Week 1: From Injury to the Goal of Running a 5K

Introduction: A Tough Mudder Setback with New Goals on the Horizon

On Saturday, September 7, I embarked on the Pittsburgh Tough Mudder (10 miles) with the coaching team from the Vegan Superhero Academy. It was a fantastic way to end our week-long coaching retreat. I was excited to face some personal fears/challenges like mud, cold water, and obstacles that pushed me beyond my limits. But sometimes, life throws curveballs, and that’s exactly what happened when I faced my last obstacle—a spiral fracture of my right tibia and fibula. It wasn’t the finish I had in mind, but it was the start of a new chapter: recovery and healing, with my sights now set on an exciting new goal—run/walking a 5K.

This blog kicks off my journey toward recovery, but more importantly, it’s about moving forward with purpose. Instead of focusing solely on the injury, my new goal is to complete a 5K. The road may be long, but the people who have supported me during this time—surgeons, nurses, radiology techs, and nutrition teams—have made every step forward possible. Week 1 has been a blend of pain, resilience, and a newfound determination to turn a setback into a comeback. And this is just the beginning.

Gratitude for the UPMC Team: Heroes of My Recovery

Before diving into my day-by-day breakdown, I need to give kudos where kudos are due. The team at UPMC has been nothing short of amazing. Every individual, from the emergency department physicians who stabilized my fracture to the surgeons who skillfully placed my external fixation device, played a crucial role in my recovery.

• Surgeons: You all worked magic on my leg, giving me the foundation I need to heal.

• Emergency Department Physicians: Thank you for handling the initial reduction—twice!—and managing my pain.

• Nurses: Your constant care and compassion helped me get through the toughest days.

• Anesthesiologists: While ketamine wasn’t my favorite (we’ll save that story for another day), I appreciate your efforts in making sure I was safe two conscious sedatives and  during surgery.

• Radiology Techs: You were the unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes to capture all those crucial X-rays, ensuring my bones were aligned perfectly.

• Chefs and Nutrition Team: Thank you for taking the time to listen to my dietary needs. The effort you put into providing plant-based options made all the difference. I hope other patients who are plant-based or vegan can benefit from our conversations.

This first week of recovery has been a collective effort, and every person involved has helped me focus on my post-injury goal: completing a 5K. I may have a ways to go, but with this team behind me, I know I can get there.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: The Journey to 5K Begins

Saturday, September 7: The Injury

Pittsburgh Tough Mudder—what an event. It was supposed to be a day of conquering fears, but instead, I faced an obstacle that left me with a spiral fracture of my right tibia and fibula. After an initial reduction of the fracture at UPMC Jameson, I spent the night in the ER, processing the situation. My mind raced with questions: how long would I be sidelined? What would this mean for my fitness goals?

It was in that ER bed that I made a decision. The setback was temporary. It is about what I CAN do during my recovery, not what I cannot do. The path to a 5K may look different now, but the goal? Still there. And so, the journey began.

Sunday, September 8: Transfer and More Adjustments

I was transferred to UPMC Presbyterian, where I had another fracture reduction (and yes, another round of “ouch!”). My ED experience at UPMC Jameson and Presbyterian reminded me of how incredible the medical teams are. The doctors were thorough, and despite my initial fears (a byproduct of knowing too much), I felt safe in their hands.

I need to thank Leif and the coaching team for all their support during the initial two days. From sitting with me in the ED (thank you, Nathan and Marc!) to helping me get my belongings situated (I was having laptop withdrawal), you all were amazing. I am so fortunate to be a part of this team.

Once settled in, the focus shifted to my diet. I knew nutrition would play a vital role in recovery, especially with my goal of run/walking a 5K in the future. But I quickly realized plant-based options were limited. Luckily, I spoke with the nutrition team about expanding those options—a small but essential step toward making hospitals more conducive to true healing.

Monday, September 9: Surgery Day

Surgery day was nerve-wracking, but I trusted my surgeons completely. They placed an external fixation device to stabilize my leg. In post-op, as the anesthesia wore off, my thoughts were already drifting toward the next steps in my recovery—first, walking with assistance, and later, jogging my way toward that 5K finish line.

Weight management became a concern right away. My body was burning through calories as it worked to heal, and I needed every nutrient possible. It reaffirmed my belief that hospitals should prioritize plant-based, nutrient-dense meals, especially for patients undergoing intense recovery like mine.

Tuesday, September 10: Insurance Frustrations, Supportive Friends

By Tuesday, I was knee-deep in the frustrating world of insurance. United Healthcare wasn’t making anything easy, as I was denied my first and second choice for a skilled nursing facility due to “out of network” restrictions. As if dealing with a major injury wasn’t enough, now I had to fight for the care I needed. But I wasn’t alone—my friends, like Jake and Phiwat, showed up with thoughtful food and goody bags to brighten my day.

Wednesday, September 11: Conversations that Matter

This day was a highlight. I had a meaningful conversation with one of the hospital chefs about plant-based options. While there’s still a long way to go, the dialogue was encouraging. It’s time hospitals recognized the power of nutrition in recovery, particularly plant-based diets, which are rich in protein and anti-inflammatory properties—just what I need to heal faster and stronger.

Even with the insurance issues looming, these positive interactions kept my mindset strong.

Thursday, September 12: Still Waiting for Placement

Thursday was a patience test. Still no skilled nursing facility, still waiting for placement. My care team, however, never let up on their support. Every nurse, every doctor, every conversation felt like a step toward progress. Even if my body wasn’t quite there yet, my mindset was. I was hopping around my room in an attempt to be independent (yes, I have an issue asking for help) which made me feel good.

Friday, September 13: Transport to Skilled Nursing

Finally, I was transferred to a skilled nursing facility. The trip wasn’t glamorous—my third ambulance ride. But once I arrived, I was greeted by a compassionate staff, eager to help me settle in and start the next phase of recovery.

The facility’s dietary team immediately reached out to ask about my food preferences. While plant-based meals were still a challenge, they were willing to work with me. It was another reminder that healing is about more than just physical recovery—it’s about nourishment, mentally and physically.

Saturday, September 14: Progress and New Equipment

By Saturday, I was finally able to stand and walk—well, with the help of a walker and a wheelchair, but it was progress! It felt like the first real step (literally) toward my 5K goal. Being able to get rid of the diaper (more on this later) and wear scrub bottoms again after a week of hospital gowns? That was a victory, too. Thank you to the wonderful Occupational Therapist who visited with me late on Saturday afternoon. Your kindness, compassion and wisdom are greatly appreciated. Small wins like these are what recovery is all about—celebrating each forward movement, no matter how minor it seems.

At this point, my body weight has dropped to about 118 pounds, and maintaining it is critical. The focus shifted back to nutrition—another reason why hospitals need to prioritize healthy, plant-based meals for patients in recovery. My body needs fuel to heal, and I am  committed to making sure I get it. Amazon Prime to the rescue! I have a few plant based goodies on order that I hope will arrive on Monday.

The Road to 5K: Mindset and Resilience

This past week has been a rollercoaster, but the goal remains the same: complete a 5K. My mindset has been my greatest ally. When life throws obstacles in your way, it’s easy to get discouraged, but I’ve learned that it’s not the setbacks that define us—it’s how we respond to them.

There’s so much more to share, and I’ll be diving into it all on the Perfectly Pl@nted podcast with Vesime in the coming weeks. We’ll be talking about my hospital experiences, plant-based nutrition in healthcare, and the road to recovery. Stay tuned for more updates straight from the hospital bed as I continue moving toward my next goal—run/walking a 5K.

Thanks for following along. Remember: setbacks are just preparations for comebacks. I’m on the road to recovery, and I’m taking you with me.

Be well.