Landing on the Disabled List...sort of

Last time, I shared that I had my first injury.  Of course, as one who hasn't been injured much in life, I hoped, like the common cold, I could play through the pain and it would go away.  Didn't happen.

So it was off to the doctor for me.  Of course, the joys of health insurance mean that I have to go to my primary doctor, who will probably not be able to diagnose anything and then will send me off to someone who can actually help me.  Well, I was half right.

My primary doctor was actually quite helpful.  After asking about my symptoms, she had me stand up.  "Well, there's part of your problem," she said.  "You have no arch anymore in your left foot."  In other words, the Fred Flintstone diagnosis...flat feet.  She said that's what's been causing stress, probably in my hip and IT band.  From there, she watched my walk and gait, checked out the pain areas and gave me the following diagnosis: bursitis in the hip, IT band inflammation and fallen arches.  The good news?  There's no reason I have to stop my training as long as I do the following: 

• New running shoes stat
• Copious stretching BEFORE and AFTER running
• Heat followed by ice to the inflamed area after running
• Physical therapy
• Referral to a podiatrist

Phew!  This is a lot of work to torture myself for 26.2 miles at the age of 43.  Funny thing is, my mood soared when she said the words, "There's no reason you have to stop running."  In my whole life, I never thought those words would give me such joy, but they did because that meant I was still on track.  I still might have a chance to complete this BHAG.  I could still do what I set out to do. 

So the lesson learned?  It's not as easy on my body doing a marathon at 43 (44 on race day).  There are more creaks and aches and pains to manage.  There are flat feet to deal with and middle aged hips.  But when I conquer all that and finish this marathon (and then take on my next challenge), I'll know that I welcomed and conquered the challenges - all of them - to do it.