Traveling Crutch Master

Well, it’s been a week and a half since the “great break 2013” and certainly a mixed bag of emotions.  For the most part, I think I have handled myself well but there have definitely moments of tears and explicative filled bouts of frustration but overall, I’m doing my best to stay positive.  Crutchin ain’t easy but it is made a little more bearable by HOT PINK crutch pads…

Prior to the GB13, Mr. Pi and I had plans to go down to California for mother’s day weekend to go wine tasting with our mom’s and other family members.  My trip was also going to include a 60 mile bike ride with my dad and a 10 mile run.  We did get down to California for the weekend but the weekend activities sure looked different for me.  Instead of a 60 mile bike ride, I did a few abs and hung out by (and IN) the pool.  I guess there are pluses to injury, more time to work on my tan without crazy racer back tan lines.

On Sunday prior to wine tasting, Dad drove me to the gym and we did a solid 45 minutes of strength training and corework.  It was the first time in a week that I felt semi-normal. 

Wine tasting was also a different experience, instead of bellying up to the bar, I got to sit in chairs and be served.  Making sure I didn’t drink too much since I decided that wine and crutches are NOT a good idea.

On the way back to Portland, I made a greater effort at rest stops to get up and move around and to keep my leg elevated which involved riding with it on the dash board as well as periods where I would try to go “upside down” in my seat and place my boot on the ceiling.  Yes, it was a sight and no, I sadly, don’t have any photos.

All in all, a successful trip to see family and friends and I’m again reminded of how really lucky I am.  I have a great family and wonderful friends who are helping to keep me distracted.

 Card from a Rev3 teammate and flowers from my hubby

What's up Doc?

I don't know about you guys but I don't go to the doctor all that often, usually once a year for my lady exam.  I have to be pretty sick to go in or something really bad must have happen (remember alien water balloon of 2010, I went in for that).  Anyway, with this injury, knowing it's broken, knowing I have some big goals still looming out there for the year, I sought out a specialist (an ortho/sports med specialist).

I went in assuming I'd get a timeline of how long I'd be on crutches, to confirm or deny a Jones Fracture (thankfully it was deny), how long I'd be in the walking boot, when can I drive!, when I could start training again, did he think the ironman in a little over 6.5 months is doable, supplements--good idea or not, foods to eat or avoid, bone stimulators, physical therapy...blah blah blah  I had a long list of questions.  Yup, I was that girl with the notebook and the pen.

The answer to almost all of my questions was "it depends."  

How long will I be on crutches?
-It depends but I encourage you to bear weight as soon as you can in the walking boot.  Bearing weight and exercise helps stimulate bone health and healing.

How long will I be in the walking boot?
-It depends.  We will take new x-rays in 3 weeks to see how the healing is progressing.  If it's starting to heal well then, he wants to start some PT exercises for my ankle--treating it more like a severe ankle sprain than a fracture. {But it is a FRACTURE so this answer concerned me a bit.}

Driving?
-It depends.  He said to think of the worst case scenario, a child running out in the road type of thing, if I don't think I could stop the car, don't drive. {I have a feeling I will not be driving for some time.}

When can I get in the pool with a pool buoy, cycle, etc?
-It depends.  He basically said I shouldn't really do anything for the next three weeks before we see the x-rays, except try to walk supported at some point, maybe in a week, maybe in a few days.  He was adamant about not letting that go too long.  Arm weights and abs and if I can get to a gym, the hand cycle machine are all okay for now but he said no to pretty much anything else until the x-rays in 3 weeks.  {What's confusing to me is since he didn't give me a timeline, how the heck am I supposed to KNOW when it's okay to walk in the boot?  I'm anxious to get going but I don't want to rush it.  Thoughts anyone?}  

As far as the race goes, he asked how far along in training I was and if I had done those distances before, etc.  When I started down my race history and training, he seemed to think it was a possibility but again, didn't give me any definite answers.

Coach Laura said that not getting a timeline can actually be a good thing b/c sometimes timelines are wrong and you get your hopes up only to have them crushed when your healing isn't going well.  I KNOW this is true but I'm an A-type, I like schedules.

While I don't have a very satisfying timeline to share, the Doc was positive about the fracture being a typical "avulsion" fracture.  He said it was a little bigger than what they normally see but he didn't seem that worried about it.  In fact, he essentially said that if it were smaller they may have just prescribed a hard soled shoe and tried to rehab it/treat it as a severe ankle sprain.  All in all, he was a pleasant and laid back Doc, maybe a little too laid back for my taste but the fact that he seemed pretty optimistic about recovery was good.

As for me, I've stopped using Dr. Google and am just going to do everything I can to help my bones heal hoping for an all-clear for pool buoy time in 3 weeks.  Until then, thanks to Sarah for sharing her favorite self timer app, y'alls can see me doing the only exercising I'm allowed to be doing:

Suggestions for seated or supported arms and abs workouts are appreciated!

Ms Independent

More like "missing my independence." It's been only 4 days and I definitely have a new found appreciation for the little things (and also my former level of physical activity).  Taking an ironman-in-training from 9-12 hours a week of exercise to crutches and the couch isn't exactly a smooth transition.  BUT I'm still trying to stay positive.  I did have one episode as I was crawling up the stairs crab-style on my butt where I said something like "this sucks or life sucks" Mr. Pi being the awesome guy that he is didn't let me live with that comment reminding me that this is just a broken foot, it'll heal!  I wasn't in a horrific accident that's left me paralyzed, I wasn't front and center at the Boston marathon bombing losing a limb or my life...all I did was break a foot.  He is right of course.  Pity parties get you no where Alisa!  So, with that episode and a few shed tears, I hope I'm past being sad, mad and generally upset.

Let's move on to the "new normal."  

Sorry for the laundry pile action, but hey, at least I got it out of the dryer myself and folded it!

I have been lucky enough to work from home this week, which took a whole level of stress out of trying to get to/from work (remember I can't drive) and worrying about being uncomfortable sitting at a desk all day.  Next week, I'll go back to the office which should be interesting as I'll be relying on Mr. Pi for rides and may end up working some really long hours as he teaches in the evenings and may not be able to fetch me until quite late.  BUT again, could be worse.

I was able to find some good tips via Google (though, I'll warn you Dr. Google can also be a VERY scary place, more on that to come) on how people have gotten around their house, etc.  We now have an office chair in the living room so when I need to use the bathroom or get food/water or let the dog out I can simply scoot along the couch to the chair and wheel myself around.  I'm sure it's quite comical but it gives me a little bit of freedom.  I can carry food in my lap and don't have to eat standing up on one leg. In fact, I was even able to get laundry from the dryer back to the couch to fold and feel semi-useful. Of course, I can't get it up the stairs but that's Mr. Pi's job usually anyway =).

I can feed myself!

Google also gave me some good tips for going up and down stairs that are steepish, hence my crab-like crawl.  Beats freaking out about falling and hurting my good foot using the crutches.  I also found a product called "crutcheze" and immediately ordered some in HOT pink.  

Source

They haven't arrived yet so until then, I'm going old school style and have towels wrapped the arm rests.  

Zach, Jen's hubby, made the comment that you'd think with all the advances in technology we have that SOMEONE would be able to come up with a better, more comfortable crutch system.  That actually got me thinking that maybe the point of crutches being uncomfortable is to remind those that are on crutches to NOT do whatever it was that they were doing to get them to the point of needing crutches?  In my case, don't be a klutz and pay more attention to foot placement while running.  Other things I've learned, put the most used products in the bathroom (aka toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, deodorant, etc) at a height you can reach while seated in the office chair.  "Showering"  since it involves getting in and out of the claw foot tub and using the hand shower making a total mess on the floor is okay to do like once every few days. (sorry peeps, I'll try to spray myself down with bath and body works spray before I see you.)

Penny didn't seem to mind if I was stinky =)

As I mentioned, Google has provided some good tips, but Dr. Google (as Kristen called it) can be a scary ass place.  I think I've looked at more people's x-rays online that I care to share trying to compare their x-rays to mine to see if I have the dreaded Jones Fracture or not (the real doc says NO).  I also have read more horror stories about fractures not healing properly, people re-injuring themselves, surgeries, etc.  It's hard not to consult Dr. Google though!  Us A-types...we NEED to know!  

All in all, while I am absolutely missing my independence and ability to feel massive amounts of sweat dripping from my body, it could be a lot worse and I know time will pass and I'll be back at it.  Until then, feel free to laugh at me as I roll around in an office chair fixing myself meals.

The B Word

I have about 5 posts half written in the queue including one I started last week called, "training update" that's full of tails about hill repeats, track sessions and metric centuries.  However, seems a little silly to post that now.  Why?  Well, most of you probably already saw on FB that I broke my foot on Saturday.  Yup, B-R-O-K-E-N.

First and foremost, thank you to my amazing husband and our house guest (who also happens to be the best man from our wedding) for rescuing me after my fall.  My hubby carried me over a mile back to the car b/c I couldn't put any weight on my foot.  Also, thanks to my city which was teeming with runners and cyclists on Saturday morning, many stopped to see if I was okay.

Anywho, many have asked for the "story" so here it is...it is super short.  Girl (aka me) goes out for long run on a beautiful saturday morning, ready to tackle 8-10 miles and go for a swim before enjoying a gorgeous sunny saturday.  Girl gets 2.5 miles into said long run, hits the tiniest lip on the PAVED trail between the pavement and dirt shoulder and GOES DOWN with a crack.  It was loud and painful, girl drops to the ground, takes off shoe and sees immediately swelling.  She curses at herself a half dozen times but decides she is going to try to hobble back to the car, knowing she's in no-man's land in between two parking areas on the trail.  After hobbling maybe 100 feet she throws in the towel sits down and calls husband.  Husband and friend arrive (in the meantime many many runners and cyclists pass asking if girl needs help).  Husband and friend try to help girl hobble but foot is swollen and hurts too much too bear weight.  Husband picks up girl and proceeds to carry her back to the car. (A friend called him a "knight in running shoes" so true.) A short trip to the ER confirms foot is broken.  The end.

Yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the amount of texts and FB/twitter/instagram messages I got.  Thank you family, friends and running/tri community.  

Many had questions about what this means for my BIG race in November...well...it depends.  Right now I'm a little over 6.5 months away.  I was referred to an ortho/sports med doc for all my follow ups so I'll know a little more after that appt.  Right now, the ER docs said everything looked like a "clean" break and their prognosis was 4-8 weeks of no weight bearing activities (aka walking, running, etc).  I'm not sure how long I'll be in complete rest mode, aka crutches, but at least the next week or so.  The docs seemed to think that after a few weeks I'll be able to swim and ride (the trainer of course) until I'm fully healed.  At this point, I'm just going to listen to the docs and my body. I'm not throwing in the towel on Arizona but I'm also trying not to be crushed if I can't complete it this year.  Coach Laura seems to think, with smart recover and the ability to keep in shape through aqua jogging/cycling and swimming (when I am able) that we should be able to get me to the start line.  Again, I'll know more after I see the specialist but I'm trying to stay as positive as I can right now.  A pity party isn't going to help anyone, especially my gimpy foot.  

While I've got all sorts of thoughts going through my head, I am also focused on the little stuff, like getting up to use the bathroom, letting the dog out and getting myself water/ice.  Everyday things like this are sooooo much bigger deal.  It takes twice as long to go anywhere with crutches and you can't really carry anything, my sports bra has become a nice pouch to carry water bottles and cups.  I'll definitely be thankful for the walking cast and the ability to put a little weight on my foot again.  Luckily, I have an amazing husband who has been taking care of me.  Being helpless definitely is not fun.  It doesn't help that the weather is amazing right now in Portland and I'm stuck being immobile--but no pity parties here =).

I know a lot of you out there have dealt with injuries, anyone have advice on ways to stay sane?  It's pretty hard for us active-types to suddenly be sedentary.  Ideas on projects one can do seated/lying down?  Exercises?  I've read about chair weights (usually done for old ladies), I'm thinking I'll probably be able to do some core work.  Any ideas would be awesome!

Since I won't be posting the training update and it'll be awhile since I'm back to training again, I'll leave you with this one awesome photo of my hill repeats last week:

To Boston, with love

A lot has already been said about April 15, 2013 so this will be brief.

As a former Bostonian, a runner and a race spectator the events of April 15, 2013 are unspeakable.  When I lived in Boston I spent many days walking Boylston street, passing by the Boston Marathon finish line.  On Marathon Monday I’d enjoy a day off from school, get a pedicure and spectate the race with friends.  When I lived in Boston the farthest I’d ever run was 12 miles, the marathon was something only crazy people did.  However, my awe of the marathon was born in Boston.  I’ve had several friends qualify for and run Boston, including a few this year.  To know how hard they trained and the sacrifices they made only to have the day end in such tragedy is just…there are no words.

Then I think about the countless hours my family and friends (and myself) have spent spectating races and I’m almost brought to tears.  Most spectators see their runners for only a few seconds during a race but those few seconds to anyone that has ever run a race mean so much.  As a spectator, I’ve cheered with fervor making funny signs and ringing a cow bell for hours on end and I have loved every second!

As both a spectator and runner, I am more determined than ever to race races and spectate for my friends and family. I will not let the events of Monday deter me from the joy I feel standing at the finish line, as both a spectator and a runner. 

The running community is an amazingly resilient and determined group.  Let’s vow to always stay that way.  With that, I’ll stop and simply say, 

Boston, we RUN with you and in honor of what you have brought to our sport.

#ForBoston2013

Training, Traveling and Spectating

Well, so much for being on a blogging roll...

Anywho, let's just get into it.  (I'm going to save my running and recovery giveaways for later in the season b/c honestly, I'd rather do a few real posts before doing another giveaway.)

Training: I'm officially over a month into true 140.6 training (I officially began my coached training in March) and so far so good.  I've had a few flare ups of this or that but nothing that has sidelined me, just extra attention paid, extra time using the stick and my Normatec's.  I've tried to pay attention to the times when I just need some R&R, maybe putting off the laundry or housework that I should be doing in favor of these lovely items:

(Ginger Yogi tea, my NormaTec's and Rich Roll's book)

So far in Q1 of 2013, I logged some decent miles, exactly where I need to be at the start of my epic year (32,125 yds of swimming, 606 miles of biking, 242 miles of running and a combined 45 hours of strength work and yoga).  

Speaking of EPIC, my coach, Coach Laura recently had the official launch of her coaching and consulting business--EPIC ENDURANCE.

Go check her out here . 

So far, so great on the training front.  I know I'm not even close to the meat of build-phase training but so far, I have been really loving the experience.  I've tried not to stress and am doing my best to take a very zen-like approach to the whole thing.  I think one thing that has really helped me stay stress-free is having a super supportive network.  My hubby is absolutely supportive, as are my parents and my friends, even my co-worker (who may or may not think I'm nuts) always asked about how my training is going.  

Another huge part of my zen-like training is having Coach Laura.  Honestly, you have no idea how nice it is not to stress about creating a weekly training schedule...I can skip all of those "am I doing enough? too much?" conversations.  Laura is good about allowing me to fit training into my life so I never feel like anything is too rigid and she's incredibly good about providing feedback.  All in all, 100% worth spending a little extra money.  

And, last but not least, I think keeping yoga in the routine helps my mental state.  It allows me time to zone out and meditate (of sorts), something I really can't do running, biking or even in the pool.  I also think it helps with injury prevention b/c we all know I'm terrible at stretching...stretching in the shower while I wash my hair counts right?  

Training is exactly where it needs to be and I'm enjoying the journey.

Spectating:  If we're friends on FB and Twitter you'll know that Mr. Pi just recently completed his 6th (?) ultra marathon at the American River 50 Mile.  He did amazing, as always, and I had a super fun day of spectating with family and friends cheering him on.  Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the day.

Running with his cousin for the first bit.

Coming into Rattlesnake Bar

Finish Line!

Travel (and training while traveling):  I did some travel for work after Mr. Pi's race which allowed me to stay in sunny, beautiful California and I got to spend extra time with my Dad.  It was a busy work week with early morning wake up calls and some late night post-dinner work hours but I soaked up as much sunshine and outdoor training as possible.  Including several rides with my Dad along the river and some very sunshiney morning runs.  I am so lucky to have a Dad that likes to ride with me, makes for a nice riding partner while traveling.

Where I spent most of my days.

Still getting used to Luc (my amazing QuintanaRoo ride) BUT after the initial warm up miles in which he freaks me out b/c let's be real riding in aero is still scary, he is a dream to ride.  I'm getting much more confident and comfortable in aero and I've definitely had moments of total and utter bliss riding him.

Dad, who got a new road bike and is planning to do a century with me in the Fall, where I have no doubt that he'll be cycling circles around me.

This was my favorite ride of the trip...87 degrees, plentiful sunshine and only a little bit of wind.

Sunshiney morning run along the river, tracing some of the steps Mr. Pi ran on the AR50 course.

I'm not going to pretend to make promises about more consistent blogging b/c we all know that's not going to happen.  But I will try to check in from time to time as my year progresses.  I definitely use FB, twitter and now, instagram, a lot more for training photos so if you're interested in the condensed, less wordy updates, find me there! 

FB: facebook.com/AlisaHoughtonDunlap

Twitter: @dunlapa

Instagram (my new obsession): dunlapam0723  (<---yes annoyed="" another="" dunlapa="" have="" i="" now="" remember="" so="" taken="" that="" to="" username="))</font" was="" yet="">

My girl Miss IronJen always says "thanks for reading,"  I like it so I'm stealing it...

Thanks for reading y'alls!  (Even though I'm not from the south I think somewhere I have a little southern in me since sometimes out of no where I'll throw in a y'all!)

P.S. I still read a lot of blogs but I've almost 100% fallen off the commenting wagon but know that I do still read!

You're a WINNER: Bike Goodies Giveaway

Carolina John is our Bike Goodies Giveaway Winner!

Your supplies will be on their way as soon as I can my lazy butt to the post office =).