Even though I know it is Saturday it doesn’t feel like it. This whole traveling thing is really throwing my week off, but I won’t complain!
Yesterday morning we had enough of the gym and decided to take our workout outdoors. I had originally thought about taking a spin class at my parent’s gym but opted to sleep in a little bit longer and head outside.
We went to a local park and I walked (with a few minutes of jogging here and there) while Wes did a 10 mile run. It was cool but no wind and the sun was shining, much better than Erie!
It had been so long since I had run or walked outside and it felt great. I was able to relax and just enjoy the beautiful day!
We came back from the gym, showered, and pretty much relaxed most of the afternoon.
We watched the movie Jobs with my parents and got a little bit of work done.
I like to take pictures of Wes when he is not aware because he just loves it so much.
We have one last day in North Carolina before we drive back on Sunday. We are looking forward to one last night of relaxation for sure. I can’t say I’m excited to get back to the routine, but I am thankful for all the time we have been able to spend here.
As Wes mentioned in his guest post a couple weeks ago and as I’ve mentioned before ever since being diagnosed with a stress fracture I have been researching like crazy on the topic.
I think I know more now than I have ever known, because in my mind you can never have too much knowledge.
Of course, there are varying opinions on lots of things but I thought today I would address some of the common stress fracture myths that are floating around out there.
Common Stress Fracture Myths:
1. You can’t run on a stress fracture. The thing with stress fractures is that most runners have a high pain tolerance. We often will run through pain simply because the more you run the more you are used to aches and pains. It often takes runners a while to realize that something is wrong and out of the ordinary. It is important to realize that just because you can run on it DOES NOT mean that it is not a stress fracture.
2. Hard vs. Soft Surfaces. Even though when I first started this process of coming back from a stress fracture I stuck to soft ground (dirt and grass), there has been no evidence that this actually helps to avoid injury. Studies have not been able to prove that running on soft surfaces help to avoid injury as opposed to running on pavement or the treadmill.
3. Stress fractures are caused by running too many miles. Stress fractures are caused usually by taking things to an extreme. Running too many miles TOO SOON or running too hard too often. If you build your body up to be a high mileage runner slowly and safely you will most likely be okay. The stress fracture comes form upping your mileage too quickly or running too hard instead of taking the majority of your miles too easy.
4. Complete rest and inactivity are the keys to recovery. When you first are diagnosed with a stress fracture it is important to rest BUT activity actually helps. As you walk (if your stress fracture is your leg) you actually help your circulation in your leg and help to get blood to the bone which aids in recovery. Many people will recommend crutches and keeping weight off your leg. This can help for a short time, but this also puts you at a disadvantage that when you do get off the crutches your leg has to get used to any kind of weight bearing activity. I wouldn’t recommend going out and walking several miles, but by continuing light activity it allows the blood to better aid the bone and keeps your leg used to pressure to some extent. Please keep in mind if your fracture is serious enough it may require crutches or surgery, this is just from my experience with a slightly less serious stress fracture.
What are you up to this Saturday?
Have you heard any running myths?
Ugh. Stress fractures are no fun. I remember pool running & swimming during my last one. Hope you heal quickly!
Thanks for the stress fracture info! I have never had one but have suffered a myriad of other running injuries. It’s amazing how much good/bad info is out there right now. I’m currently suffering IT Band issues so I’m wading my way through the info on that right now!
I thought you were going in the other direction with a ‘myth’ on ‘you cannot run’ on a stress fracture. I’m glad for what you did say, which was more along the lines of ‘just because you CAN run doesn’t mean it isn’t a stress fracture’. It really is so important to build up the body knowledge that lets you discern ‘normal’ aches from ‘problem’ pain.
My brother left yesterday later than planned (not a bad thing) as his daughter has to be over to her Mom’s house today (the divoirce went through just before Christmas last year) … screwy stuff. But we had a good but very busy time. Today I took the boys to Lowes and bought paint … they are learning about patching nail holes and cracks and painting walls. The up stairs hall is the last area that is still ‘builder’s beige’. 🙂 They are earning the last payments on their Washington DC trip with the Marching band in April. 🙂
I have ben very much offline, this is the most time I have spent since the 23rd! Cooking like a madman, doing all sorts of things around the house … I’ll need a vacation from my vacation before I’m done!
Drive safe tomorrow!
Yep – I think it is important to realize that you CAN run with a stress fracture. This is how many runners get themselves even more seriously injured because they feel the pain and they keep running. I did a tough workout the day I got mine and I could have kept running but I realized that something was not right with my body.
Glad you got some time with your brother and niece! It sounds like you all had a busy but great visit!
Sometimes it is nice to disconnect. I have been doing my work at nights once everyone is asleep so that I can enjoy as much family time this week as possible!
Thank you – we will! I’ve heard we have a lot of snow to come back to.
As an orthopedic surgeon, I think it’s important not to give medical advice on your blog unless it is factually based in the medical literature. Stress fractures have a multitude of causes/locations and speaking in general doesn’t really help your readers. Define the bone involved, look for underlying causes (poor body mechanics/alignment, metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, associated diseases or medications) that might cause osteopenia (bone with decreased strength) as well as the usual suspects of overuse, bad shoes, need for orthotics, etc. Good luck on your blog and with your husband’s journey and his stress fracture.
Thanks for your comment. I was not giving out medical advice, nor would I ever give out medical advice. I was simply stating some things I have learned through MY PERSONAL journey with a femoral stress fracture. In fact even in the post I said this can vary for every person. I never claimed to be giving my opinion from a medical perspective. Thank you!
How long were you completely off running? Just wondering because I’m dealing with a similar issue. I’ve been off running (except aquarunning) for 11 days (yes I’m counting) and I can walk from here to there with no issues. Trying to figure out how much longer. Of course I know healing rates differ.
Hi there! So sorry to hear you are dealing with an injury 🙁 During my femoral stress fracture I took 6-8 weeks off of running completely. I then started to cross training for a few more weeks before I went back to running. Even though the pain did subside for me I was not healed for running before 6-8 weeks. Hope this helps but like you said healing rates do differ 🙂