It’s been a few days since I last wrote. I’ll admit, there have been times when I’ve been a little discouraged to write in my running blog since I am not running. I’ve been so paranoid about my bone healing that I’ve given up exercise. Temporarily. After researching sacrum stress fractures and reading about stress fractures in general, I found that many people try to come back too fast and just prolong the healing process. It has now been 6 1/2 weeks since my last run. My pelvic bone is feeling much stronger and I know it is healing. It is not 100% but that may take a few more weeks/ months…

This morning I rode a recumbent bike for the first time as part of an actual work-out. Yes, that’s right. I said first time. I guess you could say that I am not much of a bike rider. (My biking skills are as good as my swimming skills!) I rode for 31 minutes and in that time covered 5 miles. It was very good workout for me since I am pretty much starting at the beginning. My stress fracture area does not feel sore- thank you, God!!! I am going to do it again tomorrow. On Wednesday I may introduce the elliptical. I have done that before (although it’s been at least 2 years) and I’m anxious to see how that goes.

Before this injury all I cared about was running. It wasn’t that I thought that other forms of exercise were a waste of time. I just focused on running. It’s all I had time for- or at least that’s what I thought. When you have little people depending on you 24/7 your exercise time is limited. It’s hard to find time and energy to work-out and when I had time I used it to run.

If this injury has taught me anything, it’s taught me the importance of cross training and resting. I need to be a smart runner. Right now cross training is all I have! Once I am “back” (which I hope and pray is SOON) I’m going to incorporate cross training at least once a week into my running schedule. I am also going to be sure to have at least one day of rest (or more if needed).

My baby is now 4 months old and weighs 18 pounds. Yes, I am constantly carrying around 18 pounds of solid weight. It gets easier when babies get older and can hold themselves up. (And even easier when they learn to walk!) Anna (age 3) is 26 pounds but feels SO much lighter than Ashton because she holds herself up. I know I need to work on my posture and really get my core in shape. I’m going to do everything I can to prevent SI issues!

I am feeling a little better now that I am at least able to do something. It WILL happen. I will be running again soon. I just know it. Until then, I am going to be best friends with cross training…

~Tia