I am working on a comeback to running after sustaining a pelvic stress fracture in early Feb. I originally thought it was a pulled hamstring and assumed I just needed to back off to let it heal. By early April, I finally went to an orthopedic specialist as my running was still derailed.
The dr. initially considered giving me a cortisone injection, but felt an x-ray was needed to err on the safe side to insure it wasn't just covering up a bigger issue. His initial demeanor was laid back and almost seemed passive as I was probably just another runner who had some sort of minor overuse injury.
Upon reviewing the x-rays, his attitude shifted dramatically. I was called into the hallway where I could see the damage I had done in my overzealous speed work. (That's what I've concluded to be the leading cause.) His prognosis: A "healing non-displaced inferior pubic ramus fracture with new periosteal bone formation" In other words, a fracture that's on the mend.
I have eased back into my running and have let pain and discomfort be my guide in the process. With no time to spare in getting ready for this race, I reached a long run of only 18 miles just a couple weeks ago. I was really on the fence if this would be enough to get me through the race without really bonking, but didn't want to push any further on a long training run.
I approached this race with the intent on just finishing so long as my undertrained legs let me. I knew my fitness has suffered the last couple of months, but wanted to participate as I really enjoy this race.
To be honest; I feel that not having a time goal or the pressure to pr really helped me to have fun, appreciate the beauty of the course and feel fortunate being part of the moment. I saw it not so much as a challenge, but a privilege to be back doing something I really enjoy and that defines me. I was able to coast through the miles, 'set the cruise control' and mingle with other runners.
A high point for me was around mile 21 when some soreness and discomfort began to settle in. I had periodically throughout the race, been thinking of a friend whom lost his fiance to a tragic car accident last weekend. It was at this late moment in the race that it occurred to me that I had to hold strong and work through my body's resistance. The pain I was feeling could not compare to that of which my friend must be enduring. Furthermore; my pain was self inflicted and just part of one of my life's journeys.
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