Current situation: binging on some peanut butter filled pretzels while texting with friends already in Texas.
3 weeks and 1 day ago, my foot did something weird when running in Boulder (those dang mountains!) and I've had an undiagnosable pain ever since.
All three podiatrists I've seen said an MRI wouldn't really show what's going on for about 2-3 weeks post-injury. So, I'm getting an MRI tomorrow to try and figure this stupid thing out. Fingers, toes, and everything else tightly crossed in hopes that this MRI can diagnose whatever is wrong with me.
You're probably wondering how I'm holding up, right? Since this was my next chance to try and qualify for Kona after getting majorly screwed back in November at Ironman Cozumel, right?
Well, I have to be totally honest. I shed a few tears last night realizing that I wouldn't be boarding a plane today to head to Houston. It wasn't a full on ugly cry since I had kind of been able to prepare for this moment for the past three weeks, but that's not going to make Saturday (race day) any easier, especially with Ryan (and Megan and Nate and Trina!) racing and me not even being there to spectate.
I think part of me is realizing when to be smart with injury, so that's partly why I'm okay with not racing Texas. After overcoming a plantar tear last year just to flip over my handlebars and get a sacral stress fracture, I've been able to kind of realize when my body can and can't push through discomfort (versus pain)...and right now, while I have no doubt my stubbornness would help me earn a medal at Ironman Texas, the medal isn't the only goal and is certainly not worth the risk of further injury.
I think another part of me REALLY benefitted from my Lent posts. Without getting too religious-y here, I really have to say some of my posts changed my mindset about life circumstances while bringing me closer to God. So, as much work as those posts were (Ryan noted they were "nightly homework assignments, even on the weekends!"), hopefully others benefitted as much as I did.
I bet you're wondering if my planner self has already found another Ironman to train for, right?
Nope. Until I am 100% healthy, I am only focused on treating this injury and preventing further injuries. The good news is that I'm a really good rule follower (sometimes to a fault), so once we diagnose this thing, I'll be working real hard at coming back.
So for now, I'm just going to rest my feet (minus swim, bike, strength) and focus on all of the positives in my life. Because if the culmination of my Lent posts + our amazing friends and family support at our Egg Shell Shuffle race this weekend taught me anything, it's that I have SO much to be thankful for.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out, said a prayer, or just listened to my uncertainty of this injury. I can't wait to write my next blog (because it will be about being injury free;)).