Run, Race, Recover from injury, Repeat. This is so wrong!

I am soooo done with this pattern. I have been at this for a few years now and every success is followed up with an injury and a let down. I need a break! And I don't meant this stress fracture in my metatarsal.

I've had plantar fasciitis since late June. It followed amazing races for me including my first Boston Marathon and a place in the 2010 Official record book! 9th in the 45-49 age group finishing in 3:11:31. I followed that up with a half marathon PR of 1:31:09 a month later. I really wasn't ready for this effort and would soon pay for it. Even though I was still recovering from these races, I foolishly decided to run my first track meet. I ran the mile in 5:38. Not bad for a 45 yo wannaberunner but another step closer to doom. Now I am high as a kite and in the complete throws of denial. How about a 5K PR? Yep! Knocked a few seconds off going from 19:20 to 19:14. It was a PR but a disappointing one. I know I could have done better but not when I'm overtrained. I'm tired. My legs are aching but I had signed up for a 5K on the 4th of July. My husband is running it too and I can't let him have all the fun, right? I should have. It was the last straw. I managed a Master's 1st but a complete failure. I have shin splints(probably stress fractures that I never bothered to have diagnosed.) and a whopping case of plantar fasciitis. This is the truth as I know it. I am an addict and I need help.

I got the PF diagnosis and after trying every quick fix and modality to no avail I decide to take some time off.

I can't believe how long it is taken. I had signed up so I head off to running camp packing iontophoresis treatments and an ultrasound machine. I have my trusty 5 gallon ice bucket, too. I managed to limp through camp and I again forces to take more time off.

A trip to Boulder, Co and the awesome chance to run with my coach, Olympians, Jonothan Beverly(Running Times editor) and lots of other awe inspiring runners lures me away from sensibility and my recovery plan again. All seemed Ok especially with the help of Lorraine Moller, my hero. I wanted to believe that I was recovering so badly that I overlooked pain once again. It hit me like a ton of bricks a few days after returning home.

Another month goes by and I start to show signs of real progress. I'm doing everything right, it seems. A brief but strong setback with anterior tibialis inflammation puts me in a boot and on crutches for a week but the PF seems to be GONE. I had signed up for a marathon that I decided I would do for a longish run nice and easy if the tendonitis cleared up. I would only run maybe half way and call it a day. It was a good plan if I had stuck to it.

The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in Nashville was upon me 8 days after getting out to boot. I met with some of my friends and went for a pre-race jog. (Examined the calves of the race director!) I went dancing 2 fun filled evenings and even though my legs felt a little bit like I had already run a marathon from 2 stepping, I decided to go ahead and start the race. I headed out with my husband and friends from RunningAHEAD.com (AJ Hacker and Norm Campbell and my husband). Besides a downpour everything felt good and I was having a blast. My heels were great, my shins felt good with 2 pair of calf sleeves and the anterior tibialis was a nonissue. Run, run, run, chat and smile for the cameras!

I met new friends along the way and left the others behind. I felt so good I wanted to run a more normal(faster) pace that just felt good. Eventually I left the new friends and turned on my iPod. I was pretty much alone and loving every minute of it. I had lots of great new music and my heart felt light and happy. I passed the halfway point and the last easy place to call it a day. Why stop? Maybe because I was undertrained???? NOOOO! I think I'm wonder woman and keep on going. I can do this, right?

I see my husband coming off of a little loop. I realize he is about 4 min behind me and decide now is a good time to solidify my lead. I take too much pride in our little rivalry. The next mile feels great. The one after that I am starting to think I should have bailed early. Then I get a second wind and my legs come back to life. Miles are ticking away and my iPod is playing songs that lift my spirits and feed my longing for my future of happy pain-free running.

Shortly after at about mile 21, I feel an odd sensation in the top of my left foot. Is my shoe too tight? Nah! I wiggle my foot. The pain is somewhat intense and then it fades. I feel good and steady. I push just a little as I reach the last 5K mark. I love the last 5K! I made it this far and I'm headed for the beer tent! Yippee!!! I pass a few guys and give them kudos! They say "You're doing better than us!" as I bound up the last big hill passing them. I love hills!

Rain, rain, rain! I don't mind at all as I speed along the last mile and slop to the finish line through the mud. A had a great time considering my training, the hills and the weather. I really didn't think I would finish and here I was! Smiling and high fiving and looking back to see who was next to cheer on! Monkey, Monkey, Monkey!!!!

I start feeling the pain in my foot again. Hmmm.... limping a bit. Norm comes in and tells me that my husband is not far behind but he is hurting. I spot him and he looks pretty good considering he had also developed PF a few weeks before. BTW-Is it contagious??? The chicken pox of running? He smiles and throws his hands in the air. I pull my camera from my bra and snap a great picture! Yay Mike! (I beat you and you're still smiling. A better sport than me, no doubt.) He reaches for the ground to take a few breaths. He is hurting but he is thrilled to finish. We both have the Flying Monkey medals we thought would have to wait for next year. I even managed a 2nd place in the Master's division and the cutest damn little crocheted flying monkey award you've ever seen!!!

After a night of celebrating with our friends we are happy to get off of our feet. In the morning my foot is swollen and I can barely walk. At the airport, I used a wheelchair. Luckily my husband is able and willing to push my gloating, injured behind through the airport.

A few days later I end up at the orthopedic doctors office again. "What are you doing back here for now?" Once again, I have a stress fracture and at least a month off to do some soul searching and planning before I am able to train for my next marathon, another Boston. My goal is to stay in the top 10 and PR there. My real goal is to achieve this while I learn from all the mistakes I made in 2011. I have more support and encouragement than I should need. I need to be honest with myself and put and end to this cycle. Recovery should be recovery and not recovery from injury. I am not as durable as I would like to be. It's only going to change if I accept my limitations and work within them.

This little crocheted flying monkey is going to be my little reminder. I am going to keep him with me in my Boston Marathon gym bag to every workout. He is going to whisper in my ear and tell me to stay focused and not be foolish. My new life coach! It is a myth that these monkeys are foolish. Mine is much smarter than me. Runners are foolish. If I do what the monkey tells me to do, he promises to stay off my back. His goal is to make it back to the Harpeth Hills. I plan to get him there in one piece. Wish me luck.