Saturday, April 18, 2009

one week to 'm' day...

Dear Interwebs, I have procrastinated in writing this post. I started it Saturday and now I feel like there is so much to say I don't know where to start. Maybe I'll just bullet point and if anyone cares to hear more, I'll wait for comments and questions and share more. I'm sure by now you are all tired of my whining, but this isn't a whiny post, just a factual one.

I am just one week from running my first marathon. I'm pretty nervous seeing how I've only actually run three times in the past two and a half weeks because of my calf issue. So speaking of my calf issue...

1) The strain of my horrid calf may have caused a slight stress fracture in my shin

2) Note to other runners, don't let your aversion to calves, or a focus to take care of one part of your body (for me my hips) let you neglect another part of your body. Lesson learned.

3) I have an amazing PT who works on all the Wichita State runners (GO SHOCKS, one of my alma mater's and the University I teach for). He was appalled at how tight my calf was, and at the enormous knot I failed to find. He said "your calf is smokin' tight, it's ridiculous." Funny enough that knot is in the exact spot I have felt both sharp and dull achy constant pain since I hit 16 miles.... two months ago. Yeah, I let this go far to long.

4) Should not have run that 10K race a week ago. But can't go back now.

5) I am not allowed to run, elliptical, bike or even go on a walk. The marathon is in six days.

6) I am pool jogging and swimming an hour per day, I feel physically strong and mentally ready. I'm not letting this set me back.

7) My PT Doug is confident I will finish the marathon as long as he allows me to run it, this depends on if my shin does in fact have a stress fracture. I go to PT almost every day this week, my shin is REALLY tender in just one spot. He is worried about the possible stress fracture more than the calf knots. Those seem to be working themselves out. This is all on my right leg, the same side where I had my really bad metatarsal stress fracture last September. I didn't rehab that leg properly and I think it's all related. Doug said my right leg is far weaker than my left. I've neglected weights during the past four months just due to time. It was all I could do to train, teach and work.

8) The good news is that after seeing him Friday, getting a massively painful but KILLER deep tissue massage, some ultrasound and infrared treatments, I left PT feeling like I was walking on clouds and confident I will finish the race (barring shin issue). My attitude improved 100% after talking to Doug and after having him tell me to focus on finishing and not my time... I have now decided to do just that. Friends and family can tell me this all they want, but being the person I am, I won't listen until a professional tells me. So despite my competitive nature, I'm listening to Doug (the sent from God PT.) Ed commented on how my mood improved a bazziilllkkaazzillion times on Friday when I got home. This is true, I was honestly preparing myself to be told I need to drop the race... I was braced for it. My 'goal' is to finish the marathon, hopefully beat Katie Holmes time of around a 5:30 marathon. I already know I will be adding 26 minutes onto my marathon no matter what because I will have to stop and stretch every two miles according to my PT, to prevent having to drop out of the race all together at the half way point with searing pain.

9) I refuse to get down and depressed about this issue. I'm just plugging along in the pool, doing tons of stretching and icing according to Doug's plan. Since this may be my one and only marathon, I'm going to eat it up, enjoy and savor every living moment of the weekend and the race.

10) My calf is bruised up, this makes me feel totally hardcore! Hey I'm looking on the bright side of ALL of it. I'm buying black nail polish tonight, I will be even more hardcore, Goucher style.

There is a a lot more I could say, but so much that I don't want to even start. Maybe I'll add on to this post later. I'm just staying focused and keeping my eye on the 'm' day prize. I plan to post tomorrow about why this marathon is such a big deal in my world, because it is about far more than just running this race for me, for those closest to me, they understand why. I'll explain more tomorrow. Today, just needed to get the calf issue out there.

Cheers to a good running week my friends!

16 comments:

The Gibsons said...

what an amazing attitude to have about everything! i have no doubt in my little head that you'll do great and i can't wait to share the joy of 'm' day along with all other future races with you!!!!!

The Holle Happenings said...

Go Beka Go! I can't wait to see you cross that finish line this weekend!

Oz Runner said...

ouch...so a strained calf can cause a stress fracture? that sounds painful....not running this week is probably smart..let your body continue to heal and get stronger....btw, i got your tag but have been busy traveling, etc...I'll put it in the blogger hopper....

Ace said...

Hang on to the optimism! That is great! Katie Holmes' time is gonna get the smack down! :)

J said...

My teammate has has severe shin and calf pain but they did x-rays and no fracture so hopefully you are in the same boat and will be able to run the marathon! I know how you are feeling, just keep your head up and take it one day at a time!

Aron said...

wow girlie you have a lot going on!!! first, fingers crossed there isnt a stress fracture in there!!! you have a great attitude and just keep that going!!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

oh man... i can't believe how close it is for you and what you're deal with your shin. Have you had any xrays or bone scan done to rule out the stress fracture? mine started as a calf issue, and I totally don't want to add stress to your world, or bring you down, but feel free to email me if you have any questions... fingers crossed for you.

Unknown said...

You will definitely need to take it easy in the race so you don't hurt yourself more. You don't want to create a dreadful recovery for yourself, so it's smart to just listen to your body and go as slow as you need to. If you do have a stress fracture, whatever you do, don't run on it. No race is worth surgery and a year of recovery.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Beat Katie Holmes!! I am wishing you positive calves mojo.. I will wish on the Oahu sand for you to run (as much as you can) in your marathon!!

Ashley said...

Oh no, a stress fracture?!?! :( That sucks!!!! Good thing you're HARDCORE (black nailpolish & all) so you can power through this!! I'm sending you positive vibes so you can make it without injury!!

Irish Cream said...

I agree that you have a fabulous attitude about all of this. I am keeping my fingers crossed that there's not a pesky stress fracture in there . . . and that you can start that marathon. If you are able to start, there is no doubt in my mind that you will find a way to the finish. Fingers crossed for you!! :)

X-Country2 said...

You're going to do great! Good luck.

Marlene said...

Good luck! I sure hope it's not a stress fracture!

sneakersister said...

Have you had an MRI???

I was training for my 1st marathon last summer and in September I developed a stress fracture. Needless to say, I did not run the marathon. I do not wish that on anyone! I am hoping, for your sake, that it is not an sfx.

You've not blogged since the 18th. What is the diagnosis?

Anonymous said...

just run, you can do it.

David said...

not sure why that left me as anonymous, good luck and don't break a leg.