An Injury-ette

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Last night, I tweaked the leftover Kashi Pilaf so I could use it in a sweet breakfast this morning.

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Over very low heat, I combined a serving of cooked Kashi Pilaf, 1 tablespoon flax, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and a bunch of cinnamon.

 

After 10 minutes, I removed from heat and let chill in the fridge overnight.

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This morning, I combined the following:

 

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It was definitely different, but I really liked it!

 

The Injury-ette

 

On Saturday’s 15.4 mile trail race (recap), I rolled my ankle around Mile 4.

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All I could think was, “Ah, crap. I have to run 11 more miles on this ankle!”

 

To make matters worse, it is the same ankle that I injured in the final mile of the Disney Marathon (recap).

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Obviously, when I rolled my ankle, it’s not like I severely sprained something because I could run mostly pain-free for 11 more miles.  However, it was sore during the race and continued to feel off when I walked around later that night.  It’s not an injury, it’s just a little injury-ette.  😉

 

My injury-ette doesn’t interfere with my ability to bike or walk the dogs, but I haven’t run on it since Saturday and I’m a little concerned about this Saturday’s race.  I’m scheduled to do the IronGirl 15K in Clearwater, and honestly, I’m not sure whether pounding the pavement for 9.3 miles in the BEST idea.  At the same time, my ankle feels 95% better… So I’m wavering on what to do.

 

My injury philosophy has always been “don’t do anything that makes it hurt.”  But I’m not “hurting” and want to race if possible.  So, here’s my plan for Saturday.

 

  • PLAN A:  Wake up on Saturday and feel awesome.  Run 15K.
  • PLAN B:  Wake up on Saturday and feel unsure, but pretty good.  Drop out of 15K and run the 5K race instead.
  • PLAN C:  Wake up on Saturday with ankle pain.  Drop out of race entirely, drive down with the other bloggers who are doing it, and serve as their official race photographer.

 

Either way, I’ll have fun!  It helps me to have a a plan and know it’s going to be great either way.

 

Have you ever had to drop out of a race or dropped down to a reduced distance due to an injury or an injury-ette?  How did you reconcile it in your head to be OK with the decision? I know a lot of people struggle with injuries, and hearing your stories will help them!

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Liz April 7, 2010, 9:56 am

    I recently had to drop out of my marathon due to a tibial stress fracture (diagnosed the day before the race!). My doctor said I could run through the pain if I wanted to, but I thought it was more important to recover quickly than run one race.
    I was also supposed to run the Cherry Blossom 10-miler this weekend (which is a huge race in DC) but I am still healing so I can’t.
    Even though I am jealous when I see other runners and definitely miss it a TON, I keep reminding myself that in the big scheme of things 2 months of no running is not that long and I will appreciate my body’s ability to run even more when I’m back on the road. Also I’m trying to look at the injury as an opportunity to focus on other activities (running, swimming, yoga).

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life April 7, 2010, 9:57 am

    You have an awesome outlook on everything in life including injuries!!

    I hope your ankle feels better but being the official photographer can be fun too!!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet April 7, 2010, 9:58 am

    No injuries here, but hoping your ankle feels good!
    2 thumbs up for a creative breakfast!!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 7, 2010, 9:58 am

    Glad you have a plan of attack. Do you have it wrapped up or is it not even that bad? Turning regular ol’ grains into a breakfast cereal is always fun…a little weird at first but fun. I like using quinoa for that purpose.

    • Julie @SavvyEats April 7, 2010, 10:00 am

      Quinoa is my FAVORITE breakfast food!

      • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:04 am

        i think quinoa for bfast is awesome

        and no its not even close to so bad i have to wrap it.

    • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers April 7, 2010, 11:56 am

      I put quinoa into my oatmeal/flax mix…it’s a brilliant way to add some protein and variety!

  • Julie @SavvyEats April 7, 2010, 10:00 am

    As you know, I had to drop out of the Disney Princess Half just a few days before the race because of my IT band. I reminded myself that I could always try again next year (though I have since resigned myself to not running anymore, but that is a different story), and that I could at least go cheer on my friends and snap some pictures. I figured I’d rather sit it out than end up on crutches/in surgery!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 7, 2010, 10:00 am

    Luckily I’ve not had to fully drop out of a race due to an injury. I hadn’t yet signed up for a half marathon, but was training for one, and I badly sprained my ankle during my longest run to date (as of then) of 7.5 miles. I had to walk 2.5 miles home, also scraped my knee, and my ankle swelled up and turned purple. I had to cut back majorly on my running, and couldn’t run at all for 2 weeks. I had to give up my idea of running a half marathon that season, but I think its just so important to take care of yourself. I rationalized that I’d rather take the time to heal and not push it and be able to run a half marathon at some point, rather than screw my ankle up worse and possibly make myself unable to run ever again.

  • Jenny April 7, 2010, 10:01 am

    I’ve had to sit out due to cut up, injured feet before- long story! I think it’s best to heal first, race later- as much as it sucks!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans April 7, 2010, 10:07 am

    I’ve had to drop out of two races due to stress fractures. I know that I COULD run, but I know it’s best for my healing to take the time off! It sounds like you have a great plan in place in case your ankle doesn’t feel up to it, but I’ll be sending you healing vibes this week!

  • Diana April 7, 2010, 10:09 am

    Not a runner so I really can’t relate. But yeah, I’d totally be the official race photographer if I could 😀

    That breakfast looks good! I’ve been thinking about trying quinoa for breakfast. 🙂

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! April 7, 2010, 10:10 am

    I haven’t had to drop out of a race yet but from what I see on your blog (plus others) and in the above comments it happens so I am sure it will to be one day! Sounds like you have a great plan for Saturday so don’t stress either way it pans out……….=)

  • Matt April 7, 2010, 10:11 am

    There is no shame in attempting the race. If it hurts the first mile, drop out and call it a day. I would at least give it a shot.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 7, 2010, 10:12 am

    i haven’t had to drop out of a RACE, but lately since my knee injury i’ve had to stop running altogether, which sucks. to make matters worse i don’t have a bike (or $$$ for a bike) to ride at the moment either! so i’m out of the race of life…? 🙂

  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness April 7, 2010, 10:12 am

    I think the best thing to do is to remind yourself (not you personally, but “you” in general for anyone that has any sort of injury before a race) that it is ONE race. If you feel like you can run it and not injury yourself more, then go ahead.
    BUT always think about the worst-case scenario. If you continue to run through your injury and you decide to race regardless, then you must realize that you could possible finish the race, but be sidelined from any further running for WEEKS or MONTHS if the injury becomes more serious.
    When you think about it like that, one race isn’t worth months of being sidelined (and possibly missing more than one race in the future). And imagine if the injury becomes so bad that you need surgery or something of the sort… that one race certainly isn’t worth it. This thought process has always helped me decide whether to workout during an injury.

  • Stephanie April 7, 2010, 10:16 am

    I have never commented before, but I’ve been a long time reader. I am going through the same thing right now with a knee injury. I have my first 10k race this Saturday and will probably have to drop out. I have been training for the 10K for the past 8 weeks and felt really prepared for it, however last Sunday after an intense leg session at the gym, my knees killed! My knees are still bothering me,and it’s taking everything for me not to run the race on Saturday because I worked so hard for it. I don’t want to make it worse and be sidelined from running for a longer amount of time, but it’s super frustrating! I am really struggling with being okay not running this race, but I know it would be the right decision. I am focusing on the fact that there are other races and it’s not like this is the only one I will ever be able to do. Also, I don’t want to have to take a lot of time of running, because of running through an injury.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:22 am

      i’m sorry about your knee but it sounds like it’s a good idea not to run! i hope you feel better and get your race redemption.

    • Julie @SavvyEats April 7, 2010, 5:06 pm

      I know how you feel. I had to pull out of my first half marathon last month the week before because of IT band problems. It was a tough decision to make/accept, but now I’m so glad I did, because I can start working out again and didn’t injure myself even more!

  • JT (The Faux Foodie Girl) April 7, 2010, 10:19 am

    Do what feels right for you on that morning…you always do.
    I will be coming from Miami for the race – is there a blogger meet-up? I would love to meet-up with whoever will be there….
    Quinua for breakfast sounds really interesting – might have to try it.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:23 am

      Hey!

      I don’t know that anyone has organized anything. The girls I’m carpooling with need to get back to Orlando ASAP. But if you see me, pleeeeeeeease say hi!!!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 7, 2010, 10:20 am

    I think your plans sound great!! And at lest your injury is an injury-ette and nothing severe.
    I’ve had to drop out of 2 races, both of which were the first races I was ever going to run. I got a stress fracture back in December. At the time, I didn’t think it was serious.. boy was I WRONG. And so I had to drop out of a 5k I had planned in January. But I had a half-marathon scheduled for April (actually this coming weekend) and thought i’d be able to make it. Not so much. 4 months later, I’m STILL healing. Well technically, not healing. Something is wrong and the doctors aren’t quite sure what yet. So now, I am on crutches and bed-bound for the most part. It SUCKS. It’s been the hardest 4 months of my entire life. But i know that when I can run again, I am going to kick butt and I am going to be more thankful than ever for running. I mean at this point, I’d kill to just walk without pain so running is kind of a far off thought right now. I’m trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and not give up hope…

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:23 am

      I’m sorry 🙁 It will get better!

    • Julie @SavvyEats April 7, 2010, 5:07 pm

      Wow, I hope the doctors figure it out so you can get better soon!

  • Run Sarah April 7, 2010, 10:23 am

    That pilaf looks SO good, what a creative bfast idea. I think your plan sounds great – it will be fun no matter what you do!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 7, 2010, 10:26 am

    I have had some knee pain now and then (went to an orthopaedist) but haven’t had anything that kept me from running a race, yet. “knock on wood”

  • Jordon April 7, 2010, 10:27 am

    I read your blog every day, but have never really commented much. This post made me want to reply! I had to drop out of the Marine Corps Marathon last October due to a knee injury that I had tried to ignore during the last few weeks of my training. The race was going to be my second marathon, and I had trained VERY hard in hopes of breaking 4 hours. I had to drop out at 3.5mi and then had to walk another 6mi to find a metro station and leave the course. It was an awful experience! I ended being diagnosed with a meniscus tear (ouch) and was out of running for 3 months. I took up cycling while I was injured, but nothing could quite replace running for me. I was really pretty depressed about the whole situation. Now I’m back to running again, and have my second attempt at my second marathon coming up on May 2nd! I think being injured for so long really put things in perspective for me. I am much more low key and relaxed about running. More than anything, I’m just thankful to be out there. And of course, I never would’ve found my love of cycling! To everyone who is injured out there… running will always be there for you! Just rest up and take the time your body needs to heal.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:31 am

      such a good comment and so very true. i am grateful for every mile i run because i struggled so much with my knees. i am glad you are back in the game!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries April 7, 2010, 10:31 am

    Careful with that ankle, girlfriend. I know you are aware, but sometimes, things can feel like only a minor injury and then BAM. I wouldn’t want you sacrificing your bike time 🙂

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner April 7, 2010, 10:31 am

    Well I hope you are pain free by the weekend!!

  • Erica April 7, 2010, 10:32 am

    Ha, I rolled my ankle this weekend too but it was doing something stupid! I was racing my husband to the car in a rainstorm wearing flats! Dumby! Luckily it was ok when I ran yesterday but I felt silly! I like your “injury-ette” term 🙂

  • Wendy April 7, 2010, 10:33 am

    I injured my foot/ankle in a cross-country 5K a couple summers ago, and had to drop out of a road 5K a couple weeks later. I went to the race anyway and cheered for my friends who were running it. I hated not running, but since I could barely walk, I knew it was out of the question! I also had to put off running my first half marathon until the following spring, but I hadn’t gotten very far in my training, so that wasn’t a big deal, either. While recovering, I ended up picking up spin classes, which I had never tried before, and did a lot of pool running.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 7, 2010, 10:34 am

    I hate ankle injuries, because once you do it once, it seems SO much easier to do it again. It’s like that ankle is just weak forever.

    Sounds like you have three level-headed plans for Saturday!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 7, 2010, 10:43 am

    Excellent plan. I’ll cross my fingers that it’s Plan A.

  • ActiveEggplant April 7, 2010, 10:48 am

    I got a NASTY sprain in the fall of 2008 only TWO WEEKS before a series of FOUR half marathons in the 08-09 racing season (Alafia, Disney, Sarasota & Gasparilla). I was devistated! But, I got the all clear from my doctor to WALK all of them! So that’s just what I did – and I was still just as PROUD crossing the finish line as a power-walker as I would have been if I ran all of them!
    Still have ankle problems now – and re-roll it all the time, but nothing like that 2008 whammy!
    Hope you heal up quickly! I’ll keep my eyes peeled in Clearwater for you!

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run April 7, 2010, 10:51 am

    Great plan for Saturday!
    I was looking forward to my first race of the year this past weekend, but had to drop out because of a heel injury. It hurts all the time and I hadn’t run in two weeks so I knew I couldn’t do it. I held out hope until Friday night when I was in so much pain I was crying. Well, I was also crying because I was so disappointed about not racing. I hope it’s better for the half I’m scheduled to run at the end of the month. I now have a plan of action with a podiatrist and I’m very optimistic!

  • Kelly April 7, 2010, 10:52 am

    I haven’t officially dropped out yet, but I will not be running my 10 mile race on May 2 and it makes me sad. But I haven’t run more than 2 miles since January, so I don’t think I’m ready, and I still am in pain after just walking for a few hours. Stretch your IT Band everyone!!!!

  • *Andrea* April 7, 2010, 11:00 am

    sorry about the injury-ette, but seriously that is a cute name that you coined,i am stealing it for future use haha.

    i don’t do many races so i’ve never dropped out but in high school i did winter track and had to back out of some relay meets due to injuries or exhaustion. definitely treating the body with care is wayyy more important for the long run 🙂

  • Gabriela April 7, 2010, 11:03 am

    YAY for your breakfast mix!
    It looks amazing 🙂
    Have a great day, Caitlin!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

  • Alisha April 7, 2010, 11:03 am

    I have been very blessed (or lucky) to NEVER have suffered an injury in any form in my whole life – I know, I know, stone me, haha. No broken bones, sprains, stitches, etc. nothing. And right now, as I train for my first marathon, I’m hoping to keep my injury free record.
    My husband on the other hand, who is super hyperactive, so full of energy, and of course a major jock, has unfortunately been riddled with injury after injury his whole athletic life. He is 6’6 and has been dealt the unlucky hand to have his poor mother’s genes – having a poor physical health is in his future.
    He of course loves basketball and has broken his knee cap, has weak ankles (rolls them often), separated his shoulder and had to have surgery and right now, he just found out that he has to have shoulder surgery for the second time, but on a different arm – it seriously never ends. I probably should become a nurse.
    Anyway, my point for my rambling and life story, is that despite all of his injuries, my hubby has always stayed positive and never loses sight of the fact that he will play again. It’s weird because he’s such a mental case about other things in life, haha, but his FAITH in his body, even though he knows that he is unlucky in terms of his physical health, remains so strong. He’s committed to being active and healthy, period, and no injury will weaken him.

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health April 7, 2010, 11:05 am

    LOVE the sweet-pilaf idea. I tried that Kashi pilaf once and loved it…not sure why I never got it again? But I love taking foods that are generally savory and sweet-ifying them!

  • Jenna April 7, 2010, 11:07 am

    what a great lookin’ breakyy!

  • Abby April 7, 2010, 11:09 am

    I was halfway through my last half marathon and had to drop out because of a stupid stress fracture!!! Good luck with your race! You’re right, you’ll have fun no matter what you do! I hope your ankle feels better!

  • Amanda April 7, 2010, 11:12 am

    Halfway through training for my half marathon, I developed a stress fracture in my foot. It was a difficult decision to drop out of the race (especially since I already paid!), but I knew that this would just be a small blip on my radar and if I didn’t take the time off, I could my the injury worse. I was proactive by buying new sneakers, taking calcium supplements, and resting upA!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 7, 2010, 11:13 am

    I love the look of your breakfast! I’ve never dropped out of a race due to injury, but then I’ve never been injured racing…if it was my horse, we wouldn’t do it, full stop, cos there’s a risk it’d get worse :s
    But only you can say!
    Have a good day 🙂

  • Lisa April 7, 2010, 11:22 am

    Ouch! Sorry about your ankle. I have really weak ankles and this is something I worry about with starting trail running. Can you run with an ankle brace?

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 11:25 am

      its more my metatarsals than my actual ankle so unfortunately i dont think a brace will help. baw!

  • Megan April 7, 2010, 11:26 am

    I just had to drop out of my 10-miler last weekend due to a recent injury. I do something similar in my head as what you have outlined– plan on the feel. I was still having pain walking (though I had evolved from crawling around)…there was the definite risk any sort of running would make it worse in the long run. That’s when you tell yourself there will be other races, and that your body will be better off for them in the long run if you give it recovery time now!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 7, 2010, 11:30 am

    I had to drop out of the Tufts 10K last year because I got severe tendinitis while training. I was annoyed. But I knew if I tried to run I would just make it worse. I normally run 5K’s so if I hurt I don’t run at all.

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) April 7, 2010, 11:33 am

    Regardless of which plan you enact, I think they all sound like positive, fun options. You have a great attitude about your injury-ette!

  • Cristina April 7, 2010, 11:36 am

    I’m supposed to be running a half on the 24th of this month but had to drop out because of shin splints that forced me to stop training for 6 weeks! I kept trying to figure out ways I could do the race, “I’ve trained less than this and finished a half”, “I can just walk the whole thing”, but in the end my gut was telling me that would just make things worse. I’m just now getting back into running, but starting verrry sloooowly, as in doing the C25K program. I don’t have another race planned until my first marathon on December 1st! Gotta keep my eye on the big prize :p

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 11:40 am

      yes sometimes it important to focus on your overall goals, not the little ones. c25k is a great program and i hope you feel better soon!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 7, 2010, 11:46 am

    I’m glad your ankle is feeling mostly better and it sounds like you have a good game plan for Saturday no matter what. I’ve never had an injury that prevented me from doing a race so far, going to knock on wood now… 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 7, 2010, 11:49 am

    I like your multiple choice decision making process 🙂 Since it doesn’t seem to be hurting hurting, making the call the morning of the race seems like a good idea!

  • Amy @ Second City Randomness April 7, 2010, 11:49 am

    I’ve dropped out of a race (last December), and after healing and training, my other leg is giving me issues. So I’m up in the air about the one I am registered for on Sunday. It’s just a 5k, but I’m supposed to be doing it with a friend who’s running her first race!

    I probably won’t know if I’m going to until the day before. I keep telling myself it’s just one race and if I want to continue running for the next 20 years or so I should really be nice to my leg. Even when we clearly don’t see eye to eye. :p

  • Krista April 7, 2010, 11:55 am

    I wasn’t able to run a marathon last fall because of a badly sprained ankle and then I had to drop down to a 1/2 in February because of bad shin splits. I totally understand what you mean about “injury-ettes”! Things that aren’t bad enough to stop you from normal, everyday activities but HURT to try and run on. I’m currently rehabbing my left shin (shin splint??? i don’t know) and decided not to do a half marathon at the beginning of May. Its been a season of injuries for me, that’s for sure.

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers April 7, 2010, 11:57 am

    sorry to hear about the injury – good for you for keeping a positive attitude.

  • Robyn April 7, 2010, 11:58 am

    Do what feels right — you’ll wake up on Saturday morning and know what you need to do. :o) There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy on your ankle, either. I dropped out of a 10K after a late night — I had gotten back from a wedding 3 hours away from home at 2:00 AM because I had stayed late to help clean up after one of the bridesmaids bailed (yeah, drama). Being there for my friend (the bride) was more important than getting back early so I could sleep before the 10K, so I skipped.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 2:23 pm

      another good reason to bail on a race 🙂 youre a good friend 🙂

  • Caitlin in MD April 7, 2010, 12:09 pm

    This is kind of a different situation, but I had to drop out of 2 races this year because I got pregnant! They were a 10K and a 10-miler (this weekend in DC, actually) and were going to be my longest races ever. I had already signed up for them before I found out I was pregnant (surprise!). Obviously, I am thrilled to be expecting and will take this experience over a race/running ANY DAY…but I miss running (had to go on a hiatus during the duration of my pregnancy because of some minor complications) so much!

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 2:22 pm

      aww thats a wonderful reason to drop out of a race!

  • Sam @ Snowflakes and Sunshine April 7, 2010, 12:17 pm

    I signed up to do a 10k (my first one) last Novemeber, but injured my hip a few weeks before hand and had to pull out. I was so so disappointed. But I could barely walk, let alone run! Just need to sign up for another now 🙂

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 7, 2010, 12:26 pm

    That breakfast looks really yummy. What a great re-engineering of leftovers. 🙂

  • Jennifer April 7, 2010, 12:27 pm

    Ice, ice, ice! I twist my ankles all the time. I have been told by doctors to strengthen my ankles by doing a variety of exercises. These are basically it. http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/strengtheningexercises/ss/ankleexercises.htm They help with your ankle stabilizing so the next time you twist it there will be less damage.

  • Jennyh April 7, 2010, 12:29 pm

    I wad training for my first marathon with my husband and got a stress fracture and had to drop out. He still ran without me which was hard for me, but the next year undid the half marathon and since then I have done the full three times. Injuries are the worst. I hope you ankle let’s you run Saturday. But most importantly you should listen to your body!

  • Joan April 7, 2010, 12:29 pm

    I don’t care how much of a tiny “injury” it is, I say drop out. Your body is most important. There will be other races. Don’t risk it.

  • Beth April 7, 2010, 12:36 pm

    A couple years ago I signed up for a marathon and had IT band issues and had to WALK for months to make it better. It was tough, but I was able to get back to running and learned a ton about myself while taking it easy. Life is long (i hope) and you have to roll (your ankle–jk) with the punches!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 7, 2010, 12:38 pm

    I have never ran a race, so I haven’t had to worry about injuries. I have injured myself before and at the time it totally messed with me. Because I just couldn’t handle bed rest. I felt like I should be working out, because my appetite sure wasn’t diminished. Luckily I only gained a pound or so, but it really freaked me out. I have GOT to stop worrying about that dang scale.

  • Lauren April 7, 2010, 12:38 pm

    Sorry to hear about the ankle. I know how you feel. I have been registered for the DC Cherry Blossom run this weekend for so long, but I just came out of the hospital a few weeks ago and the doctor said I can not run in the 10 mile race. I was so bummed because I had been looking forward to it for so long and I felt awful about having to back out. Luckily, there is a 5k race so I am still able to do that.

    Good luck hun! But do take care! 😉

  • Catherine April 7, 2010, 12:56 pm

    I have a tough time saying no to myself when I’m already signed up for a race, but with my current marathon (in less than 2 weeks!) I have been recovering from a kneee injury, so I’v been very strict in my decision that I will wait until how I feel on race day to make the final determination – and to not be afraid to walk parts if need be.

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 7, 2010, 12:57 pm

    I tend to be one of those people who ignores injuries! It is something I am trying to work on….ugh!

  • Theodora @ Losing Weight in the City April 7, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I started getting runner’s knee (and that’s when I discovered your blog — when my friend referred me to your video!) before the Disney Half — my first half! I also was getting some lower back pain, and my trainer advised me to cut back on my running or even drop out. No way was I going to drop out, but I did cut back significantly on my training. He said I wouldn’t run it fast, but I would finish it. It was my first, so I was mostly interested in finishing. Not finishing my long runs did freak me out a bit, though.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) April 7, 2010, 1:30 pm

    I had to drop out of my first 8 miler and half marathon (after having registered and all for both!) due to my pelvic injury.
    Another race recently I wanted to do, but my foot wasnt feeling right and I just had this twinge inside me saying not to do it. While it is hard to pass up on fun races, I have never regretted listening to my body. It is better to skip a race here and there than to be side lined for 2 months! Unfortunately it took me my pelvic injury to realize this, but now I feel like I have been taught a lesson.

  • runeatrepeat3 April 7, 2010, 1:40 pm

    It is totally okay to drop out if you are hurt, sometimes it is the smart thing to do and in that case should be respected by you and your competitors. I know it is hard to do though.

  • Julie April 7, 2010, 1:48 pm

    I wanted to comment b/c I saw your twitter post about running a marathon without training. Well, let me tell you about my loco friend Lauren who decided to run a marathon…4 miles into her 5.8 mile marathon relay run. LOL! In Oct, I ran the 2nd leg of the Baltimore marathon relay. Lauren was the 1st leg and when we met to exchange the timing device, she was like, I think I’m going to keep going and run the full! I looked at her like she had 12 heads. She has really bad knees and the longest run she had completed was about 5 miles…I think maybe once in the weeks leading up to the relay. Well, she finished with an impressive time of 4:45 with no training whatsoever! She’s so incredible! 🙂

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 2:15 pm

      not only is your friend loco, but she beat MY marathon time after i trained for 22 weeks!!! major LOLs

  • Joanne April 7, 2010, 1:55 pm

    I’ve been reading a lot of blogs that suggest if you feel a little pain, don’t push it because you don’t know what it might be the precursor to. So if your injury is mild at the moment, pushing it the extra distance may just knock it to the next level and it could turn serious.
    It’s funny because I would suggest that you skip either run and let the ankle have time to heal. HOWEVER, if it were me…I’d run 🙁

  • Madison April 7, 2010, 2:06 pm

    I hope your ankle has a speedy recovery.

    On another note, I keep wanting to leave a comment for you for 2 weeks now about this but keep forgetting. Anyways, I just wanted to say that I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just have to say that your vegetarian meals just get better and better everyday. I think it is wonderful that you get so creative with your food and they always look so colorful, lovely and healthy. I enjoy and am inspired by all the meatless meals you share.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 2:17 pm

      thank you! i love hearing that people are inspired by my vegetarian meals 🙂 i appreciate that.

  • Samantha April 7, 2010, 2:10 pm

    Awww poor girl!! I had to drop out of some races in high school during my senior year of cross country because of my leg pain. I would end up collapsing to the ground and my legs hurt so bad at mile one that I couldn’t finish and would have to be carried off the course. I usually cried because I didn’t get to finish. My dad always said “I hope you are crying because of the pain and not because you couldn’t finish.” Even though I’m pretty sure it was always a bit of both!

  • Lauren April 7, 2010, 2:16 pm

    Having sprained my ankle several times being a competitive dancer, if you injure your ankle once it will happen over and over and over again if you don’t give it time to heal. I know you say it is just an injury-ette, but it still may be a little weak leaving you prone to injury again and this time you may actually sprain it and be out for weeks. It’s your choice, but ankles aren’t a body part to fool around with- especially for athletes. 🙂

  • Krista April 7, 2010, 2:17 pm

    A little different, but last April I was signed up to do a half that I was all trained for. I passed up halfs in Dec-Mar because I’m a cold weather pansy (I’m in TX so below 50 is too cold for me!). April is the perfect time for a half so I was excited that a local one fell in that month. Anyways, I got a stomach bug from my daughter 2 days before and was still severely weak and dehydrated and there was no way it would have been healthy for me to run.

  • Janna April 7, 2010, 3:46 pm

    I am supposed to run a 5k on April 13 and a Half-Marathon on April 25th. I injured my hip and now have to drop out.

    It`s my first time injuring myself running, and I`m pretty upset about having to drop out of 2 races. It`s definitely a struggle because you feel like you`ve failed. But injuries happen! And I know that I simply can`t run with an injured hip. So, I`m putting running aside for now and doing other things like biking and yoga, enjoying the beautiful weather with a walk instead of a run and lots of strengthening!

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 4:26 pm

      I’m sorry! Maybe after all the cross training you’ll come back stronger than ever!

  • Katharine April 7, 2010, 5:23 pm

    I love how positive you are. 🙂

  • BroccoliHut April 7, 2010, 6:30 pm

    Love the looks of that breakfast–I need to get me some Kashi pilaf.

  • Allyson April 7, 2010, 7:19 pm

    I ran a 10K on a rolled ankle because I was too stubborn to drop out; needless to say it was a terrible experience

  • Alice April 7, 2010, 7:36 pm

    I had a niggly knee problem (chondro malacia patella – pretty similar to what you had I think!), and was unsure, but ran a fast 5k anyway. BIG MISTAKE. I was out of commission for the next two weeks and couldn’t walk up stairs without yelling.

    • caitlin April 7, 2010, 7:46 pm

      ugh! thats the worst. you have my sympathy for sure.

  • Nancy April 7, 2010, 11:14 pm

    I have my first 5k this Saturday and I’m a little nervous because my ankle has been slightly hurting for the past 2-3wks. I’ve still managed to run on it but it’s been slightly hurting afterward. As of right now, I am still planning on running. I would hate to drop out.

  • Steph April 8, 2010, 2:32 am

    Be careful on that ankle! I rolled my ankle in early March in Italy (in the beginning of my trip there) and I thought I was okay to walk on it because after resting it a bit I could walk pretty well with no pain.. but form what I’ve read that’s really common. I actually ended up injuring it more by walking a lot (walked up almost 600 stairs in a tower in Bologna).. I know you know lots about injuries, but this just reminded me of what happened to my foot recently. I am only now beginning to stretch it with almost no pain.

  • Keri April 8, 2010, 8:00 am

    I’ve had this happen before, and I try to tell myself, “this race is for me, not me for the race.” It helps me keep a good perspective. Also, I try to remind myself that there will ALWAYS be another race in the future. Take care!

  • Tammy April 13, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I meant to ask you, what kind of camelback do you have? aka…size, how much it holds, name, etc…

    • caitlin April 13, 2010, 4:53 pm

      its the ladies fit and holds 1.5 liters

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