What a Roller Coaster Ride

What a ride it has been these last two weeks. Today was the Cowtown Marathon and I wasn't allowed to participate, per doctor orders. I went to see a podiatrist after my 20 mile attempt couple weeks ago. Her name is Dr. Crane and she is a marathon runner herself, so she understands me. She also qualified to run Boston this year and it will be her 4th time to run it. Dr. Crane took x-rays and saw a line that she wasn't sure about. She said that if it was a stress fracture to forget about running Boston Marathon because it would take 8 weeks to heal and I wouldn't have time to train for Boston. I of course almost started crying because my dream to run Boston would be shattered. She said that the only way to find out for sure is to get an MRI. I waisted no time and got it scheduled the same day. I went on a Monday and didn't hear from them until Wednesday. I was so relieved when the results came back negative and only showed an irritated tendinitis. I was happy to think that means I am good to run Boston! She did say no running for two weeks and only cycle and swimming is allowed. Well, I'm not a swimmer so only did cycle maybe 2 times during that time. I just wanted to give my foot time to heal. Doctor also wants me to go to physical therapy twice a week and she prescribed some meds. for my foot. After a week of physical therapy, I switched to another one that was referred to me who is way better and really understands my goal. Dr. Crane knows her and said I will be in good hands. Her name is Kelley and she takes her time to study the way I run and shows me some good stretches to do at home. It turns out I haven't been doing a good job of stretching after I run and my injury also has to do with overuse of muscles and going too fast too soon. I've never done 3 full marathons within a year before. She also measured me and figured out that my right leg is longer than my left. That is why it's more muscular too because it has to work harder. Childbirth and AGE may have something to do with it too. Geez...aging sucks. Oh well, I have to suck it up and must continue forward. I will do whatever they tell me to do because I will not let nothing get in the way of Boston. I saw the doctor again this past Monday and I was finally released to run this week. I was so happy, because since I've been taking it easy, I've been eating crappy and gained 3 pounds...ugh! What did I do same day doc. released me to run? I went to buy me new running shoes. I went to Lukes and bought me the shoes I've been running in for years...Mizunos. I'm only allowed to run 3 times a week and must take it slow and easy. I ran twice on the treadmill during the week and was pain free. On Saturdays, I'll continue to run my long distance runs. So, yesterday, I ran 8 miles and it got a little tender toward the end, but I finished. I was excited to finally run and probably pushed it too fast too soon, again. That will probably be my biggest challenge during training to run much slower than normal. It's been a frustrating roller coaster ride!