New Plan Required...

I just felt it was going to happen and it did. I'm now officially injured. I can't run because of the side of my left heel. I think I've got a stress fracture, but I'll know tomorrow for sure. I'm going to the doctor and I'm going to get it checked out.

I felt something at the end of yesterday's brick run and it was confirmed today. I can't run 50 feet without pain. I hope it's not a stress fracture because that could put me out for 6 weeks. I hope it is something that can be fixed with a cortisone shot. 

I actually think it was initially caused from cycling. With the new bike, I was fitted incorrectly. It caused me to put to much pressure on the ball of my foot and caused the initial injury. I then had to adjust my running style to keep the pressure off the ball of my foot. It then caused more pronation and put pressure on the outer edge. Now it seems that I've over stressed the outer edge and have a possible stress fracture. 

I also think "the straw that broke the camels back" was the Mississauga Half Marathon. I went so hard and whenever you race hard you open yourself up to injury. I was asking myself if it was worth getting injured to set a half marathon PB of 1:27:51 and ultimately my answer was "YES". 

Since I got refitted on my bike, the ball of my foot doesn't hurt as much, but I still don't think it is the best fit possible. I've noticed that in the aero position after about 90 minutes I start getting a little neck pain. I'm going to adjust it a little more and hopefully it will help.

With my first race exactly two weeks away it will be interesting if I'll be healthy enough to do it. In the meantime I need to set up a new training plan. I know I can swim, do weights, and should be able to bike, and I've never tried it, but maybe I can water run. 

I have a choice to make, do I get down or do I deal with it in a mentally positive manner. I've decided to make it a positive experience. Everything happens for a reason. All I can focus on is what I can do, which is eating well and doing training that allows my heel to heal. I've always heard that a broken bone becomes stronger when it heals, so ultimately my heel should be stronger in the long run. Like I said I'm going to look at this as positive as I can.

I've also got to remember that my goal for the year was to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. My "A" race to do that is the Muskoka 70.3 in September and I should be okay by then if I take care of myself now. I really wanted to do well in Morden in July because it was the first half Ironman I ever did and wanted to do really well as a homecoming surprise, but I've got to put my ego aside and do what's right for my body.

I've just got to remember that "Life's not a destination, it's a journey".

Unplanned Rest Day

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