injured runner

May Runfessions

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 4 Comments

Knock, knock!

Hello….anyone?

My, my…. I’m a terrible blogger. I’ve really fallen off the radar these last few months with my blog and I’m not going to lie but I’ll runfess that I’m kinda not all that upset about my lack of blogging.

I’m also going to runfess that I’m back to RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, let’s back that up a little bit.

Happy runner!

Last week, I was give the a-okay to start some light jogging. So that’s what I did. My first run since I sprained my calf muscle was a walk/run/walk. I walked for 7 minutes, ran for 10, then walked for 6 minutes. Those 10 minutes of light jogging was plenty for my calf muscle. I had no pain but it felt weird and awkward.

I did a second run but with my running buddy, Krystol. We haven’t ran since last fall or summer together, I believe. Anyway, it was a great walk/run/walk. Just what we both needed – a little running, more walking and some good conversations with a great friend.

I ran again the other night and was told to increase my running time. I ran for just over 20 minutes and managed to increase my pace each km. This was not planned or something I was focusing on. I just went with how I was feeling. I will runfess that those first two kilometers, I honestly thought I was going to die. Man, starting over is friggin’ hard work but so worth it. Also, I should avoid hills and inclines during my first few km of any run right now.

Starting over!

I runfess that I have zero interest in running any races right now. Likely because I physically can’t do them but mentally I just don’t want to even think about trying to run in a race. However, I’m eyeing some summer and fall races that are local events.

I runfess that I’m jealous that my husband ran Cape Split last weekend and that all I really want to do is go run some trails with him. We don’t get out together very often but we do love getting out on a trail run together. When I first hurt my leg on Easter weekend, we had plans to go for a run together but that went out the door fast.

I’m also going to runfess that I’m absolutely LOVING the new TIUX compression socks that just came out!!!!

I runfess that though I was completely exhausted this morning, I loved getting up at stupid o’clock to walk our dog. I’ll also runfess that I want to start running at stupid o’clock and secretly eyeing the houses around us that have sprinkler systems for those hot summer morning runs.

That’s all I have to runfess for this month. Sorry I’m not blogging much these days but you can find me almost daily on Instagram.

Have any runfessions from May to share?

Early morning runner – heck yes or heck no?

Road run or trail run?

Check out the Runfessions Link Up here with Marcia at The Healthy Slice.

Injured Runner Life {Lately}

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 3 Comments

I’m not going to sugar coat this, being injured sucks. I’ve been trying really hard not to focus on what I’m missing out on but sometimes that can be hard.

Having said that, pre injury I hadn’t signed up for any races (minus pacing Bluenose 10k). With lots of races starting here this weekend, I’ve got some serious FOMO. Even seeing someone run while I’m driving makes me sad I’m not running.

Now having said all that, I’m doing really well with this recovery. I’m progressing way faster then I expected and seeing really good results because I’m working hard at what my physiotherapists has given me to do.

I’m getting tired of the doing the same exercises three times a day but they are making me stronger. Basically, I heat up my calf muscle, do band exercises, then various double calf raises followed by 20 minutes on my bike (once a day) which is on a trainer in my basement. After that I do my balance exercises to strengthen my ankle (to support my calf muscle).

I was told I had a Grade 2 Sprain in my calf muscle which was extremely painful for about 2 weeks. It’s been 3 and a half weeks since I got injured and I’m now able to drive. Not driving sucked more then not running.

I can now walk up and down stairs without pain, something I wasn’t sure would happen for a few more weeks. So that’s really great too. I’m thankful that I can get on my bike but eager to start running again. Running will have to wait until my PT gives me the a-okay.

So, that’s where I am at. It’s also Mother’s Day today and I’ve been spoiled with home made cards and gifts, swim lessons (not me) and a big breakfast. I’m looking forward to some time with my family today and maybe a little run…..just kidding, but a ride on my bike later today.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Tell me how your running is going!

Anyone else having FOMO?

POP, Goes The…..

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 4 Comments

Calf Muscle.

I’m just going to jump right into this one (not literally though)…I’m injured. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the injured list and boy am I thankful for all those uninjured months. Sometimes it takes an injury to really appreciate what your body will allow you to do. I’ll back it up a bit and share what happened.

I was playing soccer a week ago (yeah, another soccer injury) and we were about 45 minutes into the game and I stepped with my left leg and felt and heard a POP in my left calf with instant pain. I hobbled off the field and everyone thought I got a charlie-horse. You know, those painful cramps in your calf muscle that EVERYONE dreads. And they are even worse when pregnant (talking from experience years back…not pregnant now). No, it wasn’t a charlie-horse. So, I sat on the bench the furthest away from my team’s bench because I couldn’t even walk. Eventually, I got some ice on it and was chauffeured off to the hospital by a team mate (and her family). So thankful for nice people out there.

I arrived at the hospital after 11 pm as it was a 10 pm soccer game and waited for hours. It wasn’t life threatening, so you gotta wait your turn, right. Eventually I saw the ER doctor who said I tore my left calf muscle. I can’t say I was a happy camper at that time but that was my new reality. The worst part – I couldn’t drive my car which is a standard for 4 weeks. And yeah, no running/soccer/yoga for 6-8 while it recovers with physio.

Note – this was Thursday night of Easter weekend…..so nothing is open. Certainly, not my physio guy. I took a cab home because I couldn’t drive my car and my husband was home with our girls….sleeping. No need to wake kids up at 4 am to go pick Mom up at the hospital. I crawled into bed, waking my husband and told him that we’d have to put off our planned weekend run together for a while.

Since I couldn’t drive, my husband has had to run around for me: picking up my car, crutches, groceries (which isn’t unusual) etc. Friday and Saturday were a bit of a right off and I became one with my crutches. Sunday rolled around and we had Easter dinner with my family in the city which was great.

It’s been a challenging few days as I can’t drive myself to work or for work meetings. Nor, can I get the girls from the sitters or to their soccer practices etc. I kinda feel helpless in the family department. And, 3 out of 4 of us are sick with a head cold in our house. We all just kinda feel like shit.

Enter good news: I got into physio Tuesday morning and my amazing neighbour drove me there and I cabbed it back. After a second physio session on Thursday (a friend drove me there AND back!), my physiotherapist determined I have a grade 2 sprain which is WAY better then a torn muscle. Agreed! I’m walking with the aid of crutches now and can ditch them by Monday! As for driving my car….it might be a while off.

I know all you runners are thinking…..it’s time to give up playing soccer as you get too injured playing it. I’ve actually had a few people tell me that to my face. (Which is really frustrating). Sure, I can get injured playing soccer, running or heck – cycling on the road or walking down the trail – but I’m not about to give them up because I get injured everyone once in a while.

So no….I don’t regret playing the sport I love the most. I am disappointed that this injury has other plans for me right now. And, that it won’t allow me to be a pace bunny at Bluenose this year (I was the 1:20 -10k bunny). This injury has definitely given me a greater appreciation for when I’m healthy and strong to not be lazy and waste my time doing nothing.

Life’s too short to not enjoy playing soccer, running in a race, hiking a trail or trying to break my fear of riding next to cars on the main road in town.

Has anyone ever told you to stop playing the sport you love the most?

Anyone else on the injured list right now?

What’s your favourite non-weight bearing workout to do at home?

On The Move Again

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 6 Comments

So I can get moving again, as in running! Well, light jogging but I’ll take that over doing nothing.

This past Monday, I got into see my go-to physiotherapist.  After a very thorough assessment of my back, he eliminated my SI joint which I was really surprised. Apparently, I’ve got some issues going on with a disc in my back and potentially my hip bone.

At the beginning of my appointment I could barely bend to the left side and by the end of the appointment, I could bend down/over and touch the outside of my left knee with ZERO pain. It was amazing!

My main focus right now is to do extensions three times a head and try to sit less. Sitting less can be hard when you have a desk job or are in meetings all day. I often drive 1-2 hours for meetings, only to sit again and then drive back home. It’s sure taking a toll on my body. That’s one of the reasons I love running as I can get in a quick run (or walk) when I’m having to sit for most of the day.

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I’ve also been approved to go for a light run outside….WOOHOOOOOOOOO! I was wanting to go the last few tights but we had to attend Brownie enrollment, celebrated husband’s birthday and then a Christmas party last night. I settled with a lunch time walk on Monday and just waiting for a time to lace up those sneakers again!

I’m happy to finally have some answers to the pain I’ve been having for months (and re-injured two weeks ago). Time to do my exercises, get stronger and back to running and eventually soccer and yoga too.

How’s your week going?

Have you had any Christmas or holiday parties yet?