CLOSED for repairs?
In the roller coaster that preparing for this race has been I don't quite know how to describe the chain of events that unfolded this week.
The heat and humidity are soaring in Toronto this week (40+ on the "humidex") and in my determination not to go off the rails I spent two excruciatingly boring hours on the treadmill at lunch on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I daydreamed about chewing my arm off it was so torturous, but figured it was preferable to my equally excruciating attempt at the early-morning run on Tuesday (which, by the way, didn't do a whole lot to beat the heat).
Today was my rest day before my second and final 32km long run - the run in which I was going to prove to myself that it doesn't have to be as difficult as it was the first time. I struggled over a difficult decision not to visit one of my best friends and her family who I haven't seen in months largely so I could set myself up for a good run.
And then it happened.
Three weeks of stooping, painting, repairing and moving stuff caught up with me. The straw that broke the marathoner's back (hopefully not literally, though I have to say I've wondered a couple times today) was the action of changing my t-shirt. A wrong twist followed by stupid lifting of a sink and I'm sunk. Fuck.
Excuse me. I'm not sure what else to say. I can barely walk to the bathroom, I'm getting conflicting advice from all directions and I'm scared. I'm scared that my back is going to rip wide open. I'm scared that this pain won't go away. I'm scared that the last six months of preparation will all be for nothing. I'm scared that I'm going to disappoint all the people who have so generously supported me.
I recognize the fact that the human body is a remarkable machine, and know on an intellectual level that I will probably be feeling much better in a few days, but emotionally I'm a wreck and it's hard to see through that.
I just hope the roller coaster is closed for repairs and not decommissioned as a result of being structurally unsound.
posted by Julie @ 8:16 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Yikes!
Accupuncture Julie will save you. It's the real McCoy (with a bit of Mr. Spock thrown in for good measure). If I could write a book about my own back adventures the closing chapter would be accupuncture. Seriously.
Either that or maybe some of the other runners could set up a tag-team, piggy-back deal?
Sounds like it is a mad, mad marathon world full of setbacks but don't count yourself out yet. Just look at this fellow in Scotland in 2003!
BTW - Nice boys like me don't "lurk" around websites - we simply "hover" around them. :)
Oh Julie!
I'm sorry you are in such pain! from my experience (childbirth high on the list) fear intensifies pain so try to relax.
We sure are demanding a lot of our bodies....I wouldn't begrudge it if it demands some down time from you in return.
And i hope you find this hopeful...i really didn't think I'd be painfree again but this week has been perfect. no waddle, no limp, nothing. :)
we'll be good to go, one way or the other...even if we have to put stephen's piggy back idea in action (not a bad plan & more team oriented than my plan of sneaking heelies!) :)
Hey Julie
Please don't forget that all your supporters will love you (and the cause) whatever. Take it easy on yourself -- we're sure you will be ok and all will be well in Iceland.
Lots of relaxing good wishes and (gentle) hugs!
Fran & Peter
Hi Julie,
I read your site regularly and have it linked to my own. Sorry to hear the back is causing a problem. I recall having a very bad long run near the end of my training, injuring a hamstring and getting freaked about the possibility that it was going to all be for naught (sp?). Don't be too concerned. If you have been up to 32k already and were doing your training, you are going to be fine come race day. Focus on resting and recovery and whatever treatments are recommended. Don't worry about "losing" your fitness level. You're going to make it.
Another "don't worry" comment, you've spent too much time and energy for your body to completely crap out on you, take some rest and focus on the goal, we'll be there with you to cheer you on (as long as you return the favour ;) ) and drag you as needed.
Mike AKA another potential piggybacker :)
and Waleah (not a piggybacker but a great cheerleader)
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