Happy Winter Break! Ok. It’s hard for me to say “happy anything” right now, considering my condition, but little man is off from school for the next few weeks and the holidays have truly begun. Granted, I haven’t been able to participate in much, but things are looking up.
Sunday – rest
Sunday was a bit of a quiet day. For some reason, my leg was bothering me again and I was struggling with sleeping at night. Boo.
I had another visit from some friends on their way out to a night in St. Augustine. These little drop-ins have done wonders for my emotional state. even if I don’t have the energy to get out of bed, I love getting to see my favorite people.
Monday – rest
I was so incredibly excited for Monday because I had my 10-day post-op appointment! Personally, I try to schedule all my appointments as early as possible, but in this case, we go when there is room in the schedule. By the time 3:00PM rolled around, I was out of my mind.
You can read the details here, but the short version is that I was able to walk right out of there, like a (slightly wobbly) boss.
PS: Mr PugRunner completed his 100th 9Round workout! I am so proud of him!
Tuesday – walk
Per doctor’s orders, it was time to start walking. Little man played escort on his skateboard, and I found myself able to walk about five houses down my street. I was exhausted, and not at all impressed.
Little man also made mention that this year didn’t feel very Christmas-y. Of course, I feel awful about it. I love making holidays and occasions magical and special and this year I just haven’t been able to do it. To make up for it let him open a gift from his aunt, uncle and cousins.
Wednesday – walk
When little man came home from school, he said he wasn’t feeling well. He didn’t have a fever (99.3), but he was tired, didn’t have much appetite, and said his legs were achy. I sent him off to shower and bed, and he was dead asleep by 7:30.
Since he wasn’t able to help me out, Mr PugRunner joined me for this walk, and I got about twice as far. The boot is heavy and awkward, and definitely leads to tiring out way faster than usual.
Thursday – walk
Mr. PugRunner checked on little man in the morning. Still no fever (in the mid 99 range), but still not himself. He had one more midterm so I suggested he go to school, take the test, and then Mr PugRunner would pick him up. With all the flu, strep, and norovirus going around, I saw no point in making him stay if the rest of the school hours were devoted to movies and non-learning.
Usually I am pretty militant about school attendance, but we have been through the wringer and I felt zero guilt about letting him start his Winter Break a little early. He took a massive nap when he got home and that absolutely sealed the deal on my decision.
As an added bonus, we got a beautiful morning nap, with this snuggle bug. I’m taking advantage of all the extra sleep this winter break.
I had the loveliest visit from my running buddy, S. She took me for my afternoon walk since little man was snoozing and Mr PugRunner was trying to catch up with work. It was so nice seeing her.
Friday – physical therapy, 60 minutes
I woke up at 4:00 AM on Friday because I was that excited to get started on physical therapy. We were there even before the therapist (yes, I’m that eager). Mr PugRunner waited with me until I filled out all my paperwork and got started, and then he went off to 9Round.
The PT, G, assessed the situation. He put me through some stretches and paid me a huge compliment by saying that I already have great range of motion and strength in my ankle and leg. We discussed more stretches and he put together a print out of homework. He told me that I am going to do great because I seem super motivated, was healthy and active before the accident and acknowledged that I am ready to put in the work.
Before I left, he put me on the recumbent bike for five minutes with no resistance and it felt amazing just to have my hip and knee moving again. Mr PugRunner and I celebrated with a coffee!
We were supposed to go out to dinner with a big group of friends, but I was flat-out exhausted from PT and bailed.
Saturday – pt exercises + chest + recumbent bike
I was ready to get moving on Saturday morning. We decided that we could go to our neighborhood gym, because they have a bench where I can stretch my legs for the workouts, and then a bike I can ride for my cool down. While there, I can also do some weights for my arms.
Following that, we got cleaned up and went to our annual White Elephant party with some old friends. It was a nice afternoon, even though I couldn’t make it the entire time. I was glad that the boys got a little break from taking care of me and it was nice to chat with friends.
Goal-getting
Our winter break started just a wee bit early, but quite frankly, we could all use the break. I really don’t know what the upcoming days will hold, but I do know I’m getting stronger and stronger and feeling a bit more like myself.
While I won’t be getting in any more miles this year, I am glad that I can start getting some movement back in my ankle and leg. It’s also such a relief that I can do a little lifting, even if it’s limited for balance reasons.
My goals for the week include weaning off my crutches entirely and completing all my PT exercises as instructed. I think both are super attainable.
I’ve also been reading again. My brain was so fuzzy with all the medications and pain that it was hard to concentrate. I’m glad I can use my downtime somewhat productively.
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?
Do you get any time for a winter break or a vacation through the holidays?
Kimberly Hatting says
Our winter break is going to be different this year…the son is done with college (yay!) and is back home with nothing going on until his first “real” job starts (Dec. 30th). The hubs and I are actually flying out Christmas day…so we’re having our (immediate) family Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. He and I get a couple days in Cali, while the kids stay in Iowa…very out-of-ordinary for us. Glad you’re getting around better!
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…My Kind of Winter
runswithpugs says
That still sounds like a lot of fun, even if it is different. Enjoy the game!
Darlene says
Very impressed.
You’ll be running in no time. Ignore everything I said. Obviously we had different experiences.
My foot is still sore but I’m starting to run and well it’s not worse.
runswithpugs says
Gosh I hope I will be. I really have to spend some time working on my toe agility. By the time I get done with all the ankle and calf stuff, I am too tired to deal with the toes. Booo.
Zenaida Arroyo says
Looks like you are going to recover quite nicely. Did that sound right? 🙂 Bummer about your son. Is he feeling better? Weird that he was feeling that way but had no fever. Glad to see you enjoy your time with family and friends. Happy Holidays!!
runswithpugs says
He’s not really a fever kid, so I’m thinking it might be a growth spurt – sometimes that comes with the aches, the fatigue and the loss of appetite. Because why not grow mother few inches mid year? If that’s the case, he’ll eat us out of house and home in a few days.
Happy holidays to you as well!
Catrina says
Good for you for going on those walks! It must be tough with the boot and the crutches but it’s great that you can get out the house. Your local gym looks very nice and it’s seems ideal for doing some PT exercises. I think you will get to love the recumbent bike!
runswithpugs says
The gym is great for stuff like this. I don’t love the bike, but I love being able to move.
Kim G says
I’m so glad that PT went well – that’s a huge step in the right direction!
I hope that your son is feeling better! I am literally the last man standing from my team at work. Everyone was sick last week and I’m praying that I don’t get sick this week.
runswithpugs says
Some of the county schools were on the news, being shut down and sterilized from norovirus. I was living in such fear because there’s no way I can get sick now, and no way I can take care of the boys if they get sick. The minute he was clear and not earning any more grades, I yanked him out of there.
Renée says
it makes me so happy to see you moving forward and feeling a bit more hopeful! I’m on a “break” now, but to be honest I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing. Happy to be home and get some rest, but there is just too much time to think about the things that make me sad. I guess it’s meant to be; I can face up to everything so I can move on and have a better year next year.
So glad that you are getting out and have people also visiting you. I’m sure that makes such a huge difference in how you feel!
runswithpugs says
I hope that you are able to turn those thoughts off and enjoy your holiday a bit. Next year is going to be amazing for both of us. Promise.
Stacie Seidman says
Glad to hear you’re coming along well with the healing. I know how frustrating and exhausting it can be, but you’re doing great!
Hope little man is feeling better too!
runswithpugs says
So frustrating. So exhausting. I just finished PT now and I could go right to bed.
Chaitali says
That’s great news that you were able to start walking again and start PT! Hope your son is feeling better too.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly Review
runswithpugs says
Incredible news, really.
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
It’s good to hear that your injury is coming along and that you’re walking with your cane now. Here’s hoping PT goes well and you’re able to ditch the cane quickly. I hope Little Man is feeling better!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Searching Walnut Grove Farm for the Perfect Christmas Tree
runswithpugs says
It’s moving along. I wish I wasn’t so tired, but I guess that’s just how it goes.
He’s doing fine now that he’s on vacation. He needed this.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Sounds like your recovery is moving right along! I hope your son’s feeling better – there’s a lot of crud going around at this time of year.
runswithpugs says
He is feeling much better. The poor kid has been through so much (he was home when I fell so he saw my leg and had to see the EMTs come and get me, plus he was in the ER with us), and on top of it he has been rocking at school, so it’s no wonder he wasn’t feeling his best. I’m also suspecting a growth spurt, but we will see if that turns out to be the case.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
It really sounds like you’re progressing wonderfully, and I’m sure all the friendly drop-ins help a great deal, too. You’re going to be an excellent PT client, I can tell!
Glad to hear that you’re beginning to feel just the teeniest bit like yourself. You’ve got this Jen, you really do!
runswithpugs says
I hope I’m a good client. I want to excel and succeed at this so I can get back to my life.
Wendy says
I am sure that your pre-fracture fitness really is helping you now! Glad to hear you’re literally hitting your stride again. No crutches by the end of the week? Wow! It’s pretty amazing how fast the body heals, isn’t it?
Enjoy the holiday, even if it isn’t what you wanted. You just might find some magic in it anyways! <3
runswithpugs says
We reviewed stairs and one crutch today in PT. Of course, now I’m exhausted LOL.
I’m just looking forward to being with my family, and having a few drinks and some good food.
Marcia says
You’re doing so great and making so much progress! I knew you would! It blows my mind how quickly they can get you up and walking after a break like that. I remember as a kid when friends broke their leg, it meant a huge plaster cast for 6 weeks. Glad times have changed.
runswithpugs says
Seriously. I had no idea. They said they rarely bother with plaster casts anymore, which is just mind-boggling!
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says
I’m glad to hear you are progressing with the injury and hoping it heals up quickly to get you back moving! I know how frustrating a boot can be. It is so heavy and cumbersome to walk in!
Hopefully the extra rests boosts everyone’s mood this holiday season!
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…SPB Classic Marathon Challenge + BDR Challenge Training Week 4: 12/16-12/22
runswithpugs says
It’s the worst! Whoever invented these things needs a stern talking-to!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says
Sounds like great improvement this week! My husband has been clunking around in a boot for 2 weeks now. At least he can’t sneak up on my anymore! 🙂 I hope you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the family time.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…Weekly workouts – party on, and pain in the what?
runswithpugs says
Yeah, I’m not sneaking up on anyone LOL!
runswithpugs recently posted…2019 bling: my year in medals
Dominique Cheylise says
I finally have two weeks off from work and I’m looking forward to getting back into my fitness routine! Happy Holidays!
runswithpugs says
Oh, that sounds like a nice vacation! Enjoy it!
runswithpugs recently posted…2019 bling: my year in medals
Deborah Brooks says
Fantastic to see you mobile again! Being motivated is a huge help in PT. Each week you will be able to do more. Hope you had a merry Christmas even if it was not what you had planned.
runswithpugs says
Mr PugRunner says I’ve had so much improvement, but I guess when it’ you and you’re in the situation, it doesn’t feel like it. I’m trying to stay positive and motivated.
runswithpugs recently posted…2019 bling: my year in medals
Cari says
Glad you & The Little Man got some naps in. Pup is so cute.
Let me know what genres, happy to send book recs. I’m a bookworm
runswithpugs says
I love all books, really. I am not down for the self-help, non fiction type stuff, and I don’t love lighter, “chick lit” things, but if it has words, I’ll read it.