It's a good thing they're cute... and Things I Hate Thursday

Because they really put a hurt on my running!

Well, it wasn't really the pregnancy that caused my issues... it was the surprise C-section that did me in.

This is what my PT told me:

I sustained some nerve damage during the surgery.  Boo.

Well, time out.   I did know this because about a week post-partum I literally couldn't get out of bed without crying out.... this led to my OB performing a "trigger point injection" - a HUGE needle attached to a HUGE thing of saline that she repeatedly stabbed into my incision area - (side note, when your doctor asks you to lie down for a procedure and then gets two nurses to come hold your hands, you know you're in for a very un-fun experience)

ANYWAY.  The damaged nerve(s) apparently supply my right quadriceps... and because they got all funky, it caused my quad to atrophy.  So actually my right quad is about 2/3rds the size of the left one.  Not sure how I never noticed this. 

So because my quad is puny on that side, I don't have proper shock absorption when I run, which leads to my foot/ankle/lower leg taking a POUNDING.  This caused the posterior tibial tendinitis, which in turn caused me to become whiny and mopey for a few weeks of no running.

Weird, right? 

This is why I love my PT.  I hate going to doctors because they just treat the symptom and don't address the underlying problem.  This guy takes time to figure out the root of the issue - he said that 90% of the time, whatever the symptom that people come to him with is not the actual problem.  Super interesting stuff guys.

So not only did I get stretch marks, crappy eyesight, bigger feet, and pigmentary demarcation line of pregnancy (look it up, it's funny), but nerve damage too!  ha

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.. have you SEEN how cute my kids are?  :)




And now...

I hate when you're talking to someone, and they keep glancing right above your head.  Does anyone else get that terrifying panic that there's a big spider descending on your head?  ugh.  I can't even count how many times I've done that involuntary freak out move... you know, the duck down, while simultaneously backing up, covering your head, and looking up to see what is attacking you.  Try explaining that maneuver when you meet your future father-in-law for the first time.

Down for the Count.

Hoppy Easter mis amigos!  Hope everyone gets some fun family time in... I can't wait til next year when the kiddos are big enough to hunt for Easter eggs... I'm already scoping out the good hiding spots.  :)

Well, I haven't run since the half-marathon.  That's EIGHT days guys.  I am dying here.  My shin issue has extended to my ankle, and now I'm hobbling around and walking down the stairs backwards. 

I made an appointment with a sports medicine doctor, finally.  I go on Wednesday, and no running until then.  I'm feeling super antsy and a little cranky (hey, want to come hang out with me? ha) but I know this is for the best - I really need to set my sights on the marathon this fall, and fix this problem now.  Even if that means I can't run the Green Bay Half.  I'll be the most enthusiastic spectator ever - I'm already thinking of signs I can make in case I'm sidelined.

My personal favorite - a sign I saw at the Chicago RnR 1/2 last year, held by a long-haired twenty-something year old dude:  "YOU ARE ALL REALLY GOOD AT EXERCISING."

Kind of reminds me of the episode of the Office where Dwight is in charge of decorating for a birthday, and his sign says "It Is Your Birthday."  ha.

Anyway, please PLEASE share all of the details of your runs, lifts, any sort of working out with me... I need to live vicariously through you. 

What's the best sign you've ever seen at a race?