Well, it's been a week since the race and I have had time to get my thoughts
and emotions in order.
After a wonderful race at MCM '99, I came home and started training for
Disney. It went great. I really felt like I was in the best shape I have ever
been in and was ready to PR at Disney. Unfortunately, about two weeks before
the race I noticed an ache in my ITB on my left leg. I stretched and did
therapy. It was not a problem the week prior to the race. I was ready to go!!!
Race start was hot, humid, and foggy, hence I knew it would be a slow race
right away. I took off at the start and felt good. I hit a comfortable pace
and planned to pick it up at 5 miles. However, at 5 miles the ITB on my left
leg began to ache. It was not too bad and I hoped it would not get any worse.
At mile 9 it began to hurt. I started to slow my pace and I knew I was in
for a struggle. At the half I was 3 minutes faster than my half at MCM but
not close to my planned time. After the half, the pain got much worse and I
began to walk quite a bit in order to keep going. Mile after mile,
frustration and anger built. I considered quitting but after much thought, I
decided to finish. I knew the pain would probably subside in a few days. I
could not live with a DNF.
I finished in 5:19:13. A year ago I would have been delighted with that time
but I am very disappointed now. Even though I enjoyed parts of the course, I
just wanted to get off the course because of the pain. I didn't think I would
care at the end, but it was an amazing, emotional experience to finish my
third marathon!
My husband was a great support before, during and after the race!
I am very glad that I decided to finish instead of quitting. Except for the
leg, I was barely sore and just a little tired. I walked 30 minutes on Monday
and ran a slow 3 miles on Tuesday at the track without any problems. On
Wednesday I decided to take a week off to rest the leg and do PT.
Help please! This problem with my ITB is a bit of a mystery. I stretch 5
times a week and do pilates twice a week for the last 1 1/2 years. I'm very
flexible and haven't ever had a problem with this leg or my ITBs. I had a new
pair of shoes with 75 miles on them at the time of the first flare up. The
shoe on that foot started to feel loose and rubbed my ankle. Maybe this
caused stress on my ITB. My physical therapist seems to think this might be
the case. He worked on my leg and he could get a real easy long stretch from
the ITB. He said it was more like an irritation or trauma to the ITB at the
knee. I wish I knew the answer. I have purchased another pair of shoes and
will continue therapy. I hope this will not become a chronic problem. I
would love to hear anyone's ideas or input on this.
Congratulations to everyone at Disney!!! You make me Penguin Proud!
I love running and now I have a wonderful Mickey Mouse medal! I am looking
forward to MCM 2000!!!
Resting penguin,
Jacqueline Fein :)
