Normally at this point in the training cycle, I would be reminding myself that the hay is in the barn and that I've put in all of the hard work to carry me through the race. That is not true this time around. My body hasn't allowed me to put in any hard work for over a month. Each time I've pushed myself to get in some good miles, I end up barely being able to walk let alone run the next day. This is a new experience for me and one that leaves me pretty anxious about Saturday's race. If my body functions normally, I can pull off a sub-3 hour marathon. But, I can't use my right leg right now and that might be a minor factor influencing how fast/if I can actually run. Rather than continue to torture myself, I've decided to just rest these last few days. I did take a stab at using the Alter-G yesterday, but I was in pain even at 80% of my body weight.
I know that rest alone will not heal my mystery injury, only a good diagnosis and treatment will do that. I do know that running will only exacerbate it. My Hail Mary pass will come when I get to Houston and get a chance to see Dr. Ball one last time before the race. He's worked magic before and hopefully can again. There's nothing he can do about the lack of fitness I have right now, but to be able to run most of the race without pain, and maybe use my right leg for a bit, would be a true gift.
My goal remains to start and finish this race. There are women who will toe the line that are in worse shape than me and many more who won't even make it to the start. I am lucky to even be going to Houston and know that there are women out there that would give their eye teeth to be in my position, bum leg and all! I am blessed and will not forget that.
My sincerest thanks go out to everyone who has supported me along this journey. It has been an amazing ride and I look forward to soaking up the experience in Houston. One thing you can be certain of is that I will do my very best on Saturday.
Yo Houston!