It’s not all tutus, tiaras, and Trader Sam’s. Over the past six years, the runDisney brand has been all that and more; camaraderie, sunsets over Cars Land and World Showcase, and many, many a celebratory dinner. See the world!
The side effect (even if unintended) of same? Fitness. My physical therapist self kinda knew this all along, but to be honest it was a backdrop to the magic and medals in my timeline. Until now…
The invisible side effect of my twenty half marathons and umpteen 5Ks? Core strength. My oh my, that came in mighty handy when I landed on my derriere and fractured my pelvis and sacrum two months ago. The mortality rate for this type of fracture can be as high as 24%. Immobility typically forces prolonged bed rest, ambulation with a walker, and heavy-duty pain med prescription. Unless you’ve been stealthily working on your Wonder Woman form…
The core strength that accompanied those thousands of miles through Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris saved me in every way possible. I defied doctors orders in every way possible; no 7 days in the hospital flat on my back, no morphine, no months of bed rest for this runner gal. This walker at my bedside is a punch-in-the-gut reminder of my age. The running shoes say otherwise. So do my runDisney super powers.
Will I ever run another race? Is this a runDisney sunrise or sunset? With another two weeks on crutches ahead and significant arthritis to battle, I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able. But if I do get one more finish line, it will be because the Big Cheese is on the other side. I owe him everything. Backside included.
Top PT Tip
Running provides support for bone density, especially pre and post menopause. As they say, just do it.
I will make you a deal. If you make it back for a runDisney 5K, I will do it with you. That is the ONLY thing that would get me to do another race.
Hmmmm. The gauntlet has been thrown. Maybe the Star Wars Dark Side 5K might be in Order…?? 😀
Great post! Made me a little teary-eyed thinking of you not being able to run another race but I know you will do what is best for you.
Aw, thanks Janice. What is meant to be will be. But what a ride it was!! We’ll see what the next decade has in store. 😉
Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery, if anyone can do it I’m sure you can. Hope you and your family have a wonder Thanksgiving!!
Thank you Sean- I sure will give it my best shot. 😉 Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
OMG, I am so glad you are healing! I had no idea it was such a serious injury. It hurts to even hear you describe what happened. Sending gentle hugs!! I don’t think you have finished with runDisney. If not as a runner a support medic for sure! You are amazing!!
Happy Thanksgiving, Didi <3
Thanks Deb- as you well know, sooner or later we all take our lumps. Here’s hoping ours are behind us!!!! xoxo
Well, it looks like I have picked up running at the right time in my mid-40s life! So sorry to hear about your injury, but I’m so glad your runDisney obsession has kept you so fit otherwise. We’ll be praying for a full and speedy recover and wishing you many more runDisney events to come!
If nothing else, I will always be the best chEARleader possible. So happy to hEAR of your new obsession!
what a great story!
Why thank you Tammie!!
Happy Thanksgiving Didi! RunDisney has in many ways been a saviour for me, despite my repetitive calf strains since I started running it got me active and much happier when I was recovering from a really difficult time and I will always be grateful for that.
Hi Clare,
I do believe there are many of us with a tale to tell. Best of luck with your calves. I’m chEARing for you!