As someone dealing with injury issues, I completely sympathize. When we can’t do what we love, we’re not fully ourselves.
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So if you’ve seen a girl hobbling around Boulder with a crutch and think she looks a lot like me, she is. After a great track session and a swassy weekend in Palm Springs, I found out that the butt spasm that I had been complaining about was actually a sacral stress fracture. For the first time in my career this news was not met with tears. Instead, I asked the bearer of bad news, “What the F*&%?!”
I cannot believe that this has happened, this injury came out of nowhere. Gone is the track season and the sub 31 minute 10,000 meters I’ve been dreaming of. Gone is the trip to Europe to try to scare the 15 minute barrier in the 5,000 meters. All gone. But what isn’t gone is the feeling of limitless possibility I’ve been feeling since I moved to Boulder. The last three months of my life have been wonderful. I have loved my running and training in a way I haven’t in years. The hard work, the progress, the routine with my new coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs. I have truly enjoyed it all. And I have been inspired in a way I never knew possible with Oiselle and my new relationship with them. I have been on a high for a while, and I refuse to come down.
Yes, I am disappointed and want to punch something. I am annoyed and frustrated and sad to let go of the goals I had for the summer. But, I will heal, I will come back stronger than ever, and I will still have an amazing fall marathon. I believe 100% in the people I have surrounded myself with and I know it will all work out in the end.
In the meantime, while I crutch around and ride the bike until there is a puddle of sweat on the floor, I am going to take advantage of the opportunity I have been presented. Now that I’m not training at a super high intensity, I can take in some racing experiences as a spectator, get to know my teammates at Oiselle, and support the sport I love.
I’m starting with a trip to my hometown of Duluth, MN. I always miss my family and cherish any chance I get to see them. Then I’ll be off to the Boston Marathon. I’ll be at the expo and then screaming my lungs out for Desi and Shalane as they try to end the drought of an American victor. We’ll keep you posted on my expo appearance days and times (if you don’t already, follow @oiselle on Twitter or their blog on oiselle.com for announcements). After that I’ll hit up Payton Jordan, and cheer on all of the fasties, including Kate Grace in the 1500m. Following the meet I’ll attend a small Oiselle celebration of my joining the team. It’ll be great.
Of course I’d rather be racing myself, but I’m not going to go hide in despair. You’re going to see a lot of me this spring. And as much as I hate this injury, I’m really looking forward to the opportunities ahead. See you around!
As someone dealing with injury issues, I completely sympathize. When we can’t do what we love, we’re not fully ourselves.
This is so weird… I have the same injury. It came on all of a sudden, just as you described. A friend of mine has the same injury too, and hers came on suddenly as well. The crutches are such a pain, but they helped immensely with my recovery. It only took a few days before I was able to walk normally without them. I think you have a great attitude about it! I hope we get to chat at one of the Oiselle gatherings in Boston! xo
Ack!!! That’s crazy! But, what can you do? Hang in there!
Oh no! that’s too bad but you have a great attitude about this injury. And time with family is always to put everything into perspective. I think every American is so looking forward to Boston coming back strong and to Shalane and Desi kicking butt!
I would like to quote from one of Jerry Lynch’s book. “Injury is a crisis for the injured and for those who care about them. In Chinese, the word for crisis includes both danger and opportunity: Opportunity blowing on a dangerous wind. We encourage you to search for hidden opportunities during this difficult period.” Seems like you get this! This is simply a PAUSE and it gives you time for self-reflection. Embrace and enjoy this time. I wish you well and hope to see you in Boston. (btw, I stood in line for 2 hours to see you and Shalane last year 🙂
So sorry to hear. See u in Boston!!
Stay strong and positive, Kara! Hope to see you in Boston… I will look for you at the Expo!!
So sad for you. Know you’re not the only one out there with set backs. Here is my close running friend with his injury below. He had a stellar 2013, only to have a rough 2014.
Setting and working toward goals, only to be sideline when you’re so close – heartbreaking. Hang in there. Hope you come back strong! See you in Boston!!
My friend’s e-mail to our running group…
definition – from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toast
def #5: one that is finished or done for
I think that sums it up well. I am toast. Unlike Faye’s message earlier, this is no April Fool’s joke. I wish it were. I attached a picture taken at the doctor’s to prove it. Some of you already know all this.
Anyhow, I’m all done for the month, possibly months, possibly longer. I now have a nice new pair of shiny crutches to go along with my boot – which I was awarded in 2010 for a different major injury back then. The curse of April (2010) seems to be back, with a vengeance. This very month, exactly four years ago. Which means – my race schedule this month – Cherry Pit, Bull Run, Boston, most importantly – Promise Land (and the LUS series that I was competing in), Frederick, Maryland Half, etc – are all down the toilet now.
For those that weren’t aware, I blew my right achilles and ankle – tore my peroneal tendon – during a trail run yesterday evening. Don’t really want to discuss it. Done is done.
I was told by the orthopedist today (Dr Kinnard @ OACM, BTW if anyone is interested, very friendly staff and a great facility; thanks to those of you who responded to this urgency) – to take COMPLETE rest and lay off the foot for at least two weeks – after which he will re-evaluate if I need surgery and at the very least I’ll need to undergo Physical Therapy. Right now I can’t even walk or flex the foot or even drive my car (since it’s my right foot) without pain.
So anyhow, that’s the reason I will be gone from the scene for a while, possibly a very long while.
This is an important month for many folks. And so I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all well. As you know from my Facebook post last year (when I did have FB once upon a time) – right after the bombings I had pledged to come back and run Boston again this year one final time. Not for my own time goal (honestly who really cares that much after 6 times), but more because of you, my friends, the people and because of what Boston – the Holy Grail of marathons – stands for … That pinnacle of achievement which has to be earned – from all that drive and determination and hard work and long hours we put into training. And that no amount of terrorism and bombs and scare tactics will ever detract us from our purpose and goals and the love of our sport and the camaraderie we share and the support we provide one another.
But unfortunately, I am going to have to miss it. I was looking very forward to seeing and toasting (def #3: “the act of celebrating or drinking in honor of …” ) all our HF Boston runners at the finish – incl speed demon Linda-Lou and first timers – Hafiz, Marianne, Faye, others, and esp Debbie looking for her first official completion at that iconic finish line in Copley square since that dreaded day last year. I will really miss all that.
But such is fate. And life. It has already been a very difficult past couple of months for me with no end in sight to the rain or winter. But for the rest of you – I’m definitely seeing forecasts for a glorious Spring 🙂 Best of Luck at CP10, CB10, BRR, Boston, PL50, Frederick, etc … You guys will no doubt rock it !! It’s the HF way after all. You have my very best … Good luck !
Conrad
You have a great, positive attitude which will help with recovery!
I am so sorry to hear about your injury but I love your attitude about it! Congrats on all the great things that have been happening!
As someone who has had 2 sacral stress fractures and knows what you are going through I am truly sorry. I am 2:32 marathoner and know what its like to be on that verge of something great. I am sure you have some of the best trainers and what not at your disposal for this injury but if you have any questions about how I recovered and came back and what I did – feel free to email me. Just for reference I was running again at 5.5 weeks with the first and 4 weeks with the 2nd. You probably won’t see this comment but if you are interested feel free to email me or whatever – happy to lend some advice. I am mid 20’s by the way so you know where I’m coming from.
Awesome attitude about the injury! I think it’s really evident that boulder is doing you well!
What a refreshingly positive and thought provoking post. You may have missed your calling. You should consider becoming a positive thinking/personal development coach. Injuries are a part of our sport, and if we wallow and blame every time one occurs, we are going to spend a great time being angry and unhappy. I know that in my head, but I sometimes have a difficult time putting it into practice. Thank you for the reminder. I am confident that with your positive and open spirit, the universe has great plans for you and your family. All the best.
Love your attitude Kara!
Sorry to hear about your injury. You will come back stronger than ever. You just made my day Kara!! Can’t wait to see you at the Boston Expo! Please let us know dates ASAP!!
Hi, Kara. I was looking at your About Me section and you wrote “Current Residence: Portland, Oregon, USA”. I believe that you’re in Boulder now (based on the blog entry above). You may want to change it, or you may not 🙂
Have a great day
SO bummed for you! I admire you for your optimism and positive thinking that you will come back stronger. I have enjoyed following your journey and will continue to be inspired by you.
Thank you for sharing, Kara! Wishing you a quick recovery. I think you have the right attitude during this situation. Your teammates at Oiselle stand behind you 500%, as do all of your family, friends, fans, and loved ones! We are excited to see where you are in the future – all the best!
Kara, I’m so sorry to hear that you are injured and finding out when you feel that you are in tip top shape! At least you are surrounded by the beauty of Boulder (I’m a CU alum as well) and I wish you a speedy recovery! I can’t wait to cheer for Shalane and Desi during the Boston Marathon. I have several friends running it and I can’t wait to scream for them all day long!
So sorry about this injury. Thanks for maintaining your positive attitude. I respect you so much for being a true competitor and fan of the sport. Enjoy your travels. I hope to catch up with you in Boston. God Bless.
KaI’m a d1 collegiate runner who has had 5 stress fractures in the past 4 years. My hopes and dreams have been seemingly crushed over and over but your positivity and determination to drive forward is so motivational! I hope you have a speedy recovery!!!!
So sorry, Kara! I can totally sympathize–I’ve got peroneal tendinitis right now, and it came out of nowhere, too. I’m missing all of my spring races, and trying to maintain a positive attitude. Thanks for setting a good example for all of us injured runners to follow!
Thank you for your positive attitude. I am dealing with my own injury right now and I am very frustrated. Best of luck to you ! Can’t wait to see you run again !
Thank you for sharing! I am also dealing with an injury and am trying SO hard to not get too down. I appreciate your attitude. And if an amazing, elite, world-class runner like you can handle taking off some time, so can I 😉
such an amazing perspective. heal up and you’ll be coming back with a vengeance. absolutely loveddddd that you joined oiselle. i’ve been a fan of you for years and can’t wait to see where you and oiselle go together. i’ll be praying for the quickest recovery for you and for peace during this injury!
Keep your positive, upbeat spirit. Enjoy Boston cheering everyone on and treasure your family time. You will be back good as new in no time at all. Wishing you all the best!!
Such a great response to a disappointing (to say the least) situation! Hope you enjoy embracing the sport from a different viewpoint and that your recovery is quick.
Hang in there, Kara. Your attitude is inspiring. I know many runners who would sit home and sulk. Your sportsmanship and willingness to head up to Beantown to cheer on others is inspiring. I hope to meet you there. xoxox
You’re attitude of being grateful for your circumstance no matter what is very refreshing. Thx for the example! Looking forward to seeing you kick “butt” after a hopefully SPEEDY recovery!
This is horrible news – I am also injured and had to sideline many of my plans (which were nowhere near as awesome as yours) so my heart goes out to you. But you know what? We LOVE you out here in Seattle – come out here and get some love any time.
Hope all goes well for you, USA!
You have great attitude to everything that is happening around you right now. You will come out way stronger! Enjoy the process, I can’t wait what will come out from you working with Oiselle. Very upset not to be present this year at Boston as I was there last year (fortunately fast enough…). Good luck with everything, you are great inspiration and you will kick some …! 🙂
Kara, this is unfortunate but I have no doubt you will come out like a beast!!! Keep that positive mentality and can’t wait to see run in the fall!
So sorry to hear this! I had the same injury about 18 months ago and it was so painful — I feel for you. Wishing you a speedy recovery and cheering for you all along the way!
Dear Kara, although I’m not an elite athlete, I can relate. I had a pelvic stress fracture when I was at the peak of my best marathon training two years ago…. It truly sucks. At the same time, it introduced me to pool running, which has helped me stayed healthy and injury-free since then (I wasn’t allowed to use a bike). So, as you advise, the best thing we can do is focus on the silver lining …
Geeze..I can well imagine how this throws you off your plans. That’s the way things are sometimes. I have no doubt that you will recover quickly and get back on track. In the meantime, enjoy the family time. Good opportunity to build some swimming condition. ;). Best wishes.
I’m sorry to hear about your injury, you will get through and come back stronger than ever. I know how you feel, when I had cancer, they did surgery on me and went right through my abs so I couldn’t lift any thing or run or exercise for 10 weeks. I came back strong and I am still getting stronger and faster every month. You are my inspiration kara. Good luck to you and your recovery.
Hearing such a positive attitude about injury is really motivating and inspiring! The last few months I have been training for my first 70.3 distance triathlon this summer and my third half-marathon this Spring – my goal being to finish both (with a smile). Then a few weeks ago, I broke my foot while at work! When the doctor told me, it was like all of the air was sucked out of the room. Weeks without doing any of the things that I love! I am trying to keep a positive attitude and not lose too much fitness. The injury has made me find new training techniques and regroup, and I am determined to do this triathlon this summer – even if I have to walk some of the run leg! So, it is great to hear an elite athlete saying that they are able to take an injury in stride and that they too are looking at the positive side of it all. We will both come back stronger!
I too, unfortunately, was diagnosed with this same injury a few weeks ago. Any suggestions or recommendations for cross training to maintain fitness for this type of injury?
Get well soon! You are awesome and admired!
Sorry to hear of the injury. But your attitude is so inspirational. I’m not injured, but pregnant and due to some very minor complications my doctor told me to stop running. Having only completed one half-marathon and training for another I was really disappointed. But I will use your great attitude as an example of how to spend my next six months till delivery to target muscle group, get stronger, and research some fun races for after baby. Enjoy Boston and good luck on a quick recovery.
Embracing the now and looking forward to possibilities on the other side of the injury experience is lovely. Bummed to read you’re hurting, but so heartened by your outlook. Best wishes for a rapid return 🙂
Your awesome attitude is infectious! I hope to say “hi” at the Boston Marathon expo, and hopefully you’ll come by the BolderBoulder this year, too. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. I know “Taking it easy” is the toughest training there is. Really hoping my eleven year old daughter, Emma and I get to see you at the Boston expo. She is a runner and a dancer, and admires you greatly.
Get better! Great attitude to face recovery road…hang in there 🙂
Thank you so much Kara, once again, for your inspiration. I just strained my piriformis – maybe its also some sacrum damage, don’t know for sure – but not running has had me so very depressed over the last week. I just had my baby boy 6 months ago – first baby – and have had a very frustrating time getting my running fitness back with a non-running related surgery and bad case of the flu that has hijacked my training already, now this. I too plan to run my fastest marathon this fall, but am so afraid that this injury will set me back. Reading how well you are handling your injury has provided me with some food for thought, and maybe a shift in attitude. These kinds of injuries always make us feel like we are permanently set back, yet that is so rarely the case. But as my doc told me, “you’re not in your twenties anymore, your body needs more time than it used to.” Ugh!
Happy healing, you will bounce back stronger from this!
Sorry to hear about your injury and summer set back. Glad to hear you get to see mom & dad.
Swing by and say “hi” to Kenji & me if you have time. He is doing his first half marathon ( Grandma’s) and very excited. And remember, Ohara has some great healing hot springs. Lol
Sorry to hear you are injured! Such a frustration. However, your attitude shows a lot of wisdom and maturity. The ability to see “the big picture” and also things on your own terms will only benefit you now and down the road. Always believe!
Colleen
You are such an inspiration! You have been my role model in running for so many years. I met your husband at the expo in Boston last year and my husband got to see you cresting Heartbreak hill! He was so excited. I’m sorry to hear you are injured, but you will continue to inspire. I am totally hoping to see you in Boston! 🙂
l was training last year for the Dublin marathon and half way with the training l got a stress fracture my self,had to stop running for 6 mouths,now i am doing london marathon this weekend,so you will get there,i did,just rest and when it is time to train again you will be flying it,good luck xxx
Kara,
Sorry to hear about your injury, but thank you for the inspiring post. I’ve been dealing with a variety of injuries over the past three years which has greatly limited my running and active life I once new. I haven’t run in almost 16 mths. Running is such a part of me, my passion, and it’s like an old friend. My go to activity when I’m happy or sad.
I had hip labral repair surgery in December 2013 and have been dealing with a chronic tibia stress fracture. I must admit there have been A LOT of tears and sadness, but also new opportunities. During this time off I’ve taken on new projects at work, focused on writing essays, and learning to play guitar. I’ve learned a lot about myself during this time. I know that when I return to running, I will not take it for granted. Each step will be a blessing. I know I will be stronger than I’ve ever been when I return. I know I will train smarter (meaning not running for a few months on a stress fracture).
I miss the daily, weekly, monthly, and race day goals and accomplishments that come with training and racing. When I run, I feel confident, like anything is possible. It’s taken me months, and help from others, to discover that the confident, goal oriented person is still in me. I just need to find a way to apply what I’m able to do with my running to other parts of my life.
So, thank you for your positive post. Being injured is not a journey anyone wants to be on, but it is an opportunity to grow, focus on other aspects of life, find new interests, and cherish running when we return.
This is tough to hear about your injury but (as usual) inspiring to see how much stronger you truly are, and how much stronger each one of us can be when dealing with set backs. I found myself going on a mini-pity party when I had a minor injury, then fell ill, and I couldn’t run for two weeks. I can’t even imagine a major one but am inspired daily by your posts and perseverance! Enjoy your trip to your family and prayers will be lifted up for your speedy recovery.
I had a fractured pelvis and didn’t know it for a more than a year. Wondered why I couldn’t wear a belt with suits after half marathons.
Had AVN in ankle and didn’t know that but once I did it sure explained the “giving out” sensation I’d had for a year plus.
Now, I’m a cyclist and find new and creative ways to get injured.
I guess when you are as elite as you are, you are always right on the edge. You don’t know your limits until you find out too late.
Especially if you have a really high pain tolerance, as you undoubtedly do.
I was never world class like you but I still pushed myself as hard as I could (and still do), for no reason other than that’s in my DNA.
Unfortunately, unless you are genetically and biomechanically perfect, this is a recipe for eventual injury.
Heal up and get back to racing!
I am just getting over a stress fracture too. It’s frustrating not to be able to do what you love. I took lots of spin class and boxing classes which helped me sweat a lot. It’s not the same by any means but it feels good! Hang in there!
What a pain in the butt (yes, I’m here all week folks). But, you do have a good positive attitude which will get you many miles. Before you know it, you will have kicked this in the butt (ugh, weddings, and bat mitzvahs) until then, spritz the swassy.
That’s a real drag about your injury but your positive attitude is contagious! Things happen for a reason:)
Stress fracture or not, you are an inspiration to me. You rock, Kara! Hang in there! 🙂
That’s better than having a torn meniscus!
Good luck, Kara!
So sorry, you have a great attitude though. I am dealing with an injury which is forcing me to not run for 2 weeks and I am running Boston. I feel your disappointment, can’t wait to see you in Boston!
Kara your positive attitude and optimistic, yet genuine outlook is inspiring! I hope to meet you at the Boston Marathon Expo and look forward to all that you will do with the support of your oiselle sisters!
Love the website. Love how racing isn’t the only emphasis. The great pics with your family are awesome. That’s what matters most. You’ll come through this. The great ones always do.
Whenever I get a stress fracture I love the
quote,
“obsticles are put in our way to see if we
really want to reach our goals.”
Hang in there!
Any possible appearances at UMD track practices??
🙂
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Great attitude! I need to learn from that. You are such an inspiration. I have loved following you over the years. I have met Sally at OIselle and what a great partnership for both of you.
I was in the best shape of my life heading into my third Boston Marathon this year and came up injured 4 weeks ago but we will still attend as spectators and celebrate with the running community.
Best to you.
And to top it all off, losing a season of racing means postponing the next baby, I’d imagine. It’s where I am right now, at least … I have an ambitious goal of running a PR between each kid. After baby #3, I was in the final week of training before the marathon that would hopefully have been my OT qualifier when I stress-fractured my pelvis. Ay yi yiii. I’m pulling for you and me this fall 😉
I am so sorry about your injury. I have experienced the same thing as a runner. My sacral stress fracture last fall came out of nowhere and just hurt one day when I went out to run and destroyed marathon plans I had for three weeks later. Yesterday I was diagnosed with a tibial stress fracture and now will be unable to run Boston Monday. Your post brought me comfort knowing that I am not the only runner to have her dreams squashed by a fracture. I hope you heal very fast, much faster than I did. Thank you helping me feel hopeful in a time where being positive is extremely difficult.
Kara – bummed about your injury but psyched to see you in Boston!!! I’ll be in a walking boot at the Expo but just got the doc’s ok to run on Monday. I lost the last two weeks of training but am focusing on staying positive and believing in all the work I put in prior to getting hurt (I was done in by a cartwheel!). Can’t wait to see you in Boston – have a great trip over this way!!!!!!!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. I know how it feels to have to delay your goals. I too had a great year last year and made some goals for 2014, but in Feb out of nowhere I too had a pain in my butt!!
It is frustrating to do everything right and feel as if you aren’t getting anywhere but I am trying to hang in there and I know that family and friends support always helps.
@ Wes… any advice you can give me or Kara would be great!
I had a sacral stress fracture and thought I pulled my butt muscle until I got an MRI. It is a strange/rare stress fracture. That is the only injury I have ever had and it had to hit me right before my senior year of outdoor track. My dreams of winning two state titles were crushed. I have moved on since and am now faster than I was before. I am a sophomore in college and it took me about a year to be back to where I was at before the injury. When you are determined to hit a goal, you don’t let the past get to you. Good luck on recovery Kara!
So I just found out I have two stress fractures in my left pelvic region, of course, why else am I responding 😉
However, my first trip to Boston is suppose to be this April, but now looks doubtful, maybe a jog/walk I was told. My question is do I really want to run/walk it for my first time there??? I have qualified for next year and will be able to get in without any worrying. This is so frustrating and I just wish a Dr could tell me how long it is going to be until I can run again…
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