I’ll keep taking punches, until their will grows tired
Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and I got some bad news. My bone is actually broken all the way through and I have a Jones fracture. A Jones fracture is a specific type of fracture of the 5th metatarsal which is worse than a regular fracture. It takes more time to heal, there is a chance of non-union (then surgery is required) and a greater chance of re-fracture. Instead of looking at recovery of 4-6 weeks I’m looking at non-weight bearing in an aircast for 6 weeks, and then going from there.
At least I did have a few good weeks of running where I actually felt fit. This will help me stay motivated and that feeling of being able to run well is not long forgotten. I even paced one third marathon which reminded me of racing. If this injury would of happened at the beginning of October before Run for the Toad I would have felt so far from competitive running and feeling fit. Also, if this would of happened next March (hopefully it doesn’t occur again) then I would see another track season go down the drain. I always try and see the bright side of things because if I get too wrapped up the shittyness of this injury it’s really discouraging. It also helps to put life in the big picture and realize this will be only a relatively short period and one heck of a learning experience.
From Thursday afternoon until Sunday I managed to watch the first two seasons of Dexter. That’s the worst part of this injury, that I’m not able to do any aerobic X-training yet. I thought I would be able to get in the pool after two weeks, which doesn’t look to be the case anymore, it will likely be longer.
.
.
.
Comments are closed.
FLOAT ON 
Hey there Reid,
Crappy news about the fracture.
I have spent many a day without the use of my left leg…. I recommend one-legged rowing on the ergometer. It’s really quite difficult and a good cardio challenge. If you grow concerned about one leg becoming massive and the other miniature, just use your arms and core – it is still a good way to get the heart pounding.
Good job keeping your head up.
Coming back of only a week off due to a black nail but knowing what a more prolonged injury is, I understand how do you may feel. Keep going with your possitive attitude and thanks for teach us with all your experiences.
Vicente
Reid, You have had a hell of time since March. Just know, it is possible to be injured for quite a while and then come out and set the world on fire. Look at Tim Broe in the 2003-2005 period. He would be injured for like 6 months, then come back and race pr’s. I know it sounds cliche, but this will make you stronger. WHEN you come back from this, it will sure as hell mean more to you. It will be easier to hurt in a race, because you know how much you had to sacrifice to get back. Just take it from an old, washed up crony like me… although I am starting to run again, mainly out of fear for my blood pressure… All the best man, and I will be sending out encouragement when I can…
Kyle
Can’t say it any better than the other guys. Your attitude and never-wavering belief in yourself will continue to carry you through this.
That sucks! Sorry to hear.
When I broke my ankle, they considered putting me in an aircast, but I opted for a Goretex and fibreglass cast instead. That way I was able to still pool run.
Also, did some crutch running…hopped on my good leg twice, then poled once with my crutches (only problem is that you may overdevelop your one leg a little). Was able to get my heartrate up to tempo zone this way. Crutch ran a 15min mile on snowshoes.
Oh yeah, that’s the other thing. Snowshoe running was great when coming back as there was less impact on my body.
Good luck and don’t go crazy!
Reid – Positive, healing thoughts sent your way from us… You will get through this, for certain.
I happened upon your site as I have a 4th metatarsal stress fracture and am an aerobics instructor. And then based on the title of this blog, I know you must be a fellow Pearl Jam fan.