Update

Weeks of training: 16
Blisters healing on feet: 9
Legs healing: 1

LINCOLN PARK ( 02 Oct., 2008 ) – Some of my seven loyal readers may be aware of the situation, but others are not: My 20 mile run – the Nike Ready to Run 20 Miler – was a couple of weeks ago. I watched my marathon goal deflate six miles in. Around Diversey Harbour, it felt like someone took a baseball bat to my knee and I had to stop running.

After lots of ice, Advil and elevation, I headed to my doctor and ultimately the orthopaedic doctor. X-rays, an MRI and plenty of retail therapy followed. I walked (or limped) away with the diagnosis of a stress fracture on my tibia and no prospects of running the Chicago Marathon this year.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their support and encouragement over the past 17 weeks. Also, thank you to those who have already extended their well-wishes for my recovery. While I am finding my disappointment to be far more crippling than my injury, your support has made this situation far less difficult to handle.

Week 12: On the disabled list

Time until marathon starts: 77 days, 15 hours, 18 minutes, 31 sec
Weeks since last long run: 2
Number of x-rays on foot: 3

LINCOLN PARK ( 26 July, 2008 ) – This morning, I got to sleep in and not for a reason I’m too happy about. I’m on the disabled list because I sprained my foot… bad.

Week 15: I wish that I knew what I know now…

Time until marathon starts: 98 days, 19 hours, 25 min., 27 sec.
Miles run since last post: 47.5
Early morning runs since last post: 7

LINCOLN PARK ( 05 July, 2008 ) – While most people stayed in bed and nursed their Fourth of July hangovers this morning, I got up at 5:30 to meet my training group and run 9 miles – officially the farthest distance I’ve ever run at once in my life. This left me with a strong sense of accomplishment until I realized that I will be saying the same thing almost every Saturday from now until showtime.

As I enter week five of my training, I’ve heard a myriad of training tips and tales. Some interesting, some useful, some totally out there. Here are a few things I’ve learned this far: