My vacation to Florida has come and gone.
It started out so well but quickly went downhill.
Other than my lack of running, in addition to my regular job, I worked as technical support to the NYS Bar Exam takers this past week.
Two Weeks Ago:
- Sunday – After an early morning flight to Ft Lauderdale, FL, I rented a car and drove to Boca Raton to stay with my college roommate.
The weather was beautiful so we spent the day wandering around some trails at Loxahatchee..
Then we went out for a delicious seafood dinner.
Afterward, we returned home in time to catch the Super Bowl.
- Monday – Of course, my first goal of the trip was to run at sunrise with a view of the ocean. And I did.
It was still early so I took advantage of my free time and visited two local nature preserves.
The weather was cool (for Florida but warm for a NYer) and sunny so we spent the afternoon at South Boca Beach
Afterward we enjoyed another nice relaxing dinner out.
- Tuesday – Again I decided to get up early to see the sunrise.
I chose a different beach than the day before and parked far away so that afterward I could run back to my car.
On the way to the beach, I tripped on a curb, went down in pain.
I did watch the sunrise but had to walk back to my car on a foot that was most likely broken.
Now what to do?
There were several options but I felt that although running and hiking were out, I could stay in Florida and try to enjoy myself rather than immediately returning home.
My roommate and I decided to go to a different beach (Deerfield Beach) where I had to do minimal walking.
It was a beautiful day but my mind was elsewhere. However, I did meet a lovely lady who invited me to Houston to run a race there.
My next stop was an hour drive north to Hobe Sound to stay with a friend who had recently lost her husband.
She was as gimpy as me since she was recovering from Achilles surgery.
We enjoyed a peaceful dinner at her home and then watched some TV and chatted.
- Wednesday – Obviously running was out of question. I was even too depressed to go see the ocean sunrise.
We did eventually go for a drive and sat by Jupiter Island Beach followed by a delicious late lunch in Stuart
- Thursday – In the morning, I packed up and drove back south to Delray Beach to stay with a friend.
We spent several hours at the pool where we had lunch and soaked up some needed Vitamin D.
Afterward, she was nice enough to get a wheelchair so we could visit the bird sanctuary we always go to.
For dinner, we ate at an outdoor restaurant along the ocean.
- Friday – Today I had plans to attend the Delray Tennis Open with another friend.
Little did I know that I would have to purchase handicap seats.
First we watched some players practice for their semi final match the next day.
Luckily my friend did not mind pushing my wheelchair up multiple ramps to our seats.
We had a great view and watched an exciting men’s doubles quarter final match and then half of a men’s singles quarter final match. It started to rain after the first set but we were ready to leave anyway.
Then we joined the friend I was staying with for a pizza dinner in town.
- Saturday – Another change in plans. I was supposed to meet a former coworker for a nature (birding) walk.
Instead we met for brunch and then I headed back to Fort Lauderdale to return my car and catch a plane home.
Yes. A day early.
Fortunately I was able to get wheelchair assistance every step of the way.
- Sunday – A1A Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon=DNS
I looked forward to running this race that I had trained for and also to meeting up with Jenny and her husband who were going to run it with me. (If you read Jenny’s blog, you now know that this half was doomed for all 3 of us.)
Instead I was home trying to figure out how to navigate life at home and at work on crutches.
Fortunately, I was able to locate a walking boot from my broken ankle (in 2012!!)
Last Week:
- Monday – Luckily I was to get an appt with an orthopedic today (and it was a holiday so I was off from work.)
I was quite nervous wondering how serious the break was and if I would need surgery.
The doctor looked at my foot (which was totally purple but no longer swollen or painful) and said that he doubted that it was broken. In fact, he asked me to bet with my hubby who agreed with him.
So he ordered x-rays.
Then he came back in the room and said to my hubby “She won!!”
Yup. It was broken. A small hairline fracture. He said that it was no big deal and would heal naturally in no time.
The doctor said that I didn’t need to to use crutches or even wear the boot. I could wear shoes and walk (as long as it didn’t hurt.)
One more x-ray scheduled for March 20… and it should be healed!?
I plan to err on the side of caution and wear the boot for a week several days and then try walking… (maybe even use my stationary bike.)
- my nurse
- Tuesday-Saturday – Just trying to stay positive… (not go insane or think about all those missed races…)
As they say, this too shall pass…
Fingers crossed that it will heal quickly.

that heavy boot was hurting my hip so I have switched to regular running shoes (that I never ran in)
On Friday, I actually walked 2 miles while working the bar exam.
On Saturday, instead my usual long run, I put in 6 miles on the stationary bike..
and then met my running friends for their post run/walk brunch.
This Coming Week on the Run–
- NADA!
This Coming Week on the Blog –
- Tuesday –
A1A Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon Race RecapHow to Heal a Broken Foot - Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Thanks in advance for your support.
I may be down but I’m not OUT!!
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any winter big races? Any warm weather vacations planned for the winter? Please share.
I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s so easy to do and so depressing. I am sitting on the injury bench with you as I did something small to my hamstring, stretched it because that’s what we do, right, stretched it, stretched it – made it loads worse because I shouldn’t have stretched it and now I have scar tissue and adhesions in the muscle and physio and exercises and no running. And because I stopped running to sort it out, I knocked back my immune system and got a terrible virus! So let’s hobble around virtually together and stage a come-back when we can! Lots of love and patience to you!
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Sad to read that you have joined me on the disabled list. Hope we both heal and are back out there this spring!! Hugs!!!
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Glad you were able to get to brunch today. I liked that one from Ali, and we know I’m inconsistent with her. Run4PRs about injuries is good too. xx
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I have quite a few podcasts to catch up on. Lots of time.
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Sorry to hear about your injury. I had a feeling it was a fracture. At least you can stay active while it heals! I broke my foot in Florida once–a stress fracture when a wave threw me onto the sandy bottom of the Gulf. And of course, there was that fall from the rope at CF. The foot fracture never healed from that incident, but it doesn’t bother me, so there’s that. You got this!
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It’s been very hard mentally.
But thanks for your support.
I once broke my foot waterskiing.
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Oh Darlene, I’m so sorry to hear that it was a foot fracture, but it sounds like it’s going to be pretty quick to heal. Here’s hoping all goes well in the process! Sending healing hugs your way!
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Thanks. I appreciate all the hugs.
I’m pretty down now but eventually it will be in my rear view mirror.
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Ugh! That is so frustrating. I fractured my foot when I tripped hiking on Memorial Day weekend one year and had to focus on healing before our Grand Canyon vacation in August — I made it!
It’s good that your doctor is optimistic! I know it’s hard for you to be now, but hopefully this all will be a memory by summer.
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It is very hard because of all the races I signed up for.
I guess better in winter than summer.
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Oh shoot Darlene. I’m sorry to hear it’s broken although it does sound minimal as far as breaks go. Still though. So frustrating as I know you had a whole lineup of races to do. Glad you did your best to enjoy the rest of your vacay. Hang in there!
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I put on a fake smile. It was not a fun vacation.
Hopefully it is minimal but you never know.
As you said any injury is frustrating when you’ve paid and trained for races.
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So sorry about your injury. These things are never at a good time! As many of us have mentioned, we have been there. If you let this heal it will heal quickly. You will be back soon. It’s definitely frustrating and depressing. We are here for you!
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Thanks for your support. Yes. Never a good time but this happens to be the worst.
Looking ahead to NyC half in 2024.
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Damn Darlene, I’m really sorry. I know you’ve got to be super frustrated, especially given the races you had planned. You know I know how much it sucks to miss out on your race schedule. Continuing to send hugs and support your way!
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Thanks. I do appreciate it. I know you guys get what I’m going through.
Stay healthy!!
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Well, I’m glad you at least got on the bike. I know it’s SUPER BORING, but there are podcasts to keep you sane. Like you said, better to have it happen in the winter than the summer. The countdown to March 20 is on!
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Countdown to my next half. Lol.
And yes indoor biking does nothing for me compared to running outside. At least it’s sweating.
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I’m so sorry, Darlene. I know how frustrating a fracture is, but it seems like you’re making the best of your situation. Sounds like your doctor is very optimistic as well. I’m glad you can be in a running shoe as opposed to a boot. Those boots are SO awkward and cumbersome. After a week or so, my podiatrist gave me his blessing to kick the boot aside and wear a supportive shoe as well (and of course, I had to limit my walking). Hang in there, and know we’re all thinking of you.
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I know you are and I appreciate it.
One day of that boot and my hip was hurting.
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Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this (tbh, I’m relieved because I thought it was something much worse- like a death in the family!!). That is such a bummer after all of the prep for the race 😦 I used to bike with my boot, and it’s certainly not the same, but at least it’s something I guess. Hope your down time goes by quick! Sending hugs!
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So far it feels like months but less than 2 weeks.
I hate biking but at least I can do that. And sweat.
Thanks for the hug. I need it.
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I’m so sorry about your injury. You did a really good job making lemonade out of lemons on your vacation.
The silver lining is that hopefully the doc is right and you won’t be sidelined long. But I do agree with Deborah — take it a *little* easy so that you can heal properly — sooner rather than later.
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I faked it. My vacation kinda sucked. It’s easier to be injured at home. But that’s how it played out.
Obviously I won’t be running but I plan to as soon as I can
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Oh no, Darlene! I’m so sorry to hear this! As you probably understand, having read my January posts, I 100% understand you’re not a happy camper. What a disappointment, and with all the lovely races you had planned. Is there anything else you enjoy doing that you can focus on for a while?
That’s great if you can use the bike – then you can stay active.
I love how you decided to still enjoy the trip to Florida, and it does look like you had some good times, and good weather.
Lots of hugs to you.
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Thanks for understanding. Very sad indeed.
Hopefully it goes by quickly.
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Ugh. I am so sorry this happened! And how awful that all three of you had something happen that led to not starting the race!
Your nurse is pretty awesome, though.
I hope you heal quickly, and can get right back to doing what you love.
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Hope I do too. But right now it’s pretty depressing. I know you know the feeling.
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I’m so sorry to read this Darlene, what a disappointment. But I’m glad it sounds like it isn’t too serious and hopefully will heal quickly. But still, not fun. Sending you hugs, injuries are a bummer…
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They sure are. Thanks for the hugs. I need them.
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Oh no! So sorry about the foot!
If you come to Houston, you email me – I will run any race you are running!
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Awesome. Which half do you recommend?
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I would recommend the half marathon in mid-January or October month-end. Both are large races with great crowd support (Jan is larger). The October half is put on by the Houston Striders and January is the Aramco Half. The weather for both can be unpredictable – the Oct 22 race was cooler than the Jan 23 race (go figure!). I think the Oct race has better swag (medal, shirt, after-race snacks) and is less expensive, especially if you register early.
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Thanks for the info.
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