Heartbreak....

This year I had built up the Fargo Marathon as the marathon I was going to prove myself in. It is going to be my one year anniversary of running marathons. It is something that has helped in changing my lifestyle into being healthier and also providing me with goals to accomplish. Fargo Marathon is going to be marathon number six and I was going to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Emphasis on the ‘was’.

While on my final true long run for the training program (4-27-08) the inside of my left knee started to bother me. The tendon seemed to be a little sore all throughout the run. I completed the run just fine and it felt good to make it to the taper portion. Monday morning the tendon was killing me. A couple of days later bruising showed up. It turns out I, more than likely, tore my hamstring. Everything I have read says that it takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks for it to heal to the point where I can run on it again. So it looks like I am not going to be able to run at what I was training for. I may not be able to run at all. I will still complete the marathon even if I have to power walk the entire course. This is pretty much a big bummer for me.

If anyone has been in this situation before I could use some advice on recovery or the best way to come out from an injury. Who knows, if I take it easy I might be in well enough shape to hit 3:10:59 at Grandma’s Marathon five weeks after Fargo. Until then I will keep cycling to keep my cardiovascular system in shape and try not to lose what I worked so hard to get during my marathon training. I hope to see you all at the race!

I know you must be crushed, but remember that while you have been training your body, your determination and spirit have been getting stronger and more powerful as well. Not to sound like a fortune cookie, but these will surely bring you through this, making it a small setback in what is sure to be a lifetime of running achievement.

I have no advice at all about healing an injury like yours, but just wanted to offer sympathy and support instead of just lurking about.

I hope things heal up super fast and I'll see you (and the other thousands) at the race!

Susan
Half-marathon newbie, training for a whole four months now

Well, we are almost to race day and I thought I would give an update for anyone who read my post. There is no more pain in my hamstring and started running at my normal pace again last weekend. It felt really good. Riding bike is fun but not the same fun as running. Looks like I will be able to run the marathon but not entirely sure what time I should be running at or expecting. I guess I will find out on Saturday. I know there is a chance that my hamstring will act up again somewhere in the 26 miles 385 yards so I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Worst case is I have to walk 10 miles to the finish. Best case, I run even splits and PR. I'm guessing it will be somewhere in the middle. Thank you for all your support. I will see everyone on Friday and Saturday! I will be one of the Subway sponsored runners so I will be easy to spot :wink:

I know this is a bit late, but how did ya do? Were you able to run?

I finished, although way off my "goal" time. It was still fun :shock:

Keep on running1