A bump in the road

After a lot of thought, prayer, and careful deliberation, along with some advice from others, I have decided to not run the marathon on Sunday (my last post went over an injury I have been dealing with)  It has been a tough week, of course I feel extremely disappointed after training and working really hard for the past 5 months, but I know that this is not the end, it's just a little bump in the road towards completing my first marathon.  The following are factors that I took into consideration in deciding what I should do:

• Do I want to risk an even worse injury that could result in a really long recovery period, surgery or anything like that...
• What if I get out there and have to stop in the middle of the race (that would be heart-breaking for me)...
• Am I mentally prepared to go into my first marathon with uncertainty and physical pain right from the start...

My answer to all of these questions were no, and today I was fortunate enough to chat with a physical therapist and explain my symptoms and situation and he gave me the following advice:

"That is a tough one.  Resting right up until race day is fine from a fitness perspective, it will have no negative impact on your performance.  However, the mental mind game that you may have to endure regarding the "can I make it" question can be really really tough.  Also, running 26.2 miles does not usually help any LE injury.  HOWEVER, many times, the pain kind of disappears by about mile 4 of the marathon, and you end up being fine, but that is a big test of faith, and then by the time you get to the finish line, you have forgotten all about it (probably because other things are hurting)  I have seen many runners hobbling the week before a marathon, only to be fine on race day.  I have also seen the opposite, which leads to a drop out at mile (X).  Considering this is your first marathon, I would error on the side of caution and pick another race later.  I worry that you don't have the experience of a few marathons under your belt to know what your leg can handle and what it can't, because some interesting things happen to your legs after mile 20.  I would defer, it hurts me to say that, but we should make the smart decision here.  There is always another marathon....." -Craig Soulders, PT

Last night at dinner, my uncle prayed that I would have clarity and know what decision I should make, and today I can say that I am definitely at peace with my decision, and feel like it is right, but let's face it, it still sucks!!

I continue to be thankful for this experience and I have learned sooooo much that will help me as I continue on this path, I know I will be stronger and even more prepared when the time is right.  I appreciate every one's support and encouragement during the past months, I will be looking forward to choosing a different course in the near future.

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)