There’s no easy way to say this: I have a broken leg. I’m still very much in shock and I’m processing very slowly. This not the news any runner wants, and needless to see, my journey to 1,019 miles in 2019 is over.
Snap.
Just like that.
Clearly, this is not the way I saw the end of our year. I had huge plans, races, fabulous goals. I’m incredibly frustrated and angry, on top of scared and anxious for what the orthopedic surgeon will say this week.
Sunday – 7 miles, running
Sunday morning was beautiful and S and I had a glorious run. Like the kind that can go forever. I loved every second of it. I would have gone longer if we didn’t have much to
We devoted the rest of the day to decorating the trees in our neighborhood amenity center and then straight on to holiday movies. It was the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly evening.
Monday – 9Round #119
S was having some soreness from our Sunday run, so we agreed to switch to Monday instead. I hopped right in at 9Round, and smashed it out. I’ve been able to start cutting back on modifications and increasing weights, and I’ve been really proud to that.
Tuesday – 5.6 miles, running + 9Round #120
Our run was fabulous, again. It’s been chilly in the mornings, but it makes such a difference for running.
9Round was awesome, too! There have been some great workouts over the last few weeks. Some have been brutal, but all have been challenging.
We also had another great SOUPer Bowl Meeting. Ticket sales are underway and everything is progressing smoothly.
I made a huge pot of pasta e fagioli for dinner. It’s finally soup season!
Wednesday – 5.6 miles, running + 9Round #121
This was basically a repeat of Tuesday. We ran.
I went to 9Round.
Mr PugRunner had a neighborhood meeting in the evening, so little man and I did his karate routine on our own and went about our business. With the holiday break coming up, he’s had light homework.
Thursday – rest
Thursday was just one of those do-little days. I wasn’t feeling up to 9Round, so I got started on cleaning up the house for Saturday’s festivities. I did get a lovely girls’ lunch with my friend at one of my favorite local BBQ joints.
Little man came home with no scheduled homework, so I decided to get the cookie baking started. He and his daddy both love butter spritz cookies, and so I finally ordered a new cookie press so we could make that happen. Little man loves being in the kitchen and he was such a big helper.
Friday – 1.7 miles, Turkey Trot + 9Round #122
9Round was a little more quiet in the morning, but I was glad – some of the moves were really tough and I was able to focus on them without distraction.
Then it was back to the house for some cleaning and tidying. I did some prep for our planned Thanksgiving on Saturday and then called it a night. It was another long week.
Little man’s school hosted a Turkey Trot during PE periods. Parents were welcome to join, so S and I went on over to join in the fun. We ran one lap of the course in little man’s period and the second lap during her son’s period. Afternoon running is hard.
Mr PugRunner brined the turkey to get it ready for the Big Green Egg, and we got all set up for the morning.
Saturday – The Incident
The plan? I was going to meet S at 6:00AM and we were going to get in about six miles.
What actually happened? As I was heading down the stairs, I slipped, landed very terribly wrong and broke my tibia and fibula near the ankle. I now know the volume I need to use to get the boys moving first thing in the morning. The pain was excrutiating and I think I went into shock almost immediately (especially since I could see the bones bulging).
I was able to scoot down to the bottom of the first flight of stairs, but when I tried to stand to get down the next few steps, my blood pressure crashed and I started hyperventilating. We ended up having to call 911 and I had to take the ambulance to the hospital.
From there, everything was a sort of a blur. They did x-rays, got me an IV and started managing the pain. The ER doctor brought in a team and they sedated me so they could manipulate the bones into places and put me in a splint. They are thinking surgery but I was too swollen for them to just go ahead with it, and so I will have to meet with the ortho Wednesday. I really tried to keep smiling.
S came to the hospital to help with little man. My parents met us there and took over. When I got discharged, they all came back to the house so we could continue with our dinner plans.
Goal-getting
So … goals are shifting it would seem. Right now, my biggest goal is figuring out how to get comfortable and how to effectively manage getting around with a broken leg. I kind of thought the doctors would set and splint the bones and I would be off to the races, but that is not the case. I am so uncomfortable and I’m terrified of getting up and down the stairs. Nothing is easy right now.
I’m trying to stay positive, and we are so lucky. Our friends have mobilized forces and put together a meal train through the end of the year. They have offered help with everything from decorating our Christmas tree to transporting little man to activities to helping wash my hair. Through their networks, they have found a wheelchair I can use, as well as a lap desk so I can work a little more comfortably from the bed and the couch.
Obviously, I’m upset. I can’t drive. I can’t run or work out. I don’t know how I’m going to manage all the events we have over the next few weeks. Little man is very sensitive and very upset about what’s happened, which breaks my heart. I’m terrible about asking for and accepting help. These upcoming weeks are not going to be easy. I’m trying to keep my eye on the prize and focus on healing. It could have been a lot worse, so I’m trying to find some good.
I am linking up with the new Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
Will you be joining me at any of the Best Damn Race Ambassador Crew! Don’t forget to register with my BDR discount code RUNSWITHPUGS to save on any distance at any BDR location!
How was your week in training?
Have you ever broken a bone? Any tips or tricks to get me through the long weeks ahead?
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about the broken leg. It sounds horribly painful but that’s great news that your friends and family are able to help out. It’s definitely hard to ask for and accept help but it sounds like this really is the time for it. Best wishes for a quick recovery.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly Review
It is very painful, which also make me angry. We are so lucky to have such a network of incredible people. I have no idea how we are going to thank them and repay their generosity.
OMG Jenn :'( all I want to do right now is hug you so hard!!!! I’m so so sorry this has happened to you. HUGE hugs!!
Thank you, that means so much. Definitely not the way I wanted my year to end.
oh my I am so sorry! I had a traumatic ski accident like that about 14 years ago and tore my ACL/MCL. It is so scary for sure and can be so painful. Hope you get a plan in place for surgery and recovery. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…West African Peanut Soup Meatless Monday
That sounds terrible, too! Ugh! Have you been out on skis since? I am freaking terrified of the stairs in my own house. Mr PugRunner is doing all he can to get me to go up and down so I won’t be so traumatized but it’s scary. 🙁
Holy Yikes! SO sorry to hear of your “incident.” I hope all goes well with the Ortho (and any impending surgery). Recovery, as you know, will be paramount…so do try to smile and focus on the big picture–> this will pass (I know, cheap words, but truthful). Thinking of you and sending all kinds of good mojo from Iowa 😉
I know and I know that you totally understand. It was so awful. I can still hear the sound it made. Ugh.
And yes, the recovery is so important. I just hope that I am able to be patient enough to heal the way I need to heal.
Oh my goodness. My stomach turned reading about your leg 🙁 I probably would have gone into shock too! I’m sooooo sorry, you are right, that is every runners nightmare! I’m sending you speedy, heal fast, wishes!
Heather Hart recently posted…Ultramarathons, Immune Systems, and Why you Get Sick After Races
It was the most surreal thing. Sorry I made your stomach turn. It was horrifying to watch. I still can’t quite wrap my head around what happened.
I”m so so so sorry about this, Jen! A FB friend, who is an avid runner, went through this exact same thing a few years ago. She’s back to running marathons. I’d love to hook you up with her. She’s such a positive person and if you think it would be helpful to talk with someone who’s been there, I know she would be willing. Just send me an email.
In the meantime, hang in there. I wish I could be there to help take care of you! <3
Wendy recently posted…Running with the Coyotes
Thank you! I am definitely going to reach out. I could use a bit of positivity in my life right now.
Oh no! I’m so so so sorry. It sounds like you have an amazing support group around you, though. I hope you heal up quickly and don’t need surgery! Sending you all the healing vibes!
The best support group in the world. Surgery is a go, unfortunately 🙁
I was so so sad to read this on Instagram the other day. Just know that I’m sending you positive vibes all the way from CT and wishing your a speedy recovery.
Thank you. I’m in need of all the positive vibes I can get.
Ugh! I saw your post on IG yesterday, but now reading this, I can’t imagine the amount of pain you experienced when it first happened. I’m so sorry to see you’re injured, but I’m wishing you a speedy recovery! Hopefully you get good news on Wednesday!
It was awful. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but this was unreal. I never need to go through anything quite like that again.
I’m not going to sugar coat this but it will suck. 7 years ago I broke the same two bones. I had surgery. They put in a plate and 6 screws on one side and 2 long screws on the other. Do the surgery if you have the option. You will be better than ever. But it will take a long time. 5 months before I could walk. It will be painful and seem like forever but you will get through it. I know you will. Feel free to contact me if you need to talk.
I appreciate the candor. That’s pretty much what the ortho said would happen. I’m not thrilled, but I don’t see that I have much choice. He seems to be pretty optimistic about the recovery, but I am very much expecting it to hurt. I will definitely reach out. Thank you.
Oh #$(*&*! Reading about your fall made me cringe. I am so sorry to hear this! What a bummer. It won’t be easy, but maybe your son (and husband) will find it very rewarding to help you out and that will be enjoyable for you? I hope you get some good news from the Dr this week.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…Weekly workouts – can you predict?
I tried to be diplomatic, and I didn’t post the actual photo I took in the ER. It makes me nauseous just looking at it. The boys have been phenomenal through this. I HATE not being able to do anything, so I’m hopeful I am up and around soon.
Oh man, when I read about your break on IG my heart sank. I hate the thought of it. Hopefully it will not be as bad as you’ve likely allowed your mind to wander. Take the time to heal properly. You have a very healthy base so that of course will help you. Prayers for a quick and easy recovery!
The good news is that my heel is fine. It’s been the thing that hurts the worst, so I’m thinking maybe it is just bruised. The ortho seemed very zen about the whole thing which indicates that this will be totally routine. Fingers crossed that everything goes according to plan and he doesn’t find anything awful in there when he goes in.
Oh my goodness! I am so sorry that this has happened. It sounds like you are in good hands with your doctors but I am sure that it is not how you wanted the year to end up. Sending you so many fast healing vibes and much love!
Sandra D Laflamme recently posted…World Kindness Day. 5 Ways to be Kinder to Yourself.
The hospital and affiliated offices are fantastic, so I’m glad for that. But no. This was not my plan. Not at all.
I’m so, SO sorry for you! What terrible timing too with the holidays. I imagine once the swelling is down some and the ortho can assess, they’ll be able to get you more comfortable. I hope you heal quickly! Try not to feel guilty for accepting the help. We all know you’re the first to offer to others, and now it’s just your time to get some of it back. Thinking of you!
The worst timing. we were able to get in today and they are getting me scheduled for surgery, hopefully next week. It’s been so hard taking the help, but I am so grateful for everyone.
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that! :[ I hope you have a speedy recovery! I’m glad you have a good support system and people to help! <3
Sorry for incoming flood as I play catchup. Can’t believe I missed this and well all of December. Your fall sounds frightening especially as I just fell down a few stairs Christmas morning. So glad you’re relatively on the mend. I’ll unsee the icky Jets shirt 😉 Ping me if you need anything — happy to help from afar.
I’m assuming you two know one another and she’s probably more caught up than I am, but check out Jessie – RightFits’ broken leg recovery. She may have some functional tips.
Cari recently posted…Runfessions of a sidelined runner
It was absolutely terrifying. I don’t know how I’m every going to get myself down the stairs again.
I also prefer to unsee the icky Jets shirt. I root for the Dolphins and the Jaguars (my longtime favorite and my local team, respectively). It’s is only big fault, so I tolerate it.
I am catching up with Jessie. Hers is just as heartbreaking. Ugh! Thanks for the support. This has been a rough time.
I was behind on my blogs and am sorry I missed this! I had the exact same break (slipped on the ice running a few weeks before I was supposed to run the Antarctica marathon, didn’t get to go) in February of 2018. I shared all the gory details on my blog, including how I stayed sane. Happy to email/chat/text about what you’re going through. Another great resource is this Injured Athletes club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheInjuredAthletesClub/?multi_permalinks=1767093950087955¬if_id=1577543264977134¬if_t=group_activity
Oh, how heartbreaking to miss out on Anarctica! I am so sorry that happened to you. I caught up on your story while on the bike at the gym today. The similarities are just amazing. I’m terrified to get in the pool because of bacteria while I’m healing, and also terrified about a pedicure (although I need my toes done so badly). I joined that Facebook group and will dig through it this afternoon. With the PT, I’m doing upper body and core with light weights and medicine balls. I just got to boost the resistance on the bike a little bit. It’s just so frustrating and upsetting.
Check out this book too! https://www.amazon.com/Rebound-Training-Bounce-Stronger-Injuries/dp/1472961439