The news is not great, guys. Mr. T may have summed it up best tonight while trying to console me.
“Marathon: 1. Mom: 0.”
I realize that doesn’t sound like consoling, but you had to be there.
I met with Coach Tony Williams today. I contacted him on Tuesday night to see if he could be a resource for an article I want to write and he called me on Thursday. He said he read my blog and he wanted to talk to me about my calves first. He was concerned and insisted on meeting with me about the pain I was feeling in my lower legs.
Today, I was able to arrange to drive out to his business: Always Running in Seattle. Here’s what his Web site says about him: “Tony graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Psychology in 1989. While attending Virginia Tech he won the NCAA Division I All-American honors in both the 10,000 meter and cross country events. Tony became a Nike sponsored athlete in 1984, maintaining that sponsorship until 1997. In 1996 he completed the US Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials. He has completed numerous races of all lengths. His various PR’s are: Marathon – 2:22:00, half marathon – 1:05:05, 10K – 28:55, 5K – 14:10, and continues to coach others in reaching their goals while maintaining his training. Tony stopped competing on a elite level in 1999 but still runs 30-40 miles per week.”
He looked at my feet, calves, IT band. He pushed his fingers into the plantar muscles on my feet and showed me what I should do to strengthen them. He gave me a brief and painful massage on both calves, commenting on how extremely tight my right one was and that my left wasn’t so bad (absolutely reflects the way they feel). He had me roll out my outer thighs (IT band) on a foam cylinder. It hurt and took my breath away, but he said since I didn’t scream, they’re probably just sore. I do have shin splints, which I have suspected over the last couple of days.
He noticed my right leg is shorter than my left — a half inch, he thinks. He also thinks this is why my right foot has an arch and my left one is basically flat.
The pain I’m feeling could stem from one or all of those symptoms. Or, they may be a product of one another. It’s hard to pinpoint. But I shouldn’t be in pain. Something’s not right, and it can lead to injury.
Based on the way I flinched and after looking at past runs and when the pain started and when it became unbearable and hearing about my health history and life schedule, he told me what he thought, which was, basically: don’t run the marathon. He said if it were him, he would not do it. Or, I could suffer my way through it and then be injured and have to go to physical therapy for 6 months or more.
I kept it together. I didn’t cry.
Then he watched me run outside. Just a quick down-and-back on the sidewalk. It wasn’t far at all, but I have not run since Monday, and my lower legs hurt.
I already knew I had a wobbly run — lopsided. Heather pointed it out when we first started running together in the fall. But I didn’t know it was so pronounced. Coach Tony demonstrated what I looked like. To be honest, I think it looks like I’m injured. I basically strike the ground with the ball/toes of my right foot and my heel on my left foot.
We stood outside on East Greenlake Avenue and talked for a long time after that. It was about 70 degrees and sunny today, and it was nice to be outside, even if I was finding out the difficult truth. There was an occasional breeze, just enough to make the whispy hairs that escaped my ponytail swirl around my cheeks. There were people running and walking and cycling everywhere around Greenlake. And a steady flow of Coach Tony’s clients checked in at Always Running.
He just wanted me to understand that I can ruin having a future of running I’m not careful now. I get that. It makes sense. I did too much, too fast. And my herniated disc and leg and foot issues don’t help. Coach Tony talked a lot about building strength and distance slowly and safely. Build, then back off, build, then back off. And do things that aren’t as hard on the body as running: like biking.
Eventually, I asked, “What about doing the half instead?”
He thought that might be okay, but he said it’ll probably take more than 7 days for my calves to heal up. Meantime, I can ride the recumbent bike. He also recommended his go-to podiatrist.
My meeting with Coach Tony today happened for a reason. I know it did. And I’m going to do the right thing. The smart thing. Be a responsible adult. Stay healthy. There are people that depend on me, you know. But it’s hard to accept that I won’t be achieving my dream on June 6. And if I think about it too much, I cry. Stupid marathon. Why do I have to love running so much?
Coach Tony did suggest maybe doing Portland in the fall, or take a couple of years and really train correctly. There’s a lot going on in my head right now and I don’t quite know what I’m going to do. For now, I’m going to lay out my gym clothes and download a good book on my new Kindle for an early morning bike ride.
22 comments
Oh Kerrie… I'm sorry to hear the news. This wasn't exactly what I was hoping to hear from the running coach, but it seems he had an inkling given his reaction to wanting to talk to you ASAP.First, it's not a stupid dream. You will run a marathon, even if it's not on June 6. I know that just as much as I know the sun's coming up tomorrow morning.If you do decide to not run the marathon – and it seems as if your decision's been made – then you will just have to take time to re-invent yourself and at the very least you will know what you are dealing with, in terms of your body's unique quirks.But you know what? I still admire you. If you don't run a marathon this summer, that's not going to make me look at you any differently… especially if you're wearing those size 10 skinny jeans… hey now 😉
I'm so sorry. Only someone who has trained for a marathon would understand your situation. We work so hard for something and it doesn't always go our way. One of our running group may have to pull out too, because of feet issues. I feel your pain, but you are being smart and honest with yourself, and that's way more admirable than just sucking it up and suffering through the race and paying for it for months. Best of luck with your recovery… slow and steady!
I'm so sorry!My R leg is shorter than my L as well. I have a heel lift and some IT band stretching that Dad Wonder has to help with. I will try to explain it and email you later today. This helps way more than the foam roller (which I also use). I also have to wear support shoes – Asics GT2150s – which are a little heavier. I was also directed to strengthen my hip muscles.Hang in there!
Sorry to hear the news Kerrie… it sucks to have come so close to your race date & have to pull back, but a good long future of pain free running is definitely a good payoff. Worth it in the long run, and I agree that you will do a marathon one day, you've got the determination in you!
I am so sorry about the marathon. I am glad to hear he was honest with you about running (all Virginia Tech grads are honest people ;)). I hope you can get better for a fall marathon.
Oh man. Having been exactly where you are, training for the marathon and then having to stop and not do it, please know that I am right there with you. You're being smart though. I know it sucks now but we'll get this marathon! AND- since we're being smart and not stubborn, we'll actually enjoy it and not hurt every.step.of.the.way. Hang in there. I'm about to start up again. I haven't been able to run a mile without it hurting so after time off, we're going to see if this gets better.
So sorry Kerrie! That is so not what I expected you to hear. But honestly, all that he said is exactly what I learned in my coaching course. And you just need to decide if you want to be a runner who can rest now and run for a long time or one who pushes it and may not have a long running career. I know it's hard, but there will always be another race. I hope you can find what is best for you and that those calves heal up quickly.
So sorry to hear that news. Take good care of your body and be good to your heart too. Its ok to grieve when something seems lost. Hang in there girlie, it will get better!
Sorry to hear the news. But glad that you're going to take care of yourself. YOu've come a long way, I'd hate to see you injure yourself more.
You will heal, you will get stronger and you WILL run your marathon, maybe not the one you were hoping for but you will. It is OK. Last fall I got awfully sick just a couple of days before my marathon. Now I am trying to pacify Mr Achilles Tendon but I am not giving up. Yes, having to postpone one's dream is hard but there are more dreams to come.
I'm sorry you got this difficult news, but I'm glad you have someone who was able to talk you through it and give you sound advice. This is not an easy decision to make. I've made it myself… was not able to run my first marathon because I got injured during a half the month before. There will be many ups and downs, but you have a lifetime of running ahead of you. Take care of yourself. {{BIG HUGS}}
I'm sorry to hear the news. But like L.B. said – you WILL run a marathon, just not right now. No body is symmetrical. Even professional athletes have to learn to run with the body God gave them. When you get back out there, it'll be a couple months of trial and error. Maybe you need to lengthen your stride, or shorten it, get orthotics, work on your core, etc. until you find whats going to work for you for the long-term.In the meantime, its “Mom vs. Bike” and maybe you can bike 26.2 miles on the 6th? (Although, I'd definitely rather do that on a stationary as opposed to the recumbent)
Kerrie:That is such a sad post…I'm sooo sorry to hear the news, but like you said, it happened for a reason, and it is a good thing to find out now, then injure yourself beyond repair. Just know that your little man will know that mommy busted her butt to train for this marathon, and no matter what, she will come back stronger than ever.Good luck on what you decide to do!
Okay. I'm going to be a little critical here. He was a champion. An elite runner. For him the term “running” might have different meaning that the term “running” for us recreational runners. His idea of “running” a marathon is to go out and run. Really run. Leave everything there is out there in search of a personal best or a podium spot (or as closeto it as possible). For us mere mortals, “running” a marathon is more like a little jog here, a little shuffle there.My point is this – is it wise for you to “run” a marathon in the Coach's tems? Definitely not. He knows what he is talking about. Two years to build the proper base is a very wise thing to do. You'd be able to speed through a full marathon *and* have a good time. But, can you still enjoy the experience? I can tell you that there will be seven hour walkers in the marathon that you are training for. Now you need to decide if you would be satisfied with being one of them if all else fails….
Man oh man, Kerrie! I'm so sorry! I would say this super sucks! Did he give you any tips on healing? I think it is a super hard situation because like you said all these injuries could be a product of each other. Where do you start? I know it will be so hard to not run on June 6. I reccommend having a fun spa day on that day or something instead. I would sacrifice and accompany you. =) AND if you want to do Portland I'll be there!!Hang in there Kerrie…
Oh no! I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. Whether you decide to run the marathon or not, you might also want to see someone who specializes in ART. Of course, I'm no expert, but I've heard good things about it and I tried it out myself last week. I immediately noticed improvements. You can find licensed providers here: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp (I called around and found someone that I could afford.) It might be worth a try. If you tackle this thing from a number of directions, you'll be back and feeling great soon. I'm sending a virtual hug your way.
I'm so sorry Kerrie 🙁 I'm glad you are going to take care of yourself but I feel for you and the disappointment. If you don't want to go all the way to Portland there is always the Seattle in November as well.Virtual hugs galore.
Okay, lay on the floor w/legs on the floor. Other person picks up the leg to be stretches and pushes it across your body at 30 degrees for 40 seconds. Do this 10 times. Then repeat at 60 and 80 degrees. Good luck!
I'm so sorry to read this Kerrie…but, I also truly believe that this is not the end of your dream. You WILL run a marathon and you will stay healthy doing it! You are being very smart about this…do take care.
oh no! 🙁 at least you got some info and good tips, and should be OK for the half. better to postpone the full for when you can run it strong and pain free!
That's got to be so frustrating 🙁 I'm so sorry to hear this. I read this a few days ago and waited to comment because I wanted to find the right words and I still don't have them. It just sucks…. I'm glad you decided to do the half though, you are stronger than you know girl!
Awww, I am so sorry! Bummer deal, hang in there 🙂