Today is a bad day. For the past few weeks, I have wrestled with a nagging pain in my foot (occasionally feet). I went to a doctor, got the nod of "yes, it is an injury so just lay off running for a while". He sent me to a massage therapist who is fantastic and also a runner so we had a mutual understanding that "no running" was not an option. She has given my a laundry list of things to do in addition to massage in order to alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis. In addition, I trimmed back my running for the past two weeks and I also saw a podiatrist for custom orthotics (still working on getting those). I followed every instruction to the letter. I ice constantly, I do more stretching than I ever have and I have attempted to ease back into running. Last night I did 10km after doing just 4k and 5k for the few days leading up it and today the pain is right back where I started. I just laced up to do a quick 5km and could barely get down my street. If I lose much more time in the training, I will never be able to complete the race on Jan 11th.
I am totally devastated...I have been planning this run in Disney for months and months. In addition, I have trained for a marathon three times and not completed it (2 times I got pregnant which is excusable but the first time, I had an injury). I HAVE to do this.
For those who don't know, I am participating in this marathon as a member of the Joints in Motion training team. Last year, our two year old daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. For a long time, she struggled to walk and get dressed or just to play like normal little kids. She has a great doctor and physiotherapist at the Hospital for Sick Children and in recent months, a number of procedures and some hard core meds have really made a difference. Her condition will last forever and the relief is periodic so of course we want to fix it. Since I am not a doctor or scientist, this is the only thing I know how to do to make her life better. My fundraising goal was $4000 and I have already raised more than $6500 (see my arthritis webpage) thanks to the fantastically generous friends and family we are lucky to have. In addition, my kids are over the moon with excitement to go to Disney AND to see Mommy run. My son is in Grade 1 and he had to talk to the class about things that were important to him. He chose to talk about how Mommy is running a marathon at Disney World so that his baby sister can feel better. There is so much more to this race than just my desire to finish so what do I do?...what do I do...?
12 comments:
There is still plenty of time before the marathon - take it easy, don't rush back in. You seem to have the will to run this and even if you aren't able to stick to your schedule, if you feel good on race day and are mentally strong that will work in your favor and help you finish the race!
Don't give up - keep icing and think positive!! You will run in Disney!!
i'm in tears! sorry to hear about the foot, but like J said, don't give up, you will run Disney. It's amazing that you've joined a group to run with, for your daughter, that's great. You've obviously made your family and son proud... so keep at it :) Don't rush it back, follow their advise, and keeping my fingers crossed for ya!
I had a bout with PF while training for my half, and though it did prevent me from running for a couple of weeks, it hasn't given me any problems since. Keep icing and stretching - especially your calves (I use this to stretch:
http://www.activeforever.com/p-1475-prostretch.aspx )
You still have some time before your race, so don't give up yet!
I know that devastating feeling! I have been there several times. There is still some time before the marathon, just take it easy. Have you tried "The Stick"? It has really helped my husbands PF.
thestick.com Don't give up yet. You can still do it!
My heart is breaking for you, but don't lose hope just yet.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best!
In the meantime, ice and stretch like CRAZY and hang in there!
I feel your pain. But you have loads of time, so the key is to recover now and retry the running in November. Seriously. I know it feels awful to be out of training, but you will run this race much more strongly if you heal now. You have a Strasburg Sock right? I sleep in one almost every night to treat PF, and it works better for me than ice, stretching, the stick, etc. b/c you get a good, painless stretch for hours while you're asleep.
Thanks All! Kristina, I am going to try that sock..I'll try anything. :)
Well I have to dido what everyone has already said.... Don't give up. But at the same time it sounds like your body, or feet for that matter need a little rest time. Take it easy.... if Disney is your #1 goal, you will get there and run. Keep a positive attitude and things will work out.
Oh no, I am so sorry! You aren't down and out of the race though. Rest, take some time off, and follow your recovery instructions. If you are worried about losing fitness then crosstrain by bike riding or swimming. I know you can still get to Disney. Good luck!
I'm so sorry to hear about the foot! You got some great advice already. Just keep the faith that you'll be running in January.
Your son's story for his class brought tears to my eyes! I have a two-year-old, too, and I can't imagine watching her struggle as you have. You've done a great job raising money for the cause.
I just pulled out of what would have been my first marathon because of an injury. It sucked. A lot. But it was the right decision. As soon as I made the decision I picked a new race. Rest your feet. Really. Injuries suck, but you'll lose more training time if you reinjure and have to stop running again.
By the way, my wife has rheumatoid arthritis. It's great that you're raising money this way. If worse comes to worse, can you walk/run the marathon? That might be a good idea if you take time off to recover. Good luck.
Joe
www.fitnessgeekga.wordpress.com
Hey, I will give you a call, don't panic, there is time, definately lay for now though. I guess this means no to Hamilton? I will call you tomorrow!
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