummy!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yup strawberry and mango , amongst other things I made three glasses from the recipe. Two for the day and one for the following morning. I got the pea protein sachet stuck to a free magazine in a dump bin in Holland and Barratt. What a find 🙂. It’s like buying money that stuff 🤨.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

😂😂😂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Oh no! Hope it heels quickly Linda, frustrating for you but sound like youre staying positive xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you. I've had positively not positive moments! Running is what keeps me positive at the end of the day, but cycling is helping enormously - not to mention all the support and positivity here, where everyone 'gets' what it means to be laid up for a long while

[Decker Ultramarathon]

That is frustrating news Linda. I’m so sorry to hear it. Hope you heal up soon. At least you know exactly what you are dealing with now. Good luck with recovery

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker. For once I really want time to pass quickly!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Nooo Linda. 😭😭 How lucky you have your bike to keep you ticking over. Just keep your pecker up, keep checking in on here to keep us posted with your progress and before you know it you’ll be taking tentative baby steps back running again. It’ll take as long as it takes, but it will happen. In the meantime we’ll all be here for you. ❤️

Stay positive, running is here forever and your next one is happy to wait for you. 🏃‍♀️😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks Cheeky. I'm certainly looking forward to that first run 🙂. Patience, patience 😀

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon]

So sorry to read this Linda! What a bummer 😣 And to have to cancel your races, very sad. But as you say, are least you know for sure now and can stop torturing yourself! I still have all my planned races pencilled in my diary and keep crossing them out as I come to them - why I don't just rub them out is anyone's guess!

Hope your appointment comes through soon and you can start planning your comeback 💪 I the meanwhile, enjoy your cycling and take care out there! xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

I know/feel exactly why you don't rub them out! It's wanting to hang on to that last thread of hope isn't it. My hopes were finally dashed yesterday and I had to stop kidding myself, denial was no longer an option 😀. I'm watching your progress very closely, imagining every run, and imagining that will be me at some point this year. Hope the niggle yesterday hasn't developed in any way. I'm rooting for you 🙂

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Aw thanks Linda! No the niggles only lasted a second or two thankfully, although they do make me nervous! Yes I'm sure you will be back on track later this year. Fingers crossed for you xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Fabulous! I was a bit nervous 😀. The anxiety only needs a few more positive runs to help it fade 🙂

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

So sorry for you xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you CP2. Much appreciated.

[Colinsmith Half Marathon]

So sorry to hear that Linda - massively frustrating for you. You’ll be back though, and you’re going great guns with the cycling when it would be so easy just to sit back and mope.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Colinsmith]

Thanks. Let's hope my enthusiasm continues

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Having worked for the NHS for 30 years until I retired last year, I find it incredibly sad and frustrating that people so often get such poor care, such conflicting advice and lack of understanding. My hubby had an op for osteoarthritis in his big toe and they set it too far from his other toes. Consultant’s suggestion “Buy a different sized shoe for that foot” 😫😤 He had it done again by somebody else! Hopefully you are now on the mend and can keep active and keep working without doing any more harm until normal service can resume. Look after yourself x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Oh my goodness! Your poor hubbie.

I know the NHS is full of people working incredibly hard, with very stretched resources, and (mostly) a huge desire to do their very best for people. But sometimes things just don't go as well as they should. The young, keen physio at our GP practice seems to have made a pretty clear mistake and the initial xray technician was a bully; but the main problem is the difficulty in getting appointments, particularly at the GP which of course is the start point in the process.

It's going to take time, regardless, but I'm still struggling to come to terms with the wasted four weeks 😡

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I know, wait weeks to see a GP or clog up A&E for hours! Just having and taking time to listen would help as well! Don’t feel too down. At least the weather might have cooled down a bit by the time you’re back running 😃

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Ugh! I'm so sorry to hear this Linda but the positive side is that you now have a diagnosis and can now work on what needs to be done to finally heal. Take care of yourself. You'll be back, stronger than ever, hopefully sooner rather than later.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask. I feel very determined right now, and having cancelled my races there isn't the same feeling of desperation at how long it will take either

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Sooo sorry Linda, I do hope that you aren’t on the IC too long. That’s a good excuse to watch Wimbledon on the tv if you need it. 🎾

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Haha. Sadly tennis is really not my thing (I associate Wimbledon with my first born's birthday - it was on in the maternity ward - other than that it passes me by) ... candy crush is going well though 🤣🤣🤣

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Now that is addictive 😂😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I'm addicted! I confess I'm one of those people waiting for new levels on a Wednesday - I've invested a lot of time into this addiction over the years (and I was a latecomer too) 🤣🤣🤣. Looking forward to the level 5000 celebrations at the end of the week. Not sure this is the right place for such a frank confession 🙈

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I delete it every now and then so I don’t get drawn in 😂😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

🤣🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator]

No words...except.. I missed this and for that I am so sorry ...Huge Hug...for what it is worth.xxxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

No worries, but thank you hugs and sympathy are keeping me going. Races cancelled. Training plan wiped. Time pressure now off. Just patience, cycling and crazy seated workouts 🤣. Oh, and sharing everyone else's runs of course ... Hope your achilles is still behaving well ✌

[over61andstilltrying 10 Miles]

Hello Linda, I am so very sorry to read that you are unable to run at the moment.😢 Also so sorry the time that it is all taking. How you mange to garden, I can not imagine. Take care. Here is a big bunch of flowers for you. 🌹🌸🌺🌼🌻🌷💐

I do hope that from now on you get really helpful medical folk to help you in the best way possible. I fractured my pelvis a while back, must be about 8 years ago now. Crumbs! Where does the time go? I fell off my bicycle on ice, on the way to work. I found it very strange indeed not being able to walk a single step! Having said that I was quite a whizz with crutches. It is amazing how our bodies heal. I think I took my first step four weeks later. I remember asking the GP how will I know that I can walk and he said that I'll just know! And I did.

Here's hoping you heal well and soon. As I have heard it said many times the runs will be waiting for you. I have enjoyed reading of your progress and enthusiasm and am already looking forward to reading about your running post ic.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Ahh, thank you lovely. Gardening isn't great to be honest, I'm sure it will slow the whole process down. I'm trying to reduce my hours where I can so there is less weight bearing and more rest.

A fractured pelvis sounds hideous! That must be very difficult to immobilise (or to have immobilised) while you're healing. Good to hear you came through it and that it hasn't stood in the way of your running.

Now I've got confirmation of my cancelled races, and have deleted the HM training plan I had in my calendar, I do feel more philopsophical about the uninvited delay. I have an appointment at a fracture clinic (miles from home) on 15th July, so not too long of a wait now. Will hopefully have a better idea of healing and future plans after that (although I've though that before several appts but just seem to get referred on somewhere else without anyone mentioning the future!!!).

[over61andstilltrying 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

I hope that your gardening clients are understanding. My fracture was on the thin bone at the back of my pelvis, not on the large basin shaped part. I found that the pain if I carried out certain movements was so excruciating that I would only experience for a fraction of a second as I would somehow get out of the position that caused pain as fast as possible. I just learnt to do lots of things differently. It was an early December injury, so at least the garden didn't need me.

Here are some more flowers just incase the first ones are wilting 💐💐💐