A story of going from being a non-runner to planning for a marathon in three years...

Friday, February 25, 2011

Stress Free




MRI news?

Well, if you haven't figured it out yet, I do not have a stress fracture or a stress reaction. I do technically have a "stress response" but that boils down to an inflamation of the soft tissue next to the bone. My muscle and my periosteum alongside my left tibia are slightly inflamed. Which means I have "Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome". Also known as shin splints.

Yes, all of that for shin splints.

Can someone please explain to me how someone who has been running for almost 4 years gets shin splints? Well, maybe it's partly due to trying to change my gait while doing intervals. But, really, shin splints?

Although I'd much rather have shin splints than a stress reaction or a stress fracture. Because shin splints mean I can RUN!

The doctor told me I need to essentially manage my pain. No runs longer than 5 miles for now. Stop if I feel pain. See a physical therapist twice a week for 4-6 weeks (appointments have already been made) to strengthen my hips, glutes, adductors and abductors. Okay, I can handle that.

My sub-2 hour half marathon might have to wait until fall, but I'm okay with that too. Because I can still run. And that makes me happy.

P.S. You know what also makes me happy? People entering my Element Bar Giveaway! Actually, that should make you happy too.

Comments (7)

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YAY for shin splits.

Which is really, really weird to write.
Great news!!!
I think it sounds like you have a new plan for success ahead of you, and that you got this checked out at the right time! Good for you for taking care of yourself and not being a stubborn runner (I am not being sarcastic, I am saying that takes a lot and is applausable).

And so happy you can keep running!

(Just read this - http://peripateticla.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-... (maybe skip to the last paragraph) - and thought it sounded familiar)
Kim sent me a link to your blog (and referenced mine in her comment) so I've just read through your experiences with your injury. I hope that it's a speedy recovery for you!
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
I hope you have as good of results as I did and can get back to normal ASAP!

P.S. I'm jealous that you got headphones for your MRI. I didn't get offered any. Just foam ear plugs that were too big.
Yay, no stress fracture! That's always good news, right?

I'm relieved for you...relieved on your behalf? I'm not sure how to say it. Like you said, the important thing is that you can keep running.
Whoa, I never would have guessed that it was shin splints! That is really crazy, especially since you've been running so long without them. But I am SO glad you can still run!! That is the best news. And maybe it's a good thing this is happening now, rather than summer or fall when you might want to train for something. And PT is ALWAYS a good thing - I've learned so many great exercises in mine!

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