My leg is hurting me enough that I actually went to see Dr. Dan Adair at SportsCaretoday. My fears were realized when I was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the distal fibula. The area just above my right ankle. I already suspected this diagnosis since my treatment of rest and physical therapy had not alleviated symptoms. I guess the marathon wasn’t such a good idea and probably set me back a few weeks. After 3-4 months of training I just couldn’t not do it.
The treatment for this condition is wearing a walking boot. Like Dan, I’m opting not to wear the boot and just rest. No more running for another 4 weeks. At least I can ride my bike. I needed to work on my cycling anyway. So this damn Illinois Marathon training has resulted in 2 stress fractures for the HardyBreed crew.
Well, since I can ride and it is Tuesday I got on the bike for Tuesday Sprint Night. Now that I will need to ride more to maintain fitness and weight I was determined to ride past Farmingdale Rd. with group to get in more miles. Being sprint night with re-grouping made it a little easier than usual.
Dan and I met at my house and got in about 5 miles prior to leaving BikeTek. There was a sizeable group with light winds and cool temperatures. The pace quickened (as usual) on Salem Rd. Staying with group wasn’t that bad. I made through the first sprint in decent shape and headed west with the group. I think Dan tailed off after the first sprint.
After cresting the one, major hill I didn’t want to press my luck and tailed off the group to allow them to do the keyhole without me. I took a right at the “T” then headed to the rock pile and turned around.
Myself and “Jack” rode at a conversational pace back toward town until the remnants of the group caught us just after the second to last sprint. I then rode at the back of the speeding train until the final sprint.
My leg felt unusually good but I was tired from riding my longest ride of the year, 33 miles.
