On Friday, I posted this picture to my Twitter/Instagram account with the caption saying, “Am I running my half marathon this wknd?  What do you think?” Everyone was held in suspense….Ooooh!

Well, If you haven’t figured it out by now, I did not run my half marathon this past weekend. Yes, I’m losing money, but that really had no effect on my judgment. Before you call me a pansy I’ll give you a break down of my thoughts.

I know I’ve already told you about my foot pain, but let’s recap.  3+ weeks ago I started having pain in my Achilles area.  After resting for 5 days I went out for a not too successful run.  Following that run I not only had the pain in my heel but also on the dorsal lateral section of my foot.  I continued to rest, taped, and used NSAIDs.  It wasn’t getting any better.

Last week I attempted to run again…twice.  I made it to about 1/4 mile each time and by that point ended up limping home.  My pride hurt. I stopped all exercise activity.  My job calls for being on my feet 8+ hours a day, but I rested when I could.

DailyMile mileage for 2 weeks ago.  Made me want to cry.

I hurt and if you know anything about me, if I say I’m hurting, I’m really hurting.

Even if I had woken up race day and felt fantastic I still wouldn’t have raced.  My last long run was 3 weeks ago and it was only 10 miles.  Even after running for 5 years, or me 3 weeks is a lifetime ago for my non-natural running self!  Sure I could’ve pounded out 13 miles.  It wouldn’t have been pretty and I’m sure I’d be hurting in more places than just my foot.

One word: Italy.  Yes, we leave for Italy this week.  Call me crazy, but after spending $2500+ on flights alone I want to be able to somewhat enjoy our vacation.

At this point I see the Dirty Girl Mud Run having a higher priority over the Glass City Half Marathon.  What?!  Yes, you read that right.  I want to be spry and ready for that mud run come a couple weeks.  But why?!  Because I want to run it with my sister and have fun.  As we’ve grown older we’re not as close as we once were.  Now, more than ever, I want that time with my sister.  To me that holds priority over almost anything.

My sister may have the same look on her face after Dirty Girl….

I was looking forward to this race but it is not my “A” race for this year. I wanted a medal to add to my measly, but growing, medal collection.  I wanted this race and the medal and I wanted it bad.  But not as bad as I want Rev3 Cedar Point.  That is THEE race for me this year and I’m going to do what I need to do to make it there, in one piece, and successfully complete it.  If that requires me to sit out this race, or any others, I’ll do it.

And lastly, after speaking with Carole, my coach through Rev3 Coaching, she politely told me, “There’s no way in hell I’d run that half marathon.”  She basically said what I was already thinking and gave me the confidence to make my final decision.  She also encouraged me to make a doctor’s appointment ASAP, which I did.

Let’s bullet point, shall we?

  • On Friday I went to a podiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic.
  • Radiographs showed no fractures. Without MRI we do not know if there is any ligament, muscle, etc damage, but given there are no signs of inflammation that is not called for right now.
  • The majority of my discomfort resides immediately over my cuboid bone.
  • The doctor believes that my discomfort could have something to do with my footstrike while running.
  • Having a history of a broken femur and knowing that I compensate for my gait even while walking, and having residual issues from my accident, I’m not surprised and would have to say I agree with her. (Haven’t read the story of my broken femur and my residual issues? Read it here.)
  • The doctor said because of my accident my legs could actually be different lengths and over time this problem has come about.

Our plan?

  • I was fit with orthotics and a cuboid pad, which basically pads and lifts the side of my foot immediately under my cuboid, and an ankle brace (pictured above).
  • I am to play around with each of these…try them together and separately, to see if anything helps.
  • If comfortable enough, I am allowed to run. Weeeeeeee!
  • Upon our return from Italy I will be fit for custom orthotics and also start physical therapy.
  • Part of my physical therapy will also be a program called “Run Smart”. They will video me while running and analyze my gate, posture, etc. and we’ll go from there.  It may sound crazy, but this excites me tremendously.

I think this is quite ironic since I’ve already been talking about getting back to basics.  I’m REALLY going back to basics.  Maybe I’ll be able to pass some knowledge on to you!

I truly appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement you have sent me these past few weeks.  Some may not think I’m a pansy and not truly an athlete since I didn’t push through the pain.  But, I think this is all part of being an athlete.  Being an athlete calls for being smart and listening to your body.  And remember, I run for fun and enjoyment…not to kill or hurt myself.

I can’t wait to wear this.  Soon enough!!

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)