running update: a boot

12/23/2013
bootday

My heel’s been bothering me for about six weeks, and per coach’s orders, I haven’t ran for nearly a month. And, after Wednesday’s doctor’s appointment (also my birthday!), it looks like running’s out for at least another month because… happy bootday to me!

Dr. Sevilla thinks I have a small calcaneal stress fracture (ie. my heel), but without an MRI, she can’t be 100 percent sure. Given it’s the end of the year and I haven’t met my deductible, I’m opting to skip the MRI and save some cash. I may change my mind come January, but for now, I’ll wear the boot, as it’s the same treatment with or without the MRI. And, lucky me, I have access to an Exogen ultrasound bone healing system, so hopefully coupled with the boot, it speeds up the healing process.

Sure, the boot is annoying and it stinks to not run (ok, not gonna lie… it’s kinda nice to have a break from it). But, there’s a silver lining. One: The boot is warm. Coupled with SmartWool socks, it’s warmer than my Sorel Joan of Arctics, and in Minnesnowta, warm feet in the winter is key. Two: It means more swimming and biking! I’m really loving both. And, three: Better now than this summer at the peak of IRONMAN Wisconsin training.

I biked six consecutive days last week, including three outside in Austin (more on that soon); my legs almost forgot what that feels like (it feels good!)! And, swimming… the pool has been fantastic. Progress continues and that makes me happy. I spent my summers at the local outdoor pool, but I never swam competitively – a downfall of graduating with just 39 people… no swim team – so I was pretty excited to hit a sub-3:00 200 last week.

I’ll update on my foot as healing continues!

Happy swimbikerunning, friends!

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24 Comments

  • Reply carrisamarie 12/23/2013 at 7:27 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your heel. At least you were on the right track with the rest from running…and now with the boot, you’ll be good as new before you know it! Enjoy the rest from running…as it sounds like you are with all that biking and swimming 🙂

  • Reply hyedi 12/23/2013 at 7:40 am

    I was so sad to see that boot on IG 🙁 but you’re right — there are totally silver linings here and your swimming is impressive — not to mention six consecutive days on the bike! You continue to amaze me, friend!

  • Reply Kecia 12/23/2013 at 7:42 am

    Sorry to hear about your foot Erin. I’m so glad you found the positives among the negatives!! I’m going to have my work cut out for me to try and keep up with you on the bike if we do a ride together this summer if you are building such a solid base already 😉 I did nothing this last week due to the crud I’ve been fighting, but I’m headed to the gym right now to try some strength training and see how it goes. Have a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! 🙂

  • Reply Maggs 12/23/2013 at 9:11 am

    Bummer if it is fractured. Take care of it and it will heal no matter what it is.

  • Reply Emily Dingmann (@nutritionisteat) 12/23/2013 at 10:57 am

    Well I’m glad the boot is keeping you toasty, but sorry that you are in pain, that is never fun! Have a wonderful Christmas Erin + Nick!

  • Reply De 12/23/2013 at 2:42 pm

    Way to keep positive! Hope you have a relaxing holiday and sending good vibes for a quick healing!

  • Reply Victoria 12/23/2013 at 3:37 pm

    You’re keeping SUCH a positive outlook on this – way to get in all that biking!

  • Reply Kristina 12/23/2013 at 7:35 pm

    Hope that you heal quickly! I’m always amazed, when I’ve been sidelined from running, at how happy am I to swim and bike. And 6 consecutive days – way to go with the biking!

  • Reply meghan @ little girl in the big world 12/23/2013 at 9:22 pm

    I’m sorry. That stinks. I had a calcaneal stress fracture in the spring of this year. Save your money on the MRI. Knowing that I had it for sure didn’t change anything. They told me not to wear fins in the pool but otherwise everything else was pretty much fine. I think I was out of running for a total of 8 weeks from first significant pain to the time I got back to walking and building up the walking into a run. Hope yours heals quickly!

  • Reply Sara 12/23/2013 at 10:07 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your foot. I hope you heal quickly! Great job on thinking positively! Enjoy swimbiking 🙂

  • Reply Kristen L 12/23/2013 at 10:18 pm

    Hope you can heal quickly. Sometimes it is nice to take a little break from running to work on swimming and biking. Keep up that positive attitude!

  • Reply Jesse - Questionably Texan 12/24/2013 at 8:54 am

    Sorry that you’re having to wear the boot, but you’re right, it’s better now than in the middle of IM training. Hope it heals up quickly for you.

  • Reply Beth 12/24/2013 at 10:00 am

    Oh, that sucks, but you have such a great attitude, it’s inspiring! Have a very Merry Christmas!

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 12/26/2013 at 8:57 pm

    Keep positive!! You will come out a better swimmer and cyclist. It is sometimes nice to have a break and focus on something else! You will be back running soon enough!

  • Reply Luv What You Do 12/26/2013 at 10:53 pm

    Hope you are feeling better!
    Enjoy your time away from running and have a magical holiday!

  • Reply Abby @ Change of Pace 12/27/2013 at 7:18 am

    Yikes- a boot doesn’t look like fun, but thank goodness it’s warm!
    And it is good timing now! Speedy swimming, lady! That’s great you’re enjoying it. And your biking is going to be even faster now, too, I bet!

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