My butt is sore, my shins are tender and my left (good) leg is feeling over worked. I am hobbling around more today but I have no regrets. Now that it is all over, I am back to my healing routine. For much of the day my right lower extremity was soaking in a cooler of ice water. After the 4th or 5th time today, I began to wonder if it wasn’t doing more harm than good. My ankle is stiff and my plantar seems like it’s in spasm. Even though I didn’t feel any inflammation, but it was what I was told to do – so I was doing it.
I know the physical therapist will never understand why I felt that I needed to do the half-marathon. After all, the doctor did say that I could “try” to run it. I wonder if she said that because she knew that I couldn’t. I wonder if it ever crossed her mind that I would walk the thing. *sigh*
It was more than just for “the bling.” When it came down to it, it was about personal power. I was about being able to accomplish something again. I just needed to adjust the goal a little.
So, after 12 full weeks of marathon training, it’s over. It’s time to rest. I’ve contacted the organizers of the California International Marathon (CIM) to let them know that I will not be participating in the marathon this year. They don’t provide a refund, but the do offer to roll the race entry over to next year. When my injury if finally healed, I can ease back into running without feeling the pressure to be trained up for a race that is only 6 weeks away.
*Sigh*
Boston will have to wait another year.
Sigh, indeed. A tough choice but probably the right one. Boston will wait for you.
Take care.
Julie – you’re not calling it quits! You’re being smart and listening to your body. I know what it’s like to work so hard and have to let it go (I got strep throat the week of Napa 05 and had to defer to 06 to qualify). You’ll want it even more. Boston will still be there, but I know that doesn’t make it any less disappointing! Hang in there. Mo
Yea, what Mo said! That’s an excellent decision. A smart decision. A difficult decision. Just proves that you are not JUST a tough runner.
I was hoping for some great words of wisdom but the only thing I can say is That sucks. It does take pressure off of you saying it out loud. You will do Boston. The is no doubt but it’s time to rest for awhile and then take your shot.
Good decision. You will heal better by healing more slowly. Nike was a good event – your sister was there and you got the bling.
There’s always next year!
What is really amazing is you only took 30 minutes longer than me and you were all gimpy. That shows how well your training paid off.
Sorry to hear that you have to take a rain check until next year, but Boston will still be around. Good luck in the healing process.
You’re wise to take care of your body–it’s the only one you have! It’ll be better to be one of those 80 year old runners, than one of those 50 year old’s who can’t run anymore because they abused their body when they were younger.