22 Mar PLOT TWIST
Back in January, I ran the PF Changs half marathon. It wasn’t my fastest time, but 2:47 isn’t the worst time (3 hours is the official time, but there was a 15 minute bathroom break at the 3.5 mile marker). The week before, during a short training run, I thought I had pulled a muscle in my back, and maybe hamstring. It didn’t bother me at all during my run, but it was the warning sign by body was sending me to stop running, and since I basically ignored the sign, I haven’t been able to work out in any meaningful capacity since. It’s been over 9 weeks.
Turns out I herniated a lumbar disc, and the material being squished out is putting pressure on the nerves that run down my left leg. Currently, I have no feeling in my left leg from my hip down to my toes, and my calf is in a constant state of cramping. The cramps in my hamstring and hip are intermittent. So far, we have taken a conservative route: physical therapy, epidural steroid injections (I had 3, the max you can have in a 12 month period) and rest. Last week, I was told we are out of conservative options and we need to remove the material that is impinging the nerves. Now, I could opt to forgo surgery, continue with physical therapy and eventually my symptoms may improve. I’m going with the surgery.
Luckily, I am fairly young, and active, therefore a fusion is not necessary at this time. I am feeling VERY fortunate for that, a fusion would be a life changer. As it is, even though my surgeon and PT have said I could, my time running 13.2 miles is probably done. I’ll probably stick to shorter 10k’s and 5k’s from here on out. And do more cross training. Maybe some boxing. Definitely more weight lifting.
So, this blog is supposed to be about nutrition and fitness. Since my fitness regime is at a stand still, I am super focused on my nutrition right now, since that is the only thing within my control. This week, I am prepping my house and life for surgery and the 2 to 4 week down time that comes with it. This means I will not be doing a lot of cooking and will be eating meals prepared by others (restaurants, husband, etc) which tend to be laden with fat, sodium, added sugars and empty calories. Over the next few weeks, I will try to guide you through my decision making process and share my tricks for maintaining control, staying on a healthy diet, lending itself to help my body heal itself. I’ll also share my reviews of some of the new ‘healthy’ restaurants that have popped up in the valley like Grabba Green, Flower Child, and Fit Foods.
Stay tuned!
No Comments