week 49: a december for the injured athlete to recover

An injured athlete needs time to recover – what else is there to say?

My progress for 2019 has come to a screeching halt, and that’s all there is to that. This past week was dedicated to relearning everything I thought I knew about mobility and friends, it is exhausting.

Sunday – rest

I spent a lot of Sunday in bed. This will become bit of a recurring theme, but apparently, rest is the number one thing I should be doing right now. We used the day to get accustomed to the crutches, getting around and getting comfortable with my leg elevated.

Monday – rest

The weirdest thing about this whole experience is not setting an alarm. Since I’m not having the easiest time sleeping at night, I don’t have to get up in the morning. Not that I would be much help to anyone if I was awake. Little man and Mr PugRunner handled the morning routine like champs.

I was really uncomfortable all day and had to make an adult decision to cancel the VIP Media Tour of the Nights of Lights. I was really determined to make it happen, but I got very nervous about what to wear (the splint is huge, so I am limited to dresses and PJ pants), getting in and out of the trolley, and going to the bathroom. In the end, I couldn’t work up the courage to get out the door, and sent my regrets.

Tuesday – rest

Mr PugRunner was finally able to get my appointment at the orthopedic surgeon. It wasn’t the same one we originally thought, but Mr PugRunner was perfectly satisfied with the new one’s credentials.

Our meeting was fairly quick – we just had to confirm what we already knew and get scheduled for surgery. With the holidays, the surgeons are all slammed, but they set to work and we should get a date soon.

We also got a form for a temporary parking placard and Mr PugRunner asked if I was up to a trip to the DMV. Since we were already out, I said sure, and we handled that.

By this point, I was exhausted, so we picked up lunch and I took a nap. After all, it was time for my next disappointment: we had tickets to see Wicked that night. Once again, I was all hyped up to make it happen. We arranged for seats in an accessible area and I was ready, but the closer we got to the time, the less confident I felt. The theater is modern but crowded. What if someone hit into my extended leg? Again, how was I going to manage the restroom with the wheelchair? What if I couldn’t get comfortable?

In the end, I asked Mr PugRunner to take little man. I was more upset that I missed little man’s first live theater experience than missing the show (I’ve seen Wicked before), but they ended up having a good time.

Wednesday – rest

Little man had the day off, so he helped Mr PugRunner around the house and got some playtime with his buddies. The weather has been gorgeous, so it’s nice he was able to get some fresh air.

Thursday – rest

Happy Thanksgiving.

It was really, really hard not waking up and toeing the start line of the Turkey Trot for which we were registered. I thought maybe I would be able to go and cheer on the runners, but when the time came, it wasn’t in me. I will get there.

Our original plan was to host brunch with my parents and then have dinner with our friends down the road. Brunch was unceremoniously canceled, but we did keep our plans for Friendsgiving. I got the best view: watching the sweet baby.

I was able to hang in for about two and a half hours. After that point, my heel and ankle started feeling super swollen and constricted and I just wanted my bed. Mr PugRunner took me home, but we were able to leave little man to continue playing with his buddies. I am so grateful for such awesome friends.

Friday – rest

So. For months we have been looking forward to a family trip to Universal. The departure day arrived, and the honest truth was that I couldn’t go. The ortho said I could, if I sat in the back of the car with my leg elevated for the drive, and we planned to bring the crutches and the wheelchair for options. I was ok with hanging in the hotel room or waiting with a book while the guys checked out rides, but the reality was, I just didn’t have the strength.

That being said, I wanted them to go. They have been working so hard to take care of me and it was so important to me that they get a break. We compromised that they would spend one night away, and my parents would come here to watch me.

The truth is, it was super difficult sending them off. Deep down, I was crazy jealous of the fun they were going to have. It’s shameful, but these are the deep dark confessions of an injured athlete. I loved the pictures they sent back, though.

My positive vibes also took a bit of a detour. I gave up sappy Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel, delved into some true crime documentaries and started coloring in my new book.

I can’t be sunshine all the time.

Saturday – rest

My mom left early to go back to work and my stepdad hung out until the boys returned. There was awful traffic, so it was a long day for everyone.

In the evening, Mr PugRunner got me out of the house. We have neighbor who decorates his entire property with incredible lights set to music. Saturday night was the kickoff for Christmas, and he invited the neighbors out for the grand light-up, complete with Santa. It was good to be outside for a bit, and I got to chat with some friends I hadn’t seen.

We also welcomed back Sparkle, our holiday elf. Wouldn’t you know it? She has a broken leg, too! She traveled to us with a cast and in a measuring cup so little man can move her without touching. She won’t be engaging in her regular shenanigans this year, but she’s watching all the same.

Goal-getting

The injured athlete’s goals are just a bit different. For this December, I plan on putting everything into my recovery. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how hard, once the surgeon says I’m ready to start that PT, I’m going in 110%.

I also plan to get myself out of the house a little bit more. I’ve been afraid of things like falling, or hitting my leg, or embarrassing myself in some way. Staying home is just safer, and that’s no way to live.

Nutrition is the most on point it’s ever been. Since I can’t really get in the kitchen by myself, I’m not snacking or randomly eating too much. Of course, we are getting some delicious meals from friends, and I am enjoying those so much.

I have no excuse not to read, now. So I am working through The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. It’s terrifying and fascinating all at once.

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?

What are your goals for the last month of 2019?