Right about now I should be freaking out. I should be making a list and checking it more than once for the Death Race this weekend in Grande Cache.
Instead I’m trying not to spiral deep into the FOMO game. If I don’t look at Instagram or Strava, I won’t be missing out on all the summer mountain peaks and trails. My days have been spent obsessively following my PT’s advice, and finding second opinions on Doctors Google and ChatGPT.
Inside the injury loop
Yes, you’ve heard this injury tune before. Every time I get injured, I swear never again. I’ll do all the things. I will become stronger and avoid injuries at all costs.
In theory, that’s a good plan.
But who am I kidding? I would love to believe being careful and mindful is enough but life just doesn’t play fair. Thankfully I did not incur this injury in dramatic or spectacular fashion. When people ask, I just shrug, and say I tripped. I know it doesn’t make the best story but I am glad it was something simple and could happen to anyone.
The thing about I injuries, they always shine a spotlight on all those weak areas that you know you should be working on (hello sleepy glutes), and may have prevented the injury.
Reality settle in
Deep down I knew right away this would not a be one of those injuries where I would be back on my feet in a few days. I went straight to physio to begin working on my recovery plan.
This afternoon, I had an x-ray and ultrasound on my right leg, hip and glute. I know what you’re thinking – why did you wait more than a month to see a doctor?
Quite frankly I didn’t think that seeing a doctor would do me much good. I know it’s a muscle tear and soft tissue damage. The doctor will likely say rest and more rest because tears can take a long time to hear. The ultrasound will show the severity and the grade of the tear.
Mainly I went to the doctor to get a note for my race insurance. When he suggested an ultrasound, I thought it can’t hurt. I was fortunate to snag an appointment within a few days.
The technician, who turned out to be a friend, could see the glute tear on the ultrasound. That’s confirmation enough for me that it’s not all in my head. (I have been stuck in my head too much where I am questioning my sanity.)
Next steps
I have moved onto the strengthening stage in my recovery plan. My PT gave me tons of single leg exercises to do in addition to the mobility. I need to get more massages because I am terribly tight on the right side of my body.
I have been walking a lot, and riding my bike. I have been given the go ahead to run flat. I tried yesterday, and squeezed out a 6k run with some discomfort. That’s progress.
The mountains can wait. This leg? It’s healing. This mind? Still a little out there. I’m not back yet, but I’m on my way. So for now, I will surrender to the healing process.
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