Sad day, friends. I'm finally admitting something that I didn't want to acknowledge or even think about. But it's time to finally say:
I'm hurt, and I won't be able to run the New Jersey Marathon.
I could point to about a dozen mistakes I made in training for what should have been my first marathon, but I'm too down to go into it right now. I've tried changing my training, doing exercises for my hip, resting. After a week off, though I'm still in constant pain. It keeps me up at night. I tried three miles this morning, and it went OK, but I don't think I would have held up to a 18 mile training run this weekend.
So I pulled the plug (and before you guys start commenting about seeing a specialist - my insurance sucks. They won't let me see my Penn doctor, and getting a new ortho by marathon time is not going to happen because of rules about referrals. If you ever want to discuss healthcare reform, make sure you talk with someone who pays a lot of money for bad coverage because that's the only option available).
ANYWYAY: I'm sad, but part of me feels lighter for having made this decision. Could I have gutted it out? Yes. I did that sort of thing in high school, and all I have to show for it is permanent shoulder damage. It's not worth doing that to my hip just so I can say I ran a marathon.
I hope to run the Ocean Drive 10 miler on March 28, even if I have to run/walk/run the whole thing. I'm also seeing about changing my registration to the New Jersey Half Marathon on the same day as the full marathon. I paid the race fee and for a hotel, so why not?
Not a good day, friends. Not at all - add this on top of my frustrations in putting together the iPhone app, which is turning out to be way more work than I ever though it will be.
But I know my hip will thank me for this running decision.
5 comments:
Sorry, Jen. I know how hard the decision was, but I'm glad you're listening to your body.
It's definitely more important to listen to your body. My BF has run 18 or 19 marathons. He decided, when he turned 54, that it was time he backed off of running them. Now he runs only the half marathons. He was sad, too. Very sad. But his body spoke louder than his thoughts. I don't think he ran his first marathon, by the way, till he was in his mid-30s. So you still have time to hit this goal. Just heal your body first.
Jen, sorry you have to give up your marathon goal. I am just a newbie runner and have been plagued with plantar fasciitis. I can completely relate with your frustration of having an injury. Sounds like you have a great attitude, though. Chin up!
Sorry to hear about this. I can tell how much running means to you. It gets in your blood, it's a high. Bike Lady is right about listening to your body. We don't always like what it says, but it's all we have. Do the half- marathon if it makes you feel better, but you don't have anything to prove to anyone. You might want to check schedules for a future marathon when you're feeling better. I ran my only one when I turned 40. Took 5 hours, disgusting, isn't it? I figure ANYBODY can finish up in two hours or so, try staying out there all day.
Jen, I'm so sorry about your ailment and pulling out of the marathon, but you are definitely making the right decision. Hope all goes well and you get healthy soon.
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