Sunday, July 11, 2021

I'm Broken

The week started off really well with a long run on a beautiful day in the forest preserve. I was eagerly anticipating my upcoming Saturday trail race in Devil's Lake State Park. It's a race I've wanted to run for several years. In this strange year that is 2021, registration just opened up about a month ago. I decided on the 10k distance as a way to check out the race and the trails, which are notoriously hilly. If it went well, I planned on doing the half marathon next year. Heck, I even had a blank recap post waiting in my draft folder. 

You know what they say about making plans, right? 

Once again, all my plans are on hold. Is the universe sending me a message? Or does someone have a Wendy voodoo doll? If so, please remove all the pins because...

Weekly Rundown
Monday: trail run 9 miles
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail run 5.5 miles
Thursday: strength and CrossFit
Friday: 
Saturday: 
Sunday:

Let's start with the positive: I had some really nice trail runs early in the week! Saw more mushrooms, birds, and deer. On Monday, there was a lady walking her dogs and her parrot. So random! I felt really strong on both runs. I focused on pacing myself up the hills and worked on agility over all the tree roots. Just like it did last summer, adding in a 4th day of running has made a big difference in my pacing and endurance. 


On the other hand, I'm starting to think that maybe I need to make adjustments in the way I approach the WODs at CrossFit.

If you follow me on IG or FB, you know that this week, I broke my ankle and foot while coming down from a rope climb. I've done rope climbs many times before, so I felt comfortable with this part of the WOD. The rope was chafing my leg and I attempted to move the rope off of my thigh by adjusting my feet. Instead, I lost the rope and fell about 4 feet from the ground. I don't know what went wrong. I hoped to land on my feet but because I'm not a cat or Simone Biles, I landed on the side of my right foot. I felt a terrible, searing pain like I've never felt ever in my life. 

That split second when you know you're falling and it's not going to end well? It was excruciating. Sammy Jo saw me fall and somehow got me up off the floor and to a bench. Someone got me an ice pack. Everyone went back to the workout and I attempted to get myself back together before heading home. Because of the way I fell, I thought that it was just a sprain. I couldn't stand on it, but not wanting to be dramatic, I hobbled to my car, where I started to sob.

Driving with one foot on the brake and one on the gas, I got myself home. Our street is under construction and there's no access to my driveway. We've been parking 2 blocks away. I knew I couldn't manage the walk, so I parked in front of my house. I painfully hobbled inside and called the construction engineer to let him know. He offered to move my car for me and asked if I wanted him to pick up lunch from McDonald's. I let him move my car but passed on the McDonald's. 

As I laid on the couch, an ice pack on my ankle, intermittently crying, I started to suspect that this wasn't just a sprain. There was bruising and pain on the top of my foot and my inner ankle was also hurting. When my husband got home from work, he fixed me up with my son's old crutches and took me to the ortho immediate care, where I was diagnosed with a foot fracture (proximal 5th metatarsal) and ankle fracture (distal fibula). I saw the xrays and both bones were completely broken. Fortunately, they were 'clean' breaks, I was told, and I was sent home with a walking air cast boot for 4-6 weeks. I couldn't put any weight on my foot, even in the boot, so I used the crutches. That's quite a workout!

I stayed home from work on Friday. My job requires that I spend most of my day on my feet seeing patients and I didn't think I could manage on crutches. As the day went on, I was able to start hobbling around in the boot without the crutches. I took a shower and made myself lunch, resting in between activities. Cocoa kept me company. I received a lot of text messages and phone calls from concerned friends and family which really made me feel good. My neighbor lent me a scooter, which should make it much easier to get around, especially since my car is parked so far away.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what happened on Thursday. When I initially started this post, I thought I was done with CrossFit. With the tendon tear in my wrist and my SIJ dislocation also both occurring related to CrossFit activities, I'm feeling a little nervous about going back. I do love the strength component of the classes. I've always had issues with balancing safety and form while trying to beat the clock during the MetCon portion of the WOD. 

I'm not new to CrossFit and as the years have gone by, I've gotten more confident, pushing my body harder than maybe I should. I'm not ready to walk away from this community and the fun activities that we do there. Scaling the workouts is definitely an option, and I'll have to swallow my pride for that to happen. I did it with running when what I was doing was hurting my body by saying goodbye to marathons and adding run/walk intervals into my training. I can do it at CrossFit too. 

This injury is a great reminder of a mantra from a yoga instructor: Check your ego at the door.

Speaking of Sammy Jo, she came over on Saturday with chocolates and wine--she knows me well--and lots of hugs. We talked about what happened. It's not too often that someone at our gym gets hurt, so when it happens, it makes everyone take a step back and be a little more careful. After a couple of weeks off to recover, I will resume strength training with Sammy Jo. We're going to obviously focus on upper body and core while my leg heals. 

As far as the WODs go, she promised me we can take it slow. And no more rope climbs. Like marathoning, I've been there, done that. 

How was your week? Friends who've had an ankle fracture--Jen, Jessie, and Sam--any advice for crosstraining while in the boot?

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 




59 comments :

  1. Wendy, I am so sorry that this happened to you. It's true that accidents like this don't happen very often but the reality is that they do happen and it could be any one of us at any time.

    I like Sammy Jo's PT of chocolate, wine, and hugs. That's good medicine<3

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    1. Especially because the chocolate is dark chocolate and that is my favorite!!!

      Yeah, I'm kicking myself--or I would if I could--but you are right, accidents happen. Just wish it didn't happen to me.

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  2. Oh nooooooo! I'm so sorry to hear about this. I've only been in a boot for a stress fracture. I found it to be very hot during the summer months! I've never had crutches, but I can imagine it's a challenge. Sending you positive vibes and virtual hugs!

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    1. I've been in the boot a few times for a stress fracture but that was a breeze compared to this. It's just really hard to get around right now. I know it will get better!

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  3. Broken bone soul sister! I posted on your blog about a month ago about tripping & falling while running and breaking my arm. I'm so sorry to hear this. And I totally get the "reassessing my life and fitness plans" thing... I'm still nervous every time I go out running now, and stare obsessively at the ground so I won't trip.

    Since I'm a big expert now (haha... I kid) I can tell you that it heals non-linearly. It didn't feel at all better after the first 2.5 weeks and I was pretty despondent - "will it EVER heal?" - but then it did start to feel better. As my orthopedist said, "broken bones WILL HEAL - it's a certainty". He saw the doubt in my eyes! It feels like an eternity, but it will heal. But I know you're a medical practitioner so you already know this!

    Good luck and I'll be thinking about you and sending you good vibes!

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    1. Thank you so much for your advice...I know it's healing because I don't feel the bones moving against each other anymore--a really creepy icky feeling. But yeah, it hurts. Going to stay home from work for part of the week at least. I can't get my head around limping in and out of exam rooms. We'll see how i feel at the end of the week.

      Taking all the good vibes!!! <3

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  4. I am very very sorry, I hope you get well soon and that these 4-6 weeks pass quickly.
    I broke my femur in 2007 and the surgeon put "a lot of iron" inside my leg that he removed one year later. After a couple of weeks at home I spent the time in the gym: it worked!
    Think positive!

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    1. I am definitely trying to stay positive!!! Right now it's easy--I think as time passes, I'll be getting more impatient. I'm grateful I didn't need surgery--those bones broke straight across. I was feeling them move, but that has stopped, so I assume it means the healing is taking place. My plan is to put the bike in the trainer in a couple of weeks. I'm going to start doing some upper body stuff this week.

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  5. It just pains me to read this. I didn't realize you had fallen from so high off the ground. I'm just reading your answer the Black Knight above - feeling them move? Ewww! That must be such a weird sensation. I'm glad you're not feeling that anymore and sure do hope you heal quickly. You will be back at it before you know it!

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    1. I'm having flashbacks from the fall and it is scary!!! I have a feeling I will be much more hesitant with a lot of my activities when I'm back on my feet.

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    2. Sammy Jo will help you get your confidence back! As PINK says, you're not broken, just bent!

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    3. I hadn't heard that one, so off to check it ou! :)

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  6. I knew I wasn't going to like this post as soon as I read your title. Wendy, I am so sorry this happened to you! I've had some really bad falls while running, but have not broken any bones. Didn't you do some pool running years ago? Not sure what your pool access is now, but that might be a good place to start when the boot comes off. It definitely helped with my sprained ankle a few years ago.

    Take care and ease back in to the things!

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    1. Pool running is definitely on my comeback list, once I'm pain free. It's amazing, right now even taking a shower feels like a workout.

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  7. Oh, Wendy, I am so sorry that this happened to you. I hope that you're no longer in pain and that the healing process goes smoothly and quickly. Sending virtual hugs your way!

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    1. Still having pain with movement, but it is definitely improving. I will take those virtual hugs!

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  8. Oh holy ouch! I can imagine (but then again, I really can't) how scary that must have been. I do know how frustrating it is, though, to have one's summer/fall plans totally upended with no warning. Hopefully things will heal well, but in the mean time it will be a great opportunity to focus on other fitness endeavors -->upper-body strength for the win ;-)

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    1. Yep, I know you get it. I'm only glad that if it had to happen, it is when I had a planned 2 weeks time out of the office. Funny how things work.

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  9. I'm so sorry Wendy. I know what its like to break bones and deal with crutches. Its really hard. Not sure if you were reading my blog back when I broke my leg in 2018, but I went through a pretty dark time. I hated not being able to take care of myself, my house, my pets, etc. I tried to be as active as I could, swimming, doing upper body strength etc. You will get through this. Here to vent if you ever need anyone!

    It does sound like you're doing the right thing by re-evaluating the WOD to ensure you aren't injured again. That sounds like such a painful fall- I can't believe you drove yourself home and even hobbled around at all! You are TOUGH.

    Thinking of you and sending healing vibes.

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    1. I remembered when you broke your ankle and thought of you when I wrote this post. I'm mad at myself for letting it happen and mad in general. I know you get it. <3

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  10. Oh Wendy I am so sorry! When I saw the photo of you on crutches on IG I gasped. I hope that the pain is starting to subside. I wished we lived closer, I would bring wine...lots of wine. I'm sending you a ton of hugs!

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    1. I wish we lived closer too, and not just for the offer of wine, lol! It's hurting less but it is so hard to get around!

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  11. Oh sister, doesn't this just stink? Your situation is bringing back last year's broken foot for me :(

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    1. I hope I'm not triggering any PTSD for anyone! Yeah, I am not happy with this. At all.

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  12. I am so very sorry that this happened to you. I know it's just devastating. I have not had that type of break but have had stress fracture. I biked and swam a lot during my recovery.Summer is a good time for swimming. One thing I do know about you is that you are strong both mentally and physically. This will not break you. You will be back and stronger. I just know it!

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    1. I appreciate your faith in me, lol!!! I am already missing my activities. I'll be home this week from work, so I'm going to try to at least do a little strength work. This was a scary accident and I'll be much more cautious from now on.

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  13. I was so sorry to see this, so horrible. And that slow-mo thing is excruciating - I remember that from when I fell over that dog and cracked my ribs. I love the scooter, brilliant that you could borrow that. And so lovely of Sammy Jo to come over to see you and bring gifts. It is hard to say goodbye to things but I know you're too sensible to push it and hurt yourself and I'm confident Sammy Jo and you will work out stuff to try. I know I'm awful at doing things to a time limit and am not trying that again as I lose my form, that's why I'm enjoying doing Peleton stuff on their app. Take care and heal soon!

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  14. I'm so sorry this happened to you! I know it must be SO frustrating. I am terrified of seriously injuring something in my lower body because i really don't know how I would function. But you are strong and will get through this! I hope the pain is getting better and that you are enjoying your wine and chocolate.

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  15. Nooooooooo!!! I'm SO SORRY to hear this! This absolutely sucks... BUT... I think breaking the bones was better than a bad sprain. Bones heal fairly quickly (and simply) but soft tissue injuries can have all sorts of weird, lingering complications. The time will pass quickly (although it might not seem like it right now) and you'll be back at it. I noticed in your pictures you're still wearing the wrist brace- I'm hoping that's much better. It would REALLY suck to have a broken foot and a painful wrist injury at the same time.
    Good luck!!! Have as much wine and chocolate as you want!

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    1. Yes, the wrist is much better but I was wearing the brace so as not to aggravate it. Lol. I probably should so that damn tendon will tear. At least one problem would be solved! (screaming internally)

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  16. This can't be true! Just as you were looking forward to that 10k, too.
    I love your attitude, Wendy. You've got this - have a good cry and then move on. I like that you are not going to give up Crossfit. You love it and you're good at it! If I had a box near me, I'd go to Crossfit too.
    These weeks will fly by and soon you will be back. At least those crutches are giving you a great upper body workout!

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    1. Just as I logging in here, I told my husband I wanted to cry, lol. I still can't believe it, myself. When it first happened, I was sure I wasn't going back to CrossFit, but as time has passed, I will go back, It's such a great way to work out. I'll just reel things in a bit...

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  17. Again my friend, I'm so sorry. My heart hurts for you as I know too well how much your workouts mean to you. I always tend to think about what the "learning" is when things like this happen or what the universe is trying to tell me. When Greg tore is triceps I thought long and hard about the risks of my own heavy lifting. I'm sending you all my positive, speedy healing vibes. xoxo

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    1. I've been having those thoughts as well--first the wrist, then this? Hopefully it's just a streak of bad luck. It is a reminder tho that I need to be more mindful about what I'm doing.

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  18. I’m so sorry this happened to you Wendy. I don’t think it’s the universe talking to you, it was an accident. And obviously accidents happen. I’m also glad you spent some time thinking about it. Introspection isn’t a bad thing.

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  19. I saw your post on Facebook and again I am so sorry about your fall. Hopefully soon you will heal and can be doing Sammy Jo's workouts again. Sending you lots of hugs!!

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  20. You poor thing. What an awesome community you have around you - from the construction engineer to Sammy Jo and beyond.
    I know you'll come back stronger and can't wait to watch you kick ass. *HUGS*

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    1. I needed to read these words this morning as I woke up craving a run. Grateful for that community and for you. XOXO

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    2. likewise. So glad being running bookworms connected us.
      Hugs my friend.

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  21. I saw your IG post about the fall and initially thought it was one of those things where icing and ibuprofen would do the trick. So when I saw your next post I was shocked and felt so upset for you. But one thing that comes to mind is that saying that to survive we must adapt. And you did that beautifully with running - to keep running, you adapted things so this would still be possible. And look what you've managed the last few years with that. And the same concept will go for cross-fit. You've been there and done that as you say. And your word for the year is still strong. Your strong is just being tested in a different way with this new situation. But cry whenever you need to - because this just sucks. Sending you lots of love and hugs.

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    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful words and kindness. I still can't believe this happened but yeah, I'll get through it. Going to cry now...lol

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  22. I was so bummed when I saw your post on IG about the injury :( So nice of your neighbor to lend you the scooter. It seems like it will make getting around much easier for the next few weeks.

    Sammy Jo is such a great friend/coach. I love that she stopped by with goodies and to chat. I think that your plan moving forward is definitely a good one - you can scale down the activities and still get in a great strength workout.

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    1. I'm already thinking about what I CAN do this week. I won't lie-- I'm pretty sad about losing some of my fitness and having to start over again with both running and strength training.

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  23. I’m so sorry this happened! I think it’s really sweet the construction manager offered to bring you McDs even if it’s not your thing. I hope your recovery goes well.

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    1. Thank you! I'm 'fortunate' that this happened when it did because after this week, I had 2 weeks of vacation scheduled. Not exactly what I had hoped for but it works out as the least disruptive plan, as far as work goes.

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  24. Oh Wendy, this just sucks; I am so sorry that this accident has happened. Such a hard one! I really relate to your quote about "check your ego at the door." and working out with limits as I age. I was just saying that to my son-in-law on Saturday during a run together. It is a hard reality but if I want to keep working out I must respect and listen to where I am now, rather where I was. You have been a wonderful role model for me on many levels. I have learned a lot from your journey. I know this is a bitter pill to swallow. Grieve and allow that mourning. But you know from your history that you will adapt and adjust and continue to thrive. And we will all be cheering you on. Hugs to you as you heal.

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    1. Oh my goodness, thank you for this comment! I've just been itching for a run or at least some trail time this morning--and no, I'm not going, lol. I can't walk much less drive, so there's that.

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  25. Well Son Of A Biscuit - That So Sucks - Let Me Process Before I Type Away On A Rant - After All, Its Not About Me - But Damn I Am Bummed For Ya Right Now - What Next, No AC With A Heat Wave Coming - Oh Wait, Thats Already In The Mix - Enjoy The Doggie Time And Keep A Positive Head On Your Shoulders - Time HAS BEEN Flying After All - Sending Healing Vibes Your Way - Big Hugs Love

    Cheers

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  26. You know I am just heartbroken for you. I got queasy reading your description of the accident. I hate that these little accidents are just so devastating. I remember the pain well (and the sound). Honestly, I didn't do a ton of cross training, until after I got my boot (which was several week). The crutches were a huge workout, and then I just went on Pinterest, and looked for upper body workouts, which I combined with PT. I stuck with lighter weights, because I didn't want to start compensating since I didn't have full weight-bearing.

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    1. I'm very grateful I only broke the fibula and my foot, and not the tibia, but it has been way more than I bargained for. I didn't need surgery, so I think that makes my recovery a little shorter than yours. I'm not going to start any weight lifting yet either because I am still having a good amount of pain in my leg and like you, don't want to compensate and cause more issues.

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  27. I'm so sorry this happened to you, Wendy! I wish you a speedy recovery. It's never as we plan, things have a way of doing what they want and we just have to sometimes accept and roll with them. You'll come back stronger, I'm sure!

    If it makes you feel any better, I am having all kinds of aches and pains after just some meager running, so you are quite inspiring with all your mileage and strength training. What you'd call scaling a workout down is in fact more than most people are able to do 😊.

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    1. I so appreciate your perspective. Right now, my biggest fear is losing my fitness. I'm hoping to get back to some semblance of a workout soon.

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  28. I'm sure you know this, but when I broke my ankle I was young and dumb and when the cast came off I didn't realize how much weaker my affected leg had gotten. I should have done single leg exercises but I didn't, and I'm fairly sure my leg stayed weaker which led to my torn ACL a couple years later.

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    1. Once the pain subsides, I do plan on going back to work with my strength coach. I definitely don't want to develop another injury!

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