Some Improvement...

3 weeks deep into this fracture and I finally feel like I seeing some improvement. This whole experience has been a roller coaster. Week one, I was optimistic and had the motivation to do things like ride on the trainer, week two I was just pissed and did pretty much nothing, week three I was just too busy throughout the week to even think about much of anything but, work, errands, and kids b-days. However, with GLR just around the corner, I had been planning to run on Saturday no matter how good or bad my shoulder felt. Considering our team was already 2 team members light at that point, I needed to figure out if I was going to be able to run or we were really short 3. Which would likely cause the weekend transform into an extended drinking trip. My pain had actually subsided greatly in the middle of last week and I'd say I had about 25% function of my left arm. I got home at a decent time on Friday and despite the 90 degree weather, I decided it was a good of time as any to test out the shoulder on a run.

The initial 1/2 mile of the run was admittedly pretty worrisome. My collar bone was clicking when I walked at some points over the past few weeks and was again doing so when I ran. Each click was followed by dull pain. Not sharp, causing you to collapse pain but, dull stomach turning, "something is not right" pain.  It was probably in no shape to be running. I couldn't swing my arm and struggled to find a position that would minimize the clicking. I found that if I pressed on the top of my collar bone with my opposite hand, it went away. Likely be cause it was bending and flexing each time my left foot landed and the pressure help prevent it. As I left my sub and ran down the ~400m of side walk that leads past the other entrance of the sub, I had bit a mental debate with myself. The net was an agreement that if the pain became no worse before I hit the next entrance, I would shoot for my 45 min loop. If it did, I'd turn, tuck my tail between my legs, turn and walk home. About 40 mins later, I had run my 45 min loop + a little extra in 49 min. The run was slow, incredible uncomfortable, awkward and I probably something I should not have done but, I finished it. 

I am sure someone will read this and think, "What an idiot. You should be taking it easy and not push yourself so early." Well, after an 1 1/2 ride (longest ever) on the trainer on Saturday, guess what I did? A legit 7 mile run at legit 7 min pace. Shoulder muscles cramping in an attempt to immobilize my arm the whole way. For those that know me, these types of decisions are not out of character. I tend to put my head down and try to run through obstacles, versus use my head as it was intended. Anyway, I decided that this was "ok" after my shoulder seemed to be in no more of less pain on Saturday. Even after, washing the cars on Friday night as well. Monday am. Still very little pain and a decent amount of use out of my arm. Guess I am planning to test the quote of the Ortho. "You can't screw it up."

So, this morning finds me with a little bounce in my step despite sore legs. Not only does it look like I'll be able to run (partially crippled) GLR but, we filled the 2 open spots on the team and even picked up a 3rd vehicle so, we don't have to rent one. Looking forward to a short work week and a long weekend camping and hopefully running across Michigan.

Fun Monday Fact: I have always found it interesting how much my weight can fluctuate in a short period of time. I have officially gained 13 lbs in 3 weeks. Some would say that's highly unlikely but, the scale does not lie. Pretty disturbing consider that, while I am no He-man, I have likely lost muscle mass in my shoulders and chest due to lack of use of my upper body. I could certainly feel a little jiggle in my wiggle running this weekend.