Well.... there you go!

After writing my last blog I rang my podiatrist to ask his opinion. He said that it sounded like I'd bruised my foot but if there was absolutely no change by Monday to go and see him to make sure it wasn't a stress fracture. "Oh no", I quickly said, "It's definitely not a stress fracture". I once had a march fracture during the last 2 weeks of my basic training for the Navy ...and truth be told I wasn't aware it was an actual fracture of any description until a couple of years ago when I had it x-rayed for an entirely different reason. As this had been the only time I had ever injured that foot, this is the only time it could have happened. I remember at that time I had a week of discomfort and then I more or less got on with it (although I didn't do any sort of strenuous physical exercise at that time due to the fact my basic training was over).

It was on Sunday afternoon when realization hit. This had all started with me being unable to walk without discomfort maybe 3 weeks ago. That lasted a week and then there was just a nasty niggle that persisted. No... surely not! I mean, fractures are more painful than this aren't they?

Yesterday morning my foot was really hurting (which I think was caused by deep water running without my zero gravity shoes, so had more water resitance against my toe). I went to see the podiatrist on the afternoon and he immediately said, "Oh dear, Claire....It's a stress fracture". Scanning back, I think I may have helped the situation along by jumping too hard and fast back to my training. I was so concerned I wouldn't be fit enough for all of my plans this year after having so long off with the ITB that I pushed myself harder than I have ever done before. I have this notion that no matter what I do I'll never be fit and I'm maybe my own worst enemy because I don't push myself as much as I should. I'm now rethinking that idea! I've already been told by William and Shaun not to go to heavy on things as my feet/tendons/ligaments need time to catch up. So, in essence... it's my own fault.

However, never down for too long, I have a plan. :-) Maybe if I do the sort of cross training that won't be detrimental to my foot, don't do a taper and once I can walk, do plenty of walks with the dog, maybe... just maybe, I can at least go to Llanelli and have a bash at the race. Who cares if I have to bail at the halfway cutoff... a DNF is one better than a DNS... isn't it?