Joining the stress fracture club...

emmienjuicy

So it looks like the technican was right- I have stress fractures in both of my legs. My pity party for one is in full force, so I need some help devising a plan to keep myself from withering away under a rock for the next 6-8 weeks.

A. Since I stopped running when I had my bone scan almost 2 weeks ago, can I count those two weeks in my healing?

B. Does anyone have a good plan of weights/cardio that I could follow to keep my running base while I am sidelined?

C. Am I still going to be able to train adequately for the Marine Corps Marathon if I start 6 weeks from now after not running for 6 weeks?!

yes, I'm still having my pity party....TIA ladies!

Susie Derkins

A.  Sounds like yes, but talk to your doctor about it.  From what I've learned, time sidelined depends on the bone that you have the stress fracture in.  Some have better blood flow --> faster healing than others.

B.  I'm swimming and cycling, since my doctor told me those were ok to do.  I don't really lift, so I can't help with that.  I'm basically doing my normal tri training schedule, dividing what would be runs into half swims and half cycling days.

C.  No clue.  It sucks, and the uncertainty is one of the worst parts for me. 

daisysle

Chekc out this blog.   http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/ She had stress fractures in both of her legs!  You can read about her training and recovery. 

nmlahaie

I haven't had stress fractures before but I do get pretty serious shin splints when I run (although I've heard conflicting information relating bone density/estrogen with amorrhea) and taking calcium has helped a lot. I am also kind of obsessed with my calf sleeves. If nothing else, the combo may at least help you to feel a little better.

You're just going to have to feel out the marathon but you have a pretty strong running/cardio base so I bet you could do it, even if it wasn't your very best race.

As far as other exercises, do you still swim? bike? I'd think both of those would be pretty safe. If you have gym access, I've been into the rowing machine lately (great cardio and weight) and I am a huge Body Pump fan. You could also use your pity party time to get some quality yoga-esque stretching and stuff in. I never feel like I have time to lay down in a dark, quiet room but if you can't run anyways, maybe now is the time

emmienjuicy

nmlahaie:

I haven't had stress fractures before but I do get pretty serious shin splints when I run (although I've heard conflicting information relating bone density/estrogen with amorrhea) and taking calcium has helped a lot. I am also kind of obsessed with my calf sleeves. If nothing else, the combo may at least help you to feel a little better.

You're just going to have to feel out the marathon but you have a pretty strong running/cardio base so I bet you could do it, even if it wasn't your very best race.

As far as other exercises, do you still swim? bike? I'd think both of those would be pretty safe. If you have gym access, I've been into the rowing machine lately (great cardio and weight) and I am a huge Body Pump fan. You could also use your pity party time to get some quality yoga-esque stretching and stuff in. I never feel like I have time to lay down in a dark, quiet room but if you can't run anyways, maybe now is the time

This is what's weird...I don't really hurt right now. I was just a little sore on my leg, and asked the doc to check it out. I know when I ramp up my milage it will prob rear it's ugly head again so I need to give it time to heal it just stinks.

I'm definatley going to swim and bike (wish I had a real one- stuck in spin class for now) and throw some classes in here and there. Unfortunatley, I have grown this strong dislike towards the gym...I'm going to have to get over that.