Not a Total Loss
PrintIt’s been a little disappointing to not be able to run on these bright, cool, beautiful spring mornings. Even though I’m crutch and non-weight bearing bound, I’m still trying not to make this a total loss.
When I’m running focused, I try my best to get in daily strengthening drills as well as a core routine 2-3 days a week and weights at least once a week. I simply haven’t perfected finding the time to fit much more than that in our hectic schedule. It’s true that I’m still limited on the type of strength I can do in being non-weight bearing; but I feel that the strength I’ve been putting in may help quite a bit when I return to running.
I’ve always had trouble with an non-responding right tush. I call it tush because I’ve had trouble pinpointing if ithe problem stems from my glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, a weak core….I just can’t say. The height of this trouble was at the 2008 Olympic Trials Marathon. I’ve come a long way working this issue out, but I can still feel a lack of response at times.
I’m working the heck out of my glutes, hip flexors, and even doing toe yoga the best I can. As for core, well, let’s just say I can do core all day long now – ha! On hand I have a Swiss ball, 8 and 12 lb weights, and various resistance flat bands as the tools I utilize most. I basically commit myself to a minimum of 20-30 minutes of this routine daily. In addition, I work in walks with the kids; and who knew house work would suddenly feel so challenging on one leg? It’s not a 10 mile run, but it will have to do for now.
Great news is that I will be getting this cast off tomorrow. I believe the plan is to take another x-ray with the hope that my joints no longer have the movement as they did just over 4 weeks ago. If all looks good, I will then upgrade to a boot for a couple weeks. If not, I’ll likely be cast bound once again.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that my foot is healing well!
6 Comments
Oh, I do hope you’re healing well!
I was the same with my broken leg. I went to the gym most days to either do upper body strength work, or use the arm bike. I was actually able to work up quite the sweat and get my heart pumping a little with the arm bike- which is nice for some one who craves cardio.
It is quite a relief when getting a cast off, so fingers crossed:)!
Xxx
Fingers crossed, Jackie!!
Thank you Allison!
Yes Sarah, having the cast off will be a small victory. I never tried the arm bike. I feel just trying to get the laundry basket upstairs can work up a sweat – ha! I hear you are running to two now…Congratulations!!!
Fingers crossed for you! I’m recovering from an injury myself– one day at a time, right?
Would you share some of your favorite core exercises? Primarily for glutes and lower abs? Many thanks!
Sure Jaime! Here are some of my favorites. They can be found under Vimeo- Jay Johnson in the “cool links” section of my website. Check out his 62 vimeo videos for strength ideas. I think Swiss ball exercises for runners are awesome – http://vimeo.com/6359219 ….lots of various plank positions – http://vimeo.com/4752171 …and various hip flexor/rotation exercise – http://vimeo.com/5463285. These videos have been very helpful for me. I hope they help you too!