I started the week inspired to end my running slump and get back into running. By Wednesday I had picked a half marathon training program I had just enough time to complete before the Richmond Half in mid-November. By Friday I had completed two runs and hit the treadmill hard at Orangetheory. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. Today, I am in the midst of another running break.
The Best Laid Plans
I missed the Weekly Wrap link up last week because I was on my way home from a busines trip to England. Maybe if I’d gotten out for a run I would have found a way to join in, but I didn’t run or workout while I was there. Our schedule didn’t leave any free time until the last morning, and then the beautiful weather we’d had all walk turned to pouring rain.
“The Castle” hotel where I stayed.
My trek home took all day: A 10 am train to Paddington Station, another train to Heathrow, lots of walking to the terminal, then the usual slog through check-in and security, leaving just enough time to get lunch and buy Cadbury chocolates before my flight boarded at 4. After the usual delays we took off for an 8 hour flight to D.C., during which time I watched four moves and started watching Chernobyl. My husband met me at the airport, and I got home at 9 pm, 16 hours after my trek started.
Tuesday through Thursday I attended a conference in D.C. I stayed at the conference hotel to make things easier, and went running both Wednesday and Thursday morning. My left leg felt a bit off–I wondered if I had shin splints–but nothing hurt. At home Thursday night, I realized that my left calf and ankle were swollen.
Since nothing hurt–even if I poked at my shins–and knowing my history, I went to the doctor on Friday. Knowning my history, she sent me for a sonogram of my legs–which is how they look for blood clots, a/k/a/ DVT. The radiologist said I have several–behind my knee and in my calf. 🙁 I started taking Xaralto (a blood thinner), and will be on it for 3 months.
Did I walk around on the plane? I got up four times, and did lots of stretching when I did. Did I do those exercises they have in the back of the in-flight magazine? Yes, I rotated my ankles and stretched and flexed my calves. Did I wear compression socks? I wore a light grade of compression stockings, but not my strongest compression socks.
The first time this happenned to me–after a buisness trip to Australia–I was told not to run (or do any other cardio that would raise my heart rate) for the 6 months I was on heparin. This time, the doctor said I caan keep running and biking as long as I am careful (because the blood thinner makes any trauma dangerous). I runfess I was almsot wishing she would tell me to stop running, but I wouldn’t want to give up cycling, spinning, or Orangetheory. For now, I am waiting until the swelling goes down. I have until October 31 to defer Richmond.
Weekly Run Down
Monday: 1.75 mile Scooby run
After my long day of travel, I was looking forward to taking Scooby out, but my legs felt like lead. I made it 1 mile, turned around and started walking home, and then ran the rest of the way.
Tuesday: Strength Workout
Wednesday: 3 mile fun run
I participated in the conference’s 6th annual fun run, running with the 10 mm group. The hotel was a few blocks from the Capitol, so we ran there and along the Mall. It was pretty dark until we were almost finished.
Thursday: 4 mile run
I ran from the hotel towards the capitol again, and then along the Mall to the Washington Monument, which is newly opened after several months of repairs.
Friday: Orangetheory Fitness
It was great to be back in Brandon’s class after a few weeks away. The treadmill workout included a series of “all out”s, but they were interspersed with walk breaks, which made it do-able.
Saturday: 22 mile bike ride
We went for a safe, easy bike ride on the W&OD trail. 😉
Sunday: 19 mile bike ride
I was so hot and humid, we chose the shady Mt. Vernon trail for our ride. Since it’s narrow, crowded, and twisty, we kept an easy pace.
My husband wanted me to wear his mega-helmet!
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up
–join in for motivation and encouragement!
Have any of your best laid plans gone awry lately?
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I was so sad for you when I saw this on Facebook as I remember reading about your first one when you reposted or linked to it recently. So frustrating. Hope finding them early means you recover more quickly this time.
Loving your photos, as always.
Oh, good point! Last time I waited 2+ weeks. Thanks for your support!
Oh, that DVT issue is such a bummer. I had forgotten about the last time, but it quickly came back to memory after reading this post. You had a couple of great bike rides, though. I hope the meds work their magic and things heal quickly.
Thanks! It’s been 11 years since my first one – I thought I was out of the woods!
Wow, you’ve had such a busy few last weeks Coco! I am sorry to hear about the DVT issue but so glad that you went to the doctor to get it checked out.
At least I learned that lesson and didn’t wait 2 weeks this time!
Hope you can figure out why you got the DVT again. At least you can keep working out! Be careful-I worry 🙂
Thanks. I think there’s a blood test I can get. I’ll be asking my Dr.
I had no idea one could get blood clots in the knee and in the calf. Wow! How do you get them?
risk factors are being immobile for too long – often after surgery, or for me, on long flights.
Yikes. Are you getting some bloodwork done to see if you are one of those people prone to DVTs? I’m so sorry that this is happening to you. That helmet keeps cracking me up, tho! <3
I think I will do that now.
So sorry about this but I’m glad you caught it early! It sounds like you did everything to prevent it too. Hopefully you can find a balance of staying active without risking anything more serious over the next few months.
Thanks. After being told not to run last time, it’s confusing this time!
Yikes. I’m so sorry this happened again but I’m glad you caught it and are treating it. I have a MTHFR mutation that makes me more prone to blood clots. It’s why I load up on folate and take a daily baby aspirin. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to prevent DVT. It’s scary.
Yikes on the blood clots! That’s great that you noticed the swelling and caught it early. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery your way.
Oh man, how frustrating!! I’m not familiar with DVT, so posts like these are a good learning opportunity for me.
I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this again! Glad you caught it early on – hope this leads to a quick recovery!
I’m sorry about the DVT, fingers crossed that everything clears up. I’d be curious to try out the half plan, looks like some good workouts and not too much mileage.
It did look like a very doable plan!
I didn’t know you could continue to run or ride while on a blood thinner. Please be careful. Maybe OTF is a safer option.
As it turns out, my Dr. wants me to lay off cardio for three weeks. I’ll be back to OTF by Hell week!
Oh Coco. 🙁 I didn’t realise you had also just signed up for a Half Marathon before the DVT hit. awful. Yes I do know all too well about the best laid plans going awry. I’m still trying to pick myself up again but it’s hard. But the pity party in my head knows that it’s only hard because I am holding on to the “hard”. I’m glad you are ok but sorry to hear that this has all gone a bit belly up for you.
Oh, Coco, I am so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs your way!