• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

a much more relaxed week

5 sources of mental clutter

my spring race plans

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / injured runner: runs with pugs breaks a leg

injured runner: runs with pugs breaks a leg

November 27, 2019      27 Comments

By now, you’ve probably heard that I’ve fallen into the category of “injured runner.” Literally. I took a tumble on Saturday that led to two broken bones and a complete upheaval of my life.

injured runner

We are on Day 5 of this condition, with many more days to come. Being an injured runner, especially a severely injured one, was 100% NOT the plan, but these are the cards I’ve been dealt. Now, I have to find a way to deal with it.

So… What happened?

On Saturday morning, I woke up with my alarm at 5:25AM and dressed for my morning run. I brushed my teeth, tightened my ponytail and headed for the stairs, as I normally do. The next thing I knew, my heel slipped on the carpeted step and I went down on my right foot in an explosion of splintering pain.

I remember screaming for Mr PugRunner. In those first minutes, I hung on the railing of the steps, looking at my rapidly swelling ankle and the surreal bulges out of each side. I couldn’t catch my breath, couldn’t stop crying and couldn’t stop thinking “maybe it’s ok”.

It was not ok.

Obviously, we had to go to the hospital. I scooted on my rear down to the bottom of the first flight of stairs, and at this point, S showed up. Mr PugRunner was rushing around trying to get everything for the drive, but we quickly realized that I was hyperventilating too badly to get out to our car. My blood pressure crashed and I thought I was going to vomit from the pain. S kept talking to me and we decided that we needed to call 911.

It was so embarrassing to have the emergency vehicles pull up to the house. Thankfully, they didn’t use their sirens, so we didn’t end up as a curiosity on our neighborhood Facebook page. The paramedics assessed my situation and transferred me to the stretcher, stabilized my leg, and loaded me into the ambulance. S said she would follow the ambulance while Mr PugRunner took care of the dogs so I wouldn’t be alone, and I was grateful for that.

injured 10
unsplash-logoMustapha Muhammed

Off to the ER.

The ambulance ride was mostly uneventful. The EMTs hooked me up to a heart rate monitor, kept the ice pack on my leg and led me through my medical history. When we arrived at the ER, it was blessedly quiet and I was wheeled right into a room. My first nurse checked me in, ordered an X-ray and and IV, and turned me over to the next shift.

The X-ray showed that I had broken two bones, which set my heart rate off again. I was still in so much shock with all the adrenaline rushing through me, and the hospital staff was way more concerned with getting me calmed down than anything else.

injured runner

I will spare you the photos of my leg, but by this point my foot and ankle were swollen beyond belief. The ER doctor introduced himself and explained to me what was going on. He said that I would need surgery but was too swollen for them to proceed, so they were going to do a twilight sedation, manipulate my bones while I was under and then get me set up in a splint until I could meet with an orthopedic surgeon.

I remember a second doctor coming in whose focus would be on my pain management and heart rate, followed by a team of about 10 people (nurses, med students and assorted staff). My anxiety kicked in and I remember crying because it made me so nervous to see everyone coming just for me. They were absolute pros, though, and got me under, set properly, and back out of sedation in just one shot. I don’t remember a thing.

Hurry up and wait.

Saturday and Sunday passed in a bit of a haze. I spent a lot of time in bed and some on the couch because I just couldn’t get comfortable. My neighbor set up a meal train for us so we wouldn’t have to worry about food in the weeks ahead. Another friend found a wheelchair we could borrow to help make getting around easier (I hate the crutches).

The orthopedic surgeon weighs in.

After some miscommunication and runaround, Mr PugRunner brought me to the orthopedic surgeon’s office on Tuesday morning. Yes, I’m wearing pajama pants. That’s all I can fit over the splint.

injured runner

We met with Dr. S, and found him very informative and straightforward. I appreciate kindness and compassion from medical staff, but most of all, I want someone who is knowledgeable and honest, even if that means hard truths this injured runner doesn’t want to hear.

Dr. S checked out my X-rays, and opened the splint. He confirmed the breaks in my tibia and fibula, and was very pleased with the look of what the ER staff did with setting and stabilizing those bones.

injured runner

The next steps.

The plan is that I will be scheduled for surgery late next week, schedule-permitting. Dr. S will open incisions in both sides of my ankle. He will place two screws in one side, and a plate with screws in the other. This hardware is intended to last for my lifetime and he assured me that he places it in such a way I will never know it’s there.

Instead of a hard cast, I will be put back in a splint, similar to what I’m wearing now. When he removes the stitches, about a week after the surgery, if he likes what he sees, he will put me in a walking cast and I can start PT. While he can’t guarantee my leg will be the same as it was, Dr S. said I should be back to running in four to six months. It’s not the news I wanted, but I’ll be back.

Adjusting to the new normal.

I honestly thought the doctors would splint me up, hand me the crutches, and send me on my way. How hard could it possibly be to go ahead and resume my life?

Spoiler alert: that is NOT how it’s going. Guys, this is hard. Everything is hard. It’s an effort to sit down, to get up, to go up and down the stairs. The smallest things are exhausting. I can manage the crutches (although I am terrified of slipping). I need help getting dressed because I can’t bend manipulate my leg the right way. I’ve figured out how to bathe and how to wash my hair, although I need supervision for both. Driving is a big fat no, but we did get a temporary disabled parking placard, to make things more accessible for me.

I’m humbled. Family, friends and acquaintances have rushed to our rescue. From S coming over at 5:40 in the morning to help keep me calm while Mr PugRunner called 911 and keeping little man occupied, to my parents coming to the ER to take over childcare while we got settled, to offers to wash my hair and decorate our Christmas tree, it has been a constant wave of kindness and generosity. I don’t know how we’re going to thank and repay everyone for how they have helped us.

I’m also angry and sad. It’s normal, I guess. I haven’t quite come to terms with the fact that my running is over for the year (short of my goal, no less) and that I will be missing all of my favorite holiday races. It could have been worse, is what I keep reminding myself, but the disappointment is pretty consuming. My two biggest stress relievers (running and kickboxing) are gone, along with my independence. It’s a bit of an emotional roller coaster, and not one I’m ready to face head on.

Onward and upward.

I will tell you I’m not going down like this. I’m hopeful the PT will help me feel better about not being able to run (or walk or do anything productive) and I’m determined to work hard to get back to what I love.

In the meantime, it’s rest and recovery. I’m going to need to find a new hobby, or finally write that novel I always said I would. The possibilities are endless.

Are you following my Instagram? I’ve got a video up in my Stories, with all the gruesome details if you want to check it out.

Have you ever broken anything? How was your recovery?

Any suggestions on what fun activities I can do while I’m recuperating?

Today, we join KookyRunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics! Join the linkup and play along!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zenaida Arroyo says

    November 28, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Oh wow! I am so sorry about your leg. I will admit that I cringed reading your story. I simply cannot imagine the pain as I have never broken anything. As for fun activities, how about Netflix and Prime marathons? That’s what I would do if it were me. Sending you lots of hugs and hopes for a speedy recovery!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 1:51 am

      I have never broken anything and I never want to again. The weird thing is that even now, I don’t feel the actual breaks. I’m grateful for it, and I’m sure I’ll be in heaps of pain after the surgery.

      I don’t watch a lot of tv. We are watching Season 2 of Jack Ryan right now, and it’s just not working for me, even though I loved Season 1. I’m hoping maybe to get a vinyl cutter for Christmas, or art supplies, so I can keep busy. My mom brought over a bunch of jigsaw puzzles, but it’s hard to sit at a table to do them right now. I

      Reply
  2. Wendy says

    November 28, 2019 at 1:47 am

    Aww, Jen, I’m just so sorry. Outside of stress fractures, nothing traumatic like yours. I hope you heal quickly. Did you contact my friend? There is also Jessie from The Right Fits who suffered a terrible break like yours and has run several marathons since!
    Wendy recently posted…10 Unique Holiday Gifts for the Runner in Your Life and Links to Other Gift ListsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 1:52 am

      Not yet, but I will. Today was a hard day and I confess to wallowing just a bit. I’ll head over to Jessie’s blog, too. I’m afraid to get my hopes too high, but I definitely need something upbeat.

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 28, 2019 at 2:08 am

    As I said, I can totally emphasize with you on the shock and disbelief. Having never broken a bone (let alone two), there’s no way I can know what you’re going through, though. It’s great that you have a strong support network; that was a huge factor in my recovery (at least the emotional aspect). As busy and active as you are, though, I bet it won’t take you long to assimilate to your new “normal” and find a way to resume most of your daily stuff. For now, the best thing you can do is rest. And be grateful you got such quick & excellent care…and that it wasn’t worse. ((Hugs))

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 3:28 pm

      This is my first broken bone ever. Well. First two. Resting is absolutely not in my wheelhouse and I hate the lack of privacy and independence. By the end of this, my pistol squats are going to be fire. Not driving is the worst, especially at this time of year. And I’m so sad not being able to run my Turkey Trot and all the other holiday races.

      We are so lucky for our network. They have literally washed in to help us and I just can’t be more thankful.

      Reply
  4. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 28, 2019 at 2:12 am

    Oh my gosh Jen I am so sorry! I’ve never broken a bone and cannot imagine how painful that must have been. I’m so glad you have so much support around you. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      I have had gallstones, birthed a child with minimal pain meds and had a tonsillectomy as an adult. Of those three, the tonsillectomy recovery was the worst. That moment where my leg broke? Blew that straight out of the water. I saw stars, and I pride myself on my pain tolerance.

      Reply
  5. Kim G says

    November 28, 2019 at 2:28 am

    Everything that you’re feeling now is totally understandable. It makes sense to have so many different emotions. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks, Kim. I’m trying not to be a brat, but it’s hard.

      Reply
  6. Deborah Brooks says

    November 28, 2019 at 3:01 am

    Jen I had a similar experience about 14 years ago with a ski accident. I needed surgery as well. Yes it’s life changing for sure. Thankfully your son is a lot older so he can do stuff for himself. It’s all about managing for the first few weeks and then it starts to get easier. I could not drive for a few months either so that is hard to get used to.You will be surprised at how you figure out ways to do stuff. You will be back and stronger for it! On the positive side my accident actually led me to become a runner so you never know what positive thing might come out of it. Hang in there!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 3:33 pm

      A has been incredible. He is worried sick because mommy is NEVER down like this but he is scrambling around and hates leaving me. The driving thing is tough. I’m super independent and the idea that I can’t zip to the store or Target is awful. Like I said, I’m not going down like this. However, sometimes, it hits me in just a wave of sadness and upset and it’s hard to pull out fit.

      Reply
  7. Anna @ Pipersrun says

    November 28, 2019 at 10:52 am

    So sorry this happened to you. I was on crutches last April for 10 days and couldn’t drive for 3-4 weeks. It wasn’t fun, especially with my girls in sports etc.
    I want to say hang in their but I know that’s hard to do. Focus on little things and little accomplishments rather than long term stuff. I ended up reading way more than I ever did which was kinda nice!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 28, 2019 at 3:33 pm

      The not driving thing is awful! I want to drive!

      good tips. I need to get some more books.

      Reply
  8. Darlene says

    November 28, 2019 at 11:05 pm

    This is exactly the same injury I had except that I had surgery immediately since I had no swelling. Running with compression socks. Yay

    He is correct I had the screws and plate and I can’t feel them at all. I run faster and longer than before. You will be fine.

    It will be painful. It will take many many months that will feel like forever. There will be a lot of PT.

    If you have any questions just ask.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 29, 2019 at 1:49 am

      Thank you so much. I will definitely reach out. I just want to get a firm surgery date – I’m terrible at this waiting game.I’m already so frustrated with everything and I need to stop.

      I’m glad thought that the screws and plates aren’t obvious. I’m also a little upset about the scarring from the incisions, but I guess it’s a cool story.

      I can take the pain if it’s for a positive outcome. It’s the pain right now when I can’t do anything about anything that is really getting me down.

      Reply
      • Darlene says

        November 29, 2019 at 7:51 pm

        the scars are barely visible. My leg is just a little bigger than the other but only I notice.

        It is very scary. It will look GROSS after surgery. I have pics on my ipad that I never posted.

        And then after months of not walking,,, you lose all muscle.. that is scary looking too.

        Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

        It’s not permanent or fatal…that’s the good news.
        Darlene recently posted…Runfessions for NovemberMy Profile

        Reply
  9. Renée says

    November 29, 2019 at 8:54 am

    I know how hard this is. I really do. But try to keep one thing in mind: this is temporary. You will run again. I know, ain’t NOBODY got time for this!! But as hard as it may be, try to focus on what’s ahead, not what’s happened – easier said than done for sure. Always here for you if you need to vent. And also? It’s totally ok to be angry and sad and frustrated. Don’t bottle that stuff up. Remember I’m 6 hours ahead of you so if you’re up in the middle of the night, can’t sleep and have thoughts going every which way? I’m just a mail or a PM away. xxxx

    Reply
    • Coco says

      November 29, 2019 at 10:22 pm

      Oh my gosh, i am so sorry to hear this! That fall sounds scary. I’m glad you were well cared for. I know the road to recovery seems long from here but you will get there.

      Reply
  10. Heather Hart says

    November 30, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Ugh, girl, I hate all of this for you! And yes, crutches are horrible and NOT as easy as they look! I’ve had my fair share of injuries that knocked me out for a few months. It’s super hard while you are in the midst of it, but the time eventually does pass. Like you said, it’s a great opportunity to work on something different!
    Heather Hart recently posted…8 Pros & Cons of Waterproof Running ShoesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 30, 2019 at 6:15 pm

      I’m super hopeful to be back on the road to PT soon. All this waiting is doing nothing for my nerves and anxiety.

      Reply
  11. The Accidental Marathoner says

    November 30, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    Oh, man, this is so not bueno! I’m so sorry you have to deal with it. PT is amazing and you are focused and determined, so you will get back to it in tip-top shape. Of course things like puzzles, family games, catching up on series’ or movies you’ve never seen…but of course you want to get some physical activity in, too! I’m sure your PT will give you plenty of ideas for home exercises, and of course as the pain subsides you can find things to work on your core and upper body. Here’s to a quick and full recovery!
    The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Gatorade Endurance: Fuel for the Long RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 30, 2019 at 5:31 pm

      Thanks. I have a bunch of puzzles downstairs but I’m still not able to sit at a table for very long because I have to keep my leg elevated. Reading, adult coloring books, tv and online shopping it is!

      I can’t wait to just get this surgery done so we can move forward.

      Reply
  12. Stacie Seidman says

    December 3, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    I’m so sorry this happened to you! I have a feeling if they can get you put back together and into a walking cast you’re going to feel a lot better about everything and have a lot more freedom. I hope you get to feeling better very soon!
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Truthful Tuesday: the one about JorgeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 3, 2019 at 10:05 pm

      I can’t wait for the walking cast. I know it’s going to hurt, but I think I’m ready for it.

      Reply
  13. Cari says

    December 28, 2019 at 2:37 am

    Wow. What an ordeal, but sounds lile you had an amazing healthcare team. So glad to read that.
    I feel you re: PJs – that was me in a knee splint when I had surgery back in high school. High fashion.
    Like you, I hate being the center of attention, so glad you were spared sirens.
    Cari recently posted…Runfessions of a sidelined runnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 28, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      I think a good team makes everything a little easier. I’m glad for that.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • a much more relaxed week
  • 5 sources of mental clutter
  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things
  • 5 fitness superstitions

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens insid Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens inside the comfort zone.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids 

 #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40#WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
Even though I got up late, the weather was still c Even though I got up late, the weather was still cool enough to make my 5 miler tolerable. 

We are supposed to see temps in the 90s this weekend and I am 100% not about it!

I won’t be racing this weekend: instead I’ve got some work, some volunteering, and another event on Sunday. Looking forward to all of it!

Are you running long or racing this weekend? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville ev This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville event at the @theglassfactory, presented by @yelpjacksonville and @market.and.mimosas!

Is it possible to be overwhelmed by so much amazing talent, creativity and awesome woman power? 

From the iconic “my phone eats first” tote to the gorgeous party wall lined with craft mimosas, to the silent disco headphones and all the vendors and food/drink samples! Swoon.

I shopped, ate, drank and chatted my way around the venue, and enjoyed every second of it. What a way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and all of the incredible female entrepreneurs, business owners and bosses in Jax and NE Florida!

Five stars. Would do again in a heartbeat!

#yougogirl #womenshistorymonth #girlpower #lovelocal #womanownedbusiness #smallbusiness #localbusiness #supportlocal #womenrunjax #yelpelite #yelpelitesquad #vendormarket #onlyinjax #thingstodojax #myphoneeatsfirst #firstcoastfavorites
35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down 35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down walk in the beautiful sunshine.

I am not a huge fan of gym equipment like the treadmill or the elliptical: I find it boring and often times awkward. That being said, I’m working through a training plan from @runsmartofficial and trusting the process.

Did you get your fitness inside or out today? How do you feel about the elliptical?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Knock knock! Rolling through another Wednesday of Knock knock!

Rolling through another Wednesday of miles! It was not a great run (i got something in my contact and had to go home to flush it out!) but the company stellar as usual (@montarriba) and future me will say thank you for sticking it out.

I’ve got a busy day with some writing, a few emails and a trip to @danielle904beauty so stay tuned for that glow up!

How is your Wednesday? How are you rolling?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Could they be any cuter? @lunanleonidas #pug #p Could they be any cuter?

@lunanleonidas 

#pug #pugpuppies
Let’s talk about balance. Balance is an area wh Let’s talk about balance.

Balance is an area where I sometimes struggle, physically and emotionally. It can be a challenge to fit in all the things I want and all the things I need. I don’t always love doing the mundane or tedious tasks that ultimately lead to the foundations of the things I am more passionate about.

I am taking a little more time to build on the basics, and find my balance. It’s going to lead to a healthier and happier me.

How do you find your balance? Do you struggle with the basics? 

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run.

I worked through some cardio under the blue skies and in the fresh air and then came home to @runsmartofficial’s base building boot camp. 

There was A LOT of focus on balance and feet and ankles, as well as ground work in the form of different planks and push-ups. 

The movements were small but effective and my legs are certainly burning! It’s going to get harder as we go, but I’m excited to spend more time on my stability and form, to see if it makes me stronger and more efficient over time.

What was on your workout calendar today?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!