I have to throw in big huge thanks and a plug here for Jody and Jon of Marathon Physical Therapy. Without them there would have been no 2008 Boston Marathon for me. Really.
Check out my teammate Marie's blog. Not only is it a great read with great photos, she also has some very cool stuff she's selling to fund raise.
Since I'm still going to remain very active with Team in Training (You should be too...) I think I'm going to keep this blog active. Since we're now back in the groove helping to train a team of cyclists for Americas Most Beautiful Bike Ride century- a one-day 100 mile ride around Lake Tahoe, the focus will drift away from running and the Boston Marathon. I do have a couple other half-marathons planned this season though so running will rear it's ugly head from time to time. I'm also looking forward to trying a couple of triathlons this season. I'm entered in the Timberman Sprint Triathlon in August and I'm planning on the Pumpkinman Sprint Triathlon. "Pumpkinman"... I really like that name!
Since I've realized that nothing takes weight off like running, I'm going to try to mentor some of the fall and winter run teams. I'm also going to be back as a volunteer for the TNT 2009 Boston Marathon team with Dave Tierney and The Best Water Stop Crew Ever.
I love my bike! :o)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
The "RACE"
Monday April 21, 2008- Marathon Monday- started with the alarm clock at 5:00 AM. Don was picking me up at 6:15 AM to catch the shuttle bus from Boston Common to Hopkinton. Did I really need to wake up at 5:00 AM? Not really- I had set everything up the night before. All I really needed to do was pick up my stuff and walk out the door. I didn't need an hour and fifteen minutes to do that. Who needs sleep anyway?
Since I had time on my hands, my next big decision was breakfast. Cereal. Multi-grain Cheerios or Reeses Puffs? Hmmm... I opted for the Cheerios. I imagined my face on the box. Wait. That's Wheaties. Never mind.
To say that I was apprehensive would be the understatement of the month. My back hurt, my hip hurt and my foot hurt. To kill some time I jumped on-line and checked out the weather. It was looking to be a pretty stellar day weather-wise. Maybe a bit too warm for some but at my level, who cares?!
Don picked me up a couple minutes before 6:15 AM. As we drove to Boston I wondered if I'd be headed home before midnight.
We made good time into Boston, parked in the garage under Boston Common and found a relatively short line to the buses. Jill's dad had dropped her off at the Common. In the crowd of 20,000 or so, she somehow found us. The three of us got on a school bus bound for Hopkinton. I'd forgotten how small the seats on a school bus are. I'm not that tall and my knees were jammed into the seat in front of me. I can't imagine being really tall and crammed into those seats before a 26 mile run!
Introductions... Don Lamothe is the Team in Training New Hampshire Cycling Coach and Team in Training alumni of not only cycling but traithlon and marathon events. Gillian (Jill) Bidgood is a Team in Training alumni of many TNT cycling events, triathlons and marathons as well. Both have become my friends and we all agree that cycling is much, much better than running.
Once we got close to Hopkinton, our bus tour became a very slow affair. Who knew there was going to be entertainment???!!! Runners were jumping on and off the buses to use the 'facilities.' The entertaining part was that if they took too long, the buses moved ahead and the runners had to actually run to find their buses. OK, it's not that exciting but it distracted me for a few minutes.
By the time we got to our drop off point near athlete's village, my back, hip and foot were acting up. I was not optimistic about the day. But after walking for a bit to find the rest of the team, things started to loosen up a bit and my attitude improved a whole lot. My 'tude improved even more when the sun broke out. I spent some time stretching, ate half a peanut butter and jam sammich I brought and just tried to relax. Jill fully analyzed the porta-potti lines and determined that because of the way they were arranged, the lines away from the corner units were the shorter ones. So I only spent three or four minutes in line. Not long after that it was time to head for the starting line with a short side trip to shove our gear bags through the side window of the appropriate bus.
While hanging around the athletes village, Coach Rick grabbed me and said: "You're going all the way!!" After processing that for a bit, I decided that was the attitude I needed to have: Keep moving forward and stop when I get to the finish line. I decided that as long as I was physically able to move forward, that I would not stop. I know how single minded I can be and just decided to make that work for me no matter how long it took. (This may come as a shock but I'm not that fast anyway.)
We started toward the town common and the start line. As it turned out, we wouldn't stand still again until Boston. As we approached the start line, we heard the gun for our wave. It was probably another 15 minutes before we even got to the starting line. I started my watch as I crossed the line. I was with Jill for my first two minute running interval. After that I said goodbye to Jill, wished her luck and settled into my run/walk intervals.
The field thinned out pretty quickly- Most of the field was faster than me. I felt pretty good and kept a conservative pace. I really liked being in the thin part of the pack. I didn't feel like I was holding anyone back and being able to run wherever I wanted to on the road was a bonus for my hip and back. (The arched contour of the road can really alter your comfort level.) I spent a lot of time right in the center of the road on the yellow lines.
Through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham and Natick I went conservatively. My plan was to start out slow and taper down from there. I felt pretty good. My half marathon split was actually much faster than I thought it would be- 3:00:13- a personal record for that distance. The water and Gatorade stops were plentiful at this point. I alternated water and Gatorade at each water stop. I was using energy gels about every 45 minutes to an hour. My foot wasn't bad and my back and hip stayed very tolerable. I could hear the crowd talking about a runner behind me who was juggling while running. I figured if I could stay ahead of the juggler, I'd be OK!
I really enjoyed the first half. The crowds were very supportive (Except for the few wise-asses who yell: "You're almost there!"- That's OK- I liked them too.) Little kids holding out their hand's for 'high-fives', people handing sliced oranges to the runners, the shouts of encouragement and especially the quiet words of encouragement. If you ever want to be reminded of how kind people can really be, run the Boston Marathon.
In Natick, a little boy ran up to me and said: "Hey! I just saw you on TV!!" I said: "Next to the juggler, right?" He said: "Yeah!" I managed to stay ahead of the juggling runner through Natick and into Wellesley. We were neck and neck for a while- I don't know whether he passed me or not. I noticed he wasn't wearing a race number.
Alyssa was right- The Boston Marathon is a 26.2 mile party!
Part of me had been really dreading April 21 but all the way to Wellesley and the halfway point I was feeling good, little aches and pains aside. I thought I might actually finish before official timing ended and everyone went home.
Just past the halfway point, my back locked into a big giant knot. Stretching provided only momentary relief. The original injury really didn't bother me much at all. It was my back that finally threatened to shut me down.
I kept up my run walk interval for a short time longer. It wasn't so much the running or walking that hurt- It was the transition between the two. This is what you call 'decision time.' My decision was that I would continue toward the finish line until I either got there or couldn't walk. I decided that since the pain would probably fatigue me more than either walking or running, that I would walk. So much for official timing!
The CVS van, race officials and police that signify that a runner is behind the minimum pace passed me in Wellesley. I knew going into the marathon injured that falling off the pace was a realistic possibility so I was prepared for it. I was happy that it had no real impact on me.
Just west of the Wellesley Community Center I saw my brother-in-law Tom and my nephew Wyatt. They didn't have any trouble at all keeping up with me. Coach Rick met me also. We had a little chat about the relative merits of continuing. One of the merits being that if I didn't stop I wouldn't have to do another marathon! There was no question in my mind- I wanted to continue.
At the community center I saw Lindsey and Dawn. If there was any residual doubt about continuing, it was gone. John Engdahl, cancer survivor, one of our team honored heroes and several time Boston Marathon finisher told me quietly: "You can walk all the way from here if you need to- I know- I've done it." Lindsey and John put things into perspective for me. My sister and my mom were there also. I didn't want to stop for too long because I knew that I would stiffen quickly. I grabbed some water and a few snacks and moved on down the road.
John's wife Helen was going to her car and she walked with me for a bit. She and her caught up to me just before I was about to cross route 128. Their adorable granddaughter jumped out and brought me a bottle of water. Stuff like that is better than any medal.
One of the disadvantages of being a slug in the Boston Marathon is that the water stops were gone. I can't count the number of people who offered me water, oranges and cool towels long after the water stops were gone. I have no idea who any of you are but I'm very grateful for your kindness and concern.
About 17 or 18 miles in, I was plodding along in Newton. Who shows up but Kyrsten, one of the angels. Shortly after that we met Paul. Paul was a charity runner from another team, hurting like me. The three of us moved on down the road to where Coach Lori, (Another angel!) was set up at mile 20.5. Paul continued on and Coach Lori beat on me with "The Stick." (Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) That's when the third angel, Alyssa showed up!
Kyrsten handed me off to Alyssa like a relay baton and we moved east-ish for the last six miles. Someplace in Brookline I think, Alyssa and I met a drunk college guy who offered me Jack and Coke and then walked with us for probably the better part of a mile. Turns out he's a grad student working on a masters degree in education... I fear for our future! He was finally distracted by three drunk blonde women and left us in peace!
The last few miles Alyssa, Paul and I walked together. Coach Rick came out and met us. At the right turn at Hereford St., there was a big group of TNT people including Dave Tierney who'd been there all day. I don't want to try to mention names for fear of leaving anyone out but I want you to know that your presence meant SO much to me- I have no words.
From Hereford St. we made the left turn on to Boylston St. We could see the finish line. We could also see that they were taking it down! Paul and I decided that when we got just a bit closer that we would run across the line. We were a pretty good size group by then. My mom, my sister and my brother-in-law and nephew were there too. About 100 yards from the line Paul and I decided we were ready. Even though it was ridiculously painful, we ran across the finish line of the Boston Marathon about seven hours and forty minutes after leaving Hopkinton.
There were certainly some difficult moments. During those times I drew strength from Lindsey and John.
I thought about another friend also named John who was seriously injured in the service of his country many years ago. He continues to deal with the awful complications of his injuries but always maintains his dignity and bearing. I know what he would say about struggle.
I thought about Diana and what she might think of or do with the situation. She had a great influence on me over the years even though I wasn't always aware of it.
Kyrsten and Alyssa, you have no idea how much you helped me. You are both the bestest.
The fact that the finish line was being disassembled as we ran through it, that all the race officials were gone, that almost of the spectators had left, that there were no time clocks and no medals didn't diminish the moment one bit. To be at the finish line, having done what I said I would do, having done right by Lindsey, John Engdahl and our other honored heroes and surrounded by family and friends has got to be the Best Moment Ever.
I'm told that there are some photos headed my way at some point. I'll get some of them posted on here.
Two of my teammates started, but were not able to finish the marathon. My thoughts are with them.
Many of our teammates had excellent days. Don and Jill both set personal records. A good number of other team members set PRs or posted qualifying times for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Congratulations to everyone!!
I want to thank everyone who supported me during the last several months. I could not have done this without you. If I can return the favor, say the word.
And to answer the question: Yes, I am alive!
Since I had time on my hands, my next big decision was breakfast. Cereal. Multi-grain Cheerios or Reeses Puffs? Hmmm... I opted for the Cheerios. I imagined my face on the box. Wait. That's Wheaties. Never mind.
To say that I was apprehensive would be the understatement of the month. My back hurt, my hip hurt and my foot hurt. To kill some time I jumped on-line and checked out the weather. It was looking to be a pretty stellar day weather-wise. Maybe a bit too warm for some but at my level, who cares?!
Don picked me up a couple minutes before 6:15 AM. As we drove to Boston I wondered if I'd be headed home before midnight.
We made good time into Boston, parked in the garage under Boston Common and found a relatively short line to the buses. Jill's dad had dropped her off at the Common. In the crowd of 20,000 or so, she somehow found us. The three of us got on a school bus bound for Hopkinton. I'd forgotten how small the seats on a school bus are. I'm not that tall and my knees were jammed into the seat in front of me. I can't imagine being really tall and crammed into those seats before a 26 mile run!
Introductions... Don Lamothe is the Team in Training New Hampshire Cycling Coach and Team in Training alumni of not only cycling but traithlon and marathon events. Gillian (Jill) Bidgood is a Team in Training alumni of many TNT cycling events, triathlons and marathons as well. Both have become my friends and we all agree that cycling is much, much better than running.
Once we got close to Hopkinton, our bus tour became a very slow affair. Who knew there was going to be entertainment???!!! Runners were jumping on and off the buses to use the 'facilities.' The entertaining part was that if they took too long, the buses moved ahead and the runners had to actually run to find their buses. OK, it's not that exciting but it distracted me for a few minutes.
By the time we got to our drop off point near athlete's village, my back, hip and foot were acting up. I was not optimistic about the day. But after walking for a bit to find the rest of the team, things started to loosen up a bit and my attitude improved a whole lot. My 'tude improved even more when the sun broke out. I spent some time stretching, ate half a peanut butter and jam sammich I brought and just tried to relax. Jill fully analyzed the porta-potti lines and determined that because of the way they were arranged, the lines away from the corner units were the shorter ones. So I only spent three or four minutes in line. Not long after that it was time to head for the starting line with a short side trip to shove our gear bags through the side window of the appropriate bus.
While hanging around the athletes village, Coach Rick grabbed me and said: "You're going all the way!!" After processing that for a bit, I decided that was the attitude I needed to have: Keep moving forward and stop when I get to the finish line. I decided that as long as I was physically able to move forward, that I would not stop. I know how single minded I can be and just decided to make that work for me no matter how long it took. (This may come as a shock but I'm not that fast anyway.)
We started toward the town common and the start line. As it turned out, we wouldn't stand still again until Boston. As we approached the start line, we heard the gun for our wave. It was probably another 15 minutes before we even got to the starting line. I started my watch as I crossed the line. I was with Jill for my first two minute running interval. After that I said goodbye to Jill, wished her luck and settled into my run/walk intervals.
The field thinned out pretty quickly- Most of the field was faster than me. I felt pretty good and kept a conservative pace. I really liked being in the thin part of the pack. I didn't feel like I was holding anyone back and being able to run wherever I wanted to on the road was a bonus for my hip and back. (The arched contour of the road can really alter your comfort level.) I spent a lot of time right in the center of the road on the yellow lines.
Through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham and Natick I went conservatively. My plan was to start out slow and taper down from there. I felt pretty good. My half marathon split was actually much faster than I thought it would be- 3:00:13- a personal record for that distance. The water and Gatorade stops were plentiful at this point. I alternated water and Gatorade at each water stop. I was using energy gels about every 45 minutes to an hour. My foot wasn't bad and my back and hip stayed very tolerable. I could hear the crowd talking about a runner behind me who was juggling while running. I figured if I could stay ahead of the juggler, I'd be OK!
I really enjoyed the first half. The crowds were very supportive (Except for the few wise-asses who yell: "You're almost there!"- That's OK- I liked them too.) Little kids holding out their hand's for 'high-fives', people handing sliced oranges to the runners, the shouts of encouragement and especially the quiet words of encouragement. If you ever want to be reminded of how kind people can really be, run the Boston Marathon.
In Natick, a little boy ran up to me and said: "Hey! I just saw you on TV!!" I said: "Next to the juggler, right?" He said: "Yeah!" I managed to stay ahead of the juggling runner through Natick and into Wellesley. We were neck and neck for a while- I don't know whether he passed me or not. I noticed he wasn't wearing a race number.
Alyssa was right- The Boston Marathon is a 26.2 mile party!
Part of me had been really dreading April 21 but all the way to Wellesley and the halfway point I was feeling good, little aches and pains aside. I thought I might actually finish before official timing ended and everyone went home.
Just past the halfway point, my back locked into a big giant knot. Stretching provided only momentary relief. The original injury really didn't bother me much at all. It was my back that finally threatened to shut me down.
I kept up my run walk interval for a short time longer. It wasn't so much the running or walking that hurt- It was the transition between the two. This is what you call 'decision time.' My decision was that I would continue toward the finish line until I either got there or couldn't walk. I decided that since the pain would probably fatigue me more than either walking or running, that I would walk. So much for official timing!
The CVS van, race officials and police that signify that a runner is behind the minimum pace passed me in Wellesley. I knew going into the marathon injured that falling off the pace was a realistic possibility so I was prepared for it. I was happy that it had no real impact on me.
Just west of the Wellesley Community Center I saw my brother-in-law Tom and my nephew Wyatt. They didn't have any trouble at all keeping up with me. Coach Rick met me also. We had a little chat about the relative merits of continuing. One of the merits being that if I didn't stop I wouldn't have to do another marathon! There was no question in my mind- I wanted to continue.
At the community center I saw Lindsey and Dawn. If there was any residual doubt about continuing, it was gone. John Engdahl, cancer survivor, one of our team honored heroes and several time Boston Marathon finisher told me quietly: "You can walk all the way from here if you need to- I know- I've done it." Lindsey and John put things into perspective for me. My sister and my mom were there also. I didn't want to stop for too long because I knew that I would stiffen quickly. I grabbed some water and a few snacks and moved on down the road.
John's wife Helen was going to her car and she walked with me for a bit. She and her caught up to me just before I was about to cross route 128. Their adorable granddaughter jumped out and brought me a bottle of water. Stuff like that is better than any medal.
One of the disadvantages of being a slug in the Boston Marathon is that the water stops were gone. I can't count the number of people who offered me water, oranges and cool towels long after the water stops were gone. I have no idea who any of you are but I'm very grateful for your kindness and concern.
About 17 or 18 miles in, I was plodding along in Newton. Who shows up but Kyrsten, one of the angels. Shortly after that we met Paul. Paul was a charity runner from another team, hurting like me. The three of us moved on down the road to where Coach Lori, (Another angel!) was set up at mile 20.5. Paul continued on and Coach Lori beat on me with "The Stick." (Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) That's when the third angel, Alyssa showed up!
Kyrsten handed me off to Alyssa like a relay baton and we moved east-ish for the last six miles. Someplace in Brookline I think, Alyssa and I met a drunk college guy who offered me Jack and Coke and then walked with us for probably the better part of a mile. Turns out he's a grad student working on a masters degree in education... I fear for our future! He was finally distracted by three drunk blonde women and left us in peace!
The last few miles Alyssa, Paul and I walked together. Coach Rick came out and met us. At the right turn at Hereford St., there was a big group of TNT people including Dave Tierney who'd been there all day. I don't want to try to mention names for fear of leaving anyone out but I want you to know that your presence meant SO much to me- I have no words.
From Hereford St. we made the left turn on to Boylston St. We could see the finish line. We could also see that they were taking it down! Paul and I decided that when we got just a bit closer that we would run across the line. We were a pretty good size group by then. My mom, my sister and my brother-in-law and nephew were there too. About 100 yards from the line Paul and I decided we were ready. Even though it was ridiculously painful, we ran across the finish line of the Boston Marathon about seven hours and forty minutes after leaving Hopkinton.
There were certainly some difficult moments. During those times I drew strength from Lindsey and John.
I thought about another friend also named John who was seriously injured in the service of his country many years ago. He continues to deal with the awful complications of his injuries but always maintains his dignity and bearing. I know what he would say about struggle.
I thought about Diana and what she might think of or do with the situation. She had a great influence on me over the years even though I wasn't always aware of it.
Kyrsten and Alyssa, you have no idea how much you helped me. You are both the bestest.
The fact that the finish line was being disassembled as we ran through it, that all the race officials were gone, that almost of the spectators had left, that there were no time clocks and no medals didn't diminish the moment one bit. To be at the finish line, having done what I said I would do, having done right by Lindsey, John Engdahl and our other honored heroes and surrounded by family and friends has got to be the Best Moment Ever.
I'm told that there are some photos headed my way at some point. I'll get some of them posted on here.
Two of my teammates started, but were not able to finish the marathon. My thoughts are with them.
Many of our teammates had excellent days. Don and Jill both set personal records. A good number of other team members set PRs or posted qualifying times for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Congratulations to everyone!!
I want to thank everyone who supported me during the last several months. I could not have done this without you. If I can return the favor, say the word.
And to answer the question: Yes, I am alive!
Monday, April 21, 2008
What do you call the last guy in the Boston Marathon???...
Done!
A long hard day but I did finish. More later. Nighty night!
A long hard day but I did finish. More later. Nighty night!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday April 20th, 2008. One day away.
Thursday morning- April 17, I did a short 4+ mile run/walk. It was a painful experience but not unbearable. By Friday morning I felt OK. I went to physical therapy and got a little tune-up from Jon. Physical therapy goes something like this:
Me: "Is this supposed to hurt?"
Jody/Jon: "Yes."
I'm getting to like the EMS machine. (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) The EMS machine uses a mild electrical current to help strengthen and heal muscles. The feeling is sort of like a baby TASER. Being hit with a TASER is not fun. EMS is fun. I think I am nuts. I can understand why people like getting tattoos...
Trivia...
The muscle I've been having the most trouble with is the piriformis. The word "piriformis" is derived and contracted from the latin words for "pear shaped."
Piriformis: Pear shaped.
Me: Pear shaped.
Coincidence? I think not.
Just to make life more interesting, I think I might have a groin pull. I'm going to try to see a doctor today just to make sure it isn't something more serious. If it isn't I'll be at the starting line in Hopkinton tomorrow morning- And hopefully at the finish line in Boston sometime before dark. The last few days have been among the most stressful I can remember. I really just want to be on the road~ Once the gun goes off and we're moving, I'll be fine.
"Ninety percent of this game is fifty percent mental." I think Yogi Berra said that. Crappy math aside, there's a lot of truth to that statement. My head has been giving me more issues than my injuries. It's been impossible to think about much other than the marathon. I mean, there's really no pressure on me other than the pressure I put on myself. I think my thoughts would have been different if I hadn't gotten hurt so late in training. I know that all I can do is go out and give it my best effort and 'leave it on the road.'
The last new photo before the marathon is another one of Lindsay. Our team's pasta party was last night. Lindsey was one of the speakers. She told her cancer survival story to two hundred or so people. She didn't even seem nervous. When she finished, it was to a standing ovation. Lindsey is destined for great things~ She is my hero.
This marathon is dedicated to Lindsey Kimball.
This marathon is dedicated to Diana Golden-Brosnihan 1963-2001
This marathon is dedicated to my Dad, Jerry Lavine 1923-2003
Off to see about the doc~ I'll check in tomorrow after the marathon. Wish me luck! :o)
Me: "Is this supposed to hurt?"
Jody/Jon: "Yes."
I'm getting to like the EMS machine. (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) The EMS machine uses a mild electrical current to help strengthen and heal muscles. The feeling is sort of like a baby TASER. Being hit with a TASER is not fun. EMS is fun. I think I am nuts. I can understand why people like getting tattoos...
Trivia...
The muscle I've been having the most trouble with is the piriformis. The word "piriformis" is derived and contracted from the latin words for "pear shaped."
Piriformis: Pear shaped.
Me: Pear shaped.
Coincidence? I think not.
Just to make life more interesting, I think I might have a groin pull. I'm going to try to see a doctor today just to make sure it isn't something more serious. If it isn't I'll be at the starting line in Hopkinton tomorrow morning- And hopefully at the finish line in Boston sometime before dark. The last few days have been among the most stressful I can remember. I really just want to be on the road~ Once the gun goes off and we're moving, I'll be fine.
"Ninety percent of this game is fifty percent mental." I think Yogi Berra said that. Crappy math aside, there's a lot of truth to that statement. My head has been giving me more issues than my injuries. It's been impossible to think about much other than the marathon. I mean, there's really no pressure on me other than the pressure I put on myself. I think my thoughts would have been different if I hadn't gotten hurt so late in training. I know that all I can do is go out and give it my best effort and 'leave it on the road.'
The last new photo before the marathon is another one of Lindsay. Our team's pasta party was last night. Lindsey was one of the speakers. She told her cancer survival story to two hundred or so people. She didn't even seem nervous. When she finished, it was to a standing ovation. Lindsey is destined for great things~ She is my hero.
This marathon is dedicated to Lindsey Kimball.
This marathon is dedicated to Diana Golden-Brosnihan 1963-2001
This marathon is dedicated to my Dad, Jerry Lavine 1923-2003
Off to see about the doc~ I'll check in tomorrow after the marathon. Wish me luck! :o)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ups and Downs...
I know, I know. It's been forever.
Where to start...
The last few weeks have been a real rollercoaster. At our last long training run on March 29- A 20 miler from Hopkinton to Newton, I finally managed to hurt myself for real. Best guess is that I've done something untoward to my left piriformis muscle. It's a little deal that holds your sacrum to your femur. I don't really know what caused it. I felt a little twinge there the night before the 20 mile run. I figured it was nothing and would either: A) Be gone by morning. or B) Work itself out during the run. Well, it worked itself IN during the run. By eight or nine miles, it hurt pretty badly. My teammate Kyrsten ran with me for a mile and noticed that I was limping. I then violated my own rule: "When you limp, you stop." At about 11 miles, Kyrsten offered to join me again- I would have been lousy company at that point so I declined. By 13 or 14 miles, I was reduced to an almost continuous walk. Then, the angels appeared. Kyrsten and Alyssa. They traveled with me to the Wellesley Community Center which is just short of 15 miles. A few bad jokes and some interesting conversation made the time painless. Coach Rick met me just west of the community center. He told me what I've told others many times during training for cycle events. The fact that I know he was right didn't make it easy to stop there- But stop there I did.
The next day, Sunday, I could hardly walk. Pain in the piriformis can literally be called 'a pain in the butt.' Damn but that hurt! Going down stairs was just silly! I would almost rather have just fallen down the stairs- It would have been over quicker! I ingested my own weight in ibuprofen and left for the New England Multisport Expo. Yes. I know that was stupid. But I'd agreed to volunteer there and had no way to let anyone know that I was going to be absent so off to Cambridge. Once I got there, I found that I could only walk about 10 steps without stopping. I figured at that point that it was some kind of soft tissue injury since I could feel something balling up as I walked and it would slowly relax if I stood still. Well, like an idiot, I stayed there all day. (Great expo by the way...) I hobbled home and figured that if it still hurt like this on Monday, I'd see the doctor.
Monday- I felt OK when I woke up. No pain. Hah! As soon as I got out of bed and took a step- Yikes! I called my doctors office at Acton Medical for an appointment. My primary care doctor was available but at another facility without x-ray capability. The nurse thought x-rays might be needed so she scheduled me with a different doctor at Acton for that afternoon. I limped into the appointment. I left believing that it was a soft-tissue injury but not knowing much else. The doctor was pretty dismissive. Actually, I thought he sucked. I won't name him here but I won't forget him either. He said "Use heat and ibuprofen. Here are some stretches. (Gives me a printed sheet.) I don't know about the marathon." Thanks doc.
So next step is to find someone who actually does know what they're doing. So I made an appointment with Marathon Physical Therapy with the swift approval of my regular doc. My first appointment was on that Friday. I made it clear that my goal was to be on the start line for the Boston Marathon. So with that in mind, Monica and Jody evaluated the mess that was me at that point. Since then, between Jody beating me up and seemingly endless heat/stretch/ice cycles, the improvement is measurable. The thought of not being sufficiently healed come April 21 still scares the crap out of me. I just keep telling myself and anybody else who will listen that I'm going to be on the Boston Marathon start line on April 21, 2008.
Jody as well as Coaches Rick and Lori have said not to run during the taper. Biking on the other hand is fine. So rather than sit around and eat bon bons, I've been riding during my taper. Yanno, the scenery changes a lot faster on a bike than on my feet!
I ended up being out of work the entire week after I got hurt. To pass the time and keep my head in the right place, I re-read Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike" and Donna Hicken's "The Good Fight." You all know who Lance is. Donna Hicken is the organizer of "26.2
with Donna: The National Marathon Against Breast Cancer"- The Half Marathon that Jill, Kyrsten and I ran in Jacksonville, FL in February. The books helped me to not only stay positive but to remember the Team in Training mission.
Speaking of staying positive. I've been thinking a lot lately about my friend Diana Golden-Brosnihan. The world lost Diana in 2001.
Read about Diana here, here and here.
I didn't really get to know Diana well until high school. She was a few years behind me and until high school, I knew that she was the kid who had lost her leg to cancer. I got to know her better when she started to get involved with the theater group where I hung out. Diana didn't just enter a room, she exploded into it. She was all exuberance and positive attitude. She was also beautiful and there were more than a few guys with crushes on her, myself included. She was strong and tough and could knock most of us guys off of our feet with or without her crutches.
As you know, since you did your reading above, she became a world class skier. Not only did she compete and win against other disabled athletes, she also competed against athletes without disabilities.
Warren Miller, who is famous for his ski films said about Diana: "After you're with her for a few minutes, you totally forget her handicap,'' he said. ''She has her act together, and it's not an act.''
Not only did Diana prevail over her bone cancer, she was also a breast cancer survivor. Her breast cancer finally took her in 2001. It makes me sad that I lost touch with her. But I never forgot her. (If you ever met her, you couldn't forget her if you tried.)
Diana's name is on my Boston Marathon singlet. I'll be running not only in honor of Lindsey and our other honored heroes, but also in Diana's memory. It is an honor and a rare privilege to have known her. Diana set the bar high. I hope I can measure up.
Well, somehow or another, my blog ended up linked from the Breast Cancer Marathon website.
I heard from another of the bloggers- Jim aka RunningGeezer262- He sent me a quote that's also on his blog:
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -T.S.Eliot
Damn straight. I just may be going to far. I'll get back to you on that.
Dean Karnazes, an ultra-marathoner and all-around runner of outrageous distances said:
"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."
Another quote I've become fond of- Don Kardong (Olympic marathoner and world-class runner) said:
“Hills: You entered a marathon with hills? You idiot.”
'Nuff said!
Where to start...
The last few weeks have been a real rollercoaster. At our last long training run on March 29- A 20 miler from Hopkinton to Newton, I finally managed to hurt myself for real. Best guess is that I've done something untoward to my left piriformis muscle. It's a little deal that holds your sacrum to your femur. I don't really know what caused it. I felt a little twinge there the night before the 20 mile run. I figured it was nothing and would either: A) Be gone by morning. or B) Work itself out during the run. Well, it worked itself IN during the run. By eight or nine miles, it hurt pretty badly. My teammate Kyrsten ran with me for a mile and noticed that I was limping. I then violated my own rule: "When you limp, you stop." At about 11 miles, Kyrsten offered to join me again- I would have been lousy company at that point so I declined. By 13 or 14 miles, I was reduced to an almost continuous walk. Then, the angels appeared. Kyrsten and Alyssa. They traveled with me to the Wellesley Community Center which is just short of 15 miles. A few bad jokes and some interesting conversation made the time painless. Coach Rick met me just west of the community center. He told me what I've told others many times during training for cycle events. The fact that I know he was right didn't make it easy to stop there- But stop there I did.
The next day, Sunday, I could hardly walk. Pain in the piriformis can literally be called 'a pain in the butt.' Damn but that hurt! Going down stairs was just silly! I would almost rather have just fallen down the stairs- It would have been over quicker! I ingested my own weight in ibuprofen and left for the New England Multisport Expo. Yes. I know that was stupid. But I'd agreed to volunteer there and had no way to let anyone know that I was going to be absent so off to Cambridge. Once I got there, I found that I could only walk about 10 steps without stopping. I figured at that point that it was some kind of soft tissue injury since I could feel something balling up as I walked and it would slowly relax if I stood still. Well, like an idiot, I stayed there all day. (Great expo by the way...) I hobbled home and figured that if it still hurt like this on Monday, I'd see the doctor.
Monday- I felt OK when I woke up. No pain. Hah! As soon as I got out of bed and took a step- Yikes! I called my doctors office at Acton Medical for an appointment. My primary care doctor was available but at another facility without x-ray capability. The nurse thought x-rays might be needed so she scheduled me with a different doctor at Acton for that afternoon. I limped into the appointment. I left believing that it was a soft-tissue injury but not knowing much else. The doctor was pretty dismissive. Actually, I thought he sucked. I won't name him here but I won't forget him either. He said "Use heat and ibuprofen. Here are some stretches. (Gives me a printed sheet.) I don't know about the marathon." Thanks doc.
So next step is to find someone who actually does know what they're doing. So I made an appointment with Marathon Physical Therapy with the swift approval of my regular doc. My first appointment was on that Friday. I made it clear that my goal was to be on the start line for the Boston Marathon. So with that in mind, Monica and Jody evaluated the mess that was me at that point. Since then, between Jody beating me up and seemingly endless heat/stretch/ice cycles, the improvement is measurable. The thought of not being sufficiently healed come April 21 still scares the crap out of me. I just keep telling myself and anybody else who will listen that I'm going to be on the Boston Marathon start line on April 21, 2008.
Jody as well as Coaches Rick and Lori have said not to run during the taper. Biking on the other hand is fine. So rather than sit around and eat bon bons, I've been riding during my taper. Yanno, the scenery changes a lot faster on a bike than on my feet!
I ended up being out of work the entire week after I got hurt. To pass the time and keep my head in the right place, I re-read Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike" and Donna Hicken's "The Good Fight." You all know who Lance is. Donna Hicken is the organizer of "26.2
with Donna: The National Marathon Against Breast Cancer"- The Half Marathon that Jill, Kyrsten and I ran in Jacksonville, FL in February. The books helped me to not only stay positive but to remember the Team in Training mission.
Speaking of staying positive. I've been thinking a lot lately about my friend Diana Golden-Brosnihan. The world lost Diana in 2001.
Read about Diana here, here and here.
I didn't really get to know Diana well until high school. She was a few years behind me and until high school, I knew that she was the kid who had lost her leg to cancer. I got to know her better when she started to get involved with the theater group where I hung out. Diana didn't just enter a room, she exploded into it. She was all exuberance and positive attitude. She was also beautiful and there were more than a few guys with crushes on her, myself included. She was strong and tough and could knock most of us guys off of our feet with or without her crutches.
As you know, since you did your reading above, she became a world class skier. Not only did she compete and win against other disabled athletes, she also competed against athletes without disabilities.
Warren Miller, who is famous for his ski films said about Diana: "After you're with her for a few minutes, you totally forget her handicap,'' he said. ''She has her act together, and it's not an act.''
Not only did Diana prevail over her bone cancer, she was also a breast cancer survivor. Her breast cancer finally took her in 2001. It makes me sad that I lost touch with her. But I never forgot her. (If you ever met her, you couldn't forget her if you tried.)
Diana's name is on my Boston Marathon singlet. I'll be running not only in honor of Lindsey and our other honored heroes, but also in Diana's memory. It is an honor and a rare privilege to have known her. Diana set the bar high. I hope I can measure up.
Well, somehow or another, my blog ended up linked from the Breast Cancer Marathon website.
I heard from another of the bloggers- Jim aka RunningGeezer262- He sent me a quote that's also on his blog:
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -T.S.Eliot
Damn straight. I just may be going to far. I'll get back to you on that.
Dean Karnazes, an ultra-marathoner and all-around runner of outrageous distances said:
"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."
Another quote I've become fond of- Don Kardong (Olympic marathoner and world-class runner) said:
“Hills: You entered a marathon with hills? You idiot.”
'Nuff said!
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