This is some scary territory, I must say.

Having a daunting 26.2 miles ahead of me… after miles of swimming and biking… 26.2 miles which would be difficult for me on a healthy, constantly-running state of things… but I am keeping my head on.

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(Sort of.)

The good news is that Dr. Miracle Man Hands worked his miracle magic, and I have an appointment with Emory Ortho on Friday. That should give me some more answers about the actual state of the hip—-and more importantly, if I can run in my training before Couer d’Alene.  Or if I am going to be ultra conservative, and save it all for race day.

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Which brings me to my next point.  Yes, I am still doing the Ironman.

I can swim and bike with no pain. Right now, I have very little pain in the hip in general (which is likely due to no running for 2+ weeks).  So for those of you wondering… I am doing CDA. It might be slow and sad… but it’s a go.

But as of now, I am training for an Ironman ithout running.  I try not to let that sink in too much, because it will literally make me loco.

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I am getting creative.  And learning about new cardio options.  Today’s fun fest was a 3600 meter swim. An hour on the elliptical. Fifteen minutes on the lateral elliptical (I felt very girlie doing this machine… “No! Really I’m training for an Ironman! Really!”).  Then fifteen minutes on the moving stairs of death (a/k/a the stair master).

I expect to have amazing buns tomorrow from the stairs.  Now I understand the obssession all the Lululemons have. What a workout.  But I kept smashing my feet into the pivot point and getting my toes pinched.

Swim Bike Can’t Use the Stair Machine.

10 Responses

  1. Have you tried pool running? If not you should. Two years ago I had some major stress fractures in my rt/lft tibia. Pool running was my saving grace to continue to train.

  2. What always kills me is we train virtually all year around, and it is ALWAYS before a big race some crazy ass shit injury raises its ugly head and says “no way old lady – no way…..” Thank goodness for “miracle hands” and hard-headedness which allows us to push through no matter what is thrown in our way……you are almost there…..keep the faith despite what obstacles are thrown in your way = you got this….Cuz I never will – so I am living through your adventure!!!!!

  3. Hey SBM.. I’ve written to u recently. I am a post labral hip repair (2009 injury) 2011 repair. I was told I wouldn’t run again and to give up the sport (Tri). Long story short…. pool running and J. Galloway method later… 2012 to current year: 7 Half Marathons in the book!!! U got this.

  4. Pool running/water running has been a huge savior in my half training over years throughout injury. I’ve done up to two hour runs in the pool through hamstrings tears, sprained ankles, knee pain, etc. I’ll usually do my swim workout, throw on my belt, and then water run back and forth (you look like a bit of a weirdo, but who doesn’t in a pool at 6 am) :)……it’s a great way to get the miles in while protecting your body!

  5. Have you seen an elliptigo? It is perfect for your situation but priced. Maybe they would donate one to you for publicity??? I have one and it is awesome!! I used to run marathons but now running is really hard on my joints so i use the elliptigo instead.

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