The Dirty Word of Marathon Training

INJURY!  No one wants to hear that word during marathon or any endurance training.  Back in 2005, I was training with Team in Training for the San Diego marathon.  And then one evening at practice I was running in Central Park and it started to hurt really bad.  I tried to keep running and literally started crying.  (Side note: I have since given birth to two kids so my tolerance for pain is likely a bit higher.)  My coach said to just sit down and relax.  The next week was filled with doctors, x-rays and bad news.  It could be a made-for-TV movie, "The Stress Fracture that Ended My Marathon Training."  The good news was that just before some additional tests, I found out I was pregnant with my son.  So, the truth is San Diego wasn't in the cards for me that year.

This was my 2005 finish line picture. :)

NYC is in the cards for me THIS year!  I have been waiting to do my hometown marathon for a long time.  This is my year.  So a little knee pain is a big deal. I spoke to my coach yesterday and he said to rest for a couple of day and just stick with ice and anti-inflammatory meds.   I am hoping that I am feeling better by Sunday because a week without a long run makes for a Sad Jen.  I am researching some stretches or anything I can do to feel better faster.  I am also headed to Jack Rabbit this evening for a fundraiser for Ali On the Run so maybe I can talk to someone there about some inserts for my sneakers.  Until then, let me go take an Aleve and see if I can find an ice pack at work.