Hi,
I've been coaching for three years now and have run into my first case of a stress fracture. One of my top girls got a metatarsal sf in mid September and stayed in a boot until mid November. So she was in the boot about 8 weeks and started running about 10 weeks after the initial diagnosis. This will be her third week of running. The previous two weeks she ran 3 days in the week. The first week was 5 mins, 5 mins, 1 mile. the second week was 1 mile, 2 miles, 1 mile. She is supplementing all of this with biking. she was also biking during the recovery. She has stated no issues during the time. I'd like to keep her this week at about what she was last week, certainly no more. She is a 4-yr senior runner with experience of hitting about 40 a week for her peak this past summer and around 30-35 in the season the last 2 yrs.
I've never had a stress fracture and haven't coached anyone as stated above. Does anyone have advice? I know it is an individual based thing, but how fast is too fast and how cautious is too cautious. We are in indoor season right now, but I am much more concerned for her college career as well as helping her have a decent outdoor season so she can leave h.s on a good note.
She does have access to a treadmill if that is better than running outside.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!