I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I decided to run a marathon before turning 30. I had been wanting to do it for years now and figured I should shoot to do it before the big 3-0. Some how The Best Man felt obligated or inspired to do this with me.
Training had been going well until mid January, when we ran 18 miles. My right hip started "talking to me" and then began screaming. I had to limp the last 2-3 miles home. I had "gluteus medius syndrome" from muscle imbalances related to my SIJD (sacroiliac joint dysfunction). With this injury and started a new job our training was slim to none the 6-8 weeks preceding the race.
The race itself went well. I felt sluggish around miles 14-15, but managed to slog on. The Best Man began to complain of knee pain a few miles later and we ended up walking a good bit of the last 5-6 miles. We lumbered across the finish line in just under 5 hours.
Sub 5 hours isn't sub 4, but it sure looks better than having my time start with a FIVE.
I had a lot of energy at the end of the race and was dreaming about signing up for another marathon before we even finished. Must. Get. Sub. 4:30.
Needless to say I was really sore the days following the race, but nothing that was unexpected. That is, until a few days later. Monday we took it easy and got to see a taping of Jay Leno. Tuesday we walked around the San Diego Zoo all day (Amazing!). Wednesday we had planned to run, but I wasn't feeling up to it just yet, so we walked twice. The second walk was on the beach. Afterwards, I noted what I thought was a gnarly trigger point lateral to my distal tibia (that's shin bone for you lay persons).
I tried to massage it out, stretch it out, iced it, took ibuprofen. It was bothering me all Thursday at work and got worse after lunch when I was forced to limp around due to the pain. That evening I tried to diagnose my self like any self respecting hypochondriac would. With all the bending and twisting and tugging I made things worse.
I couldn't get an ortho appointment until Monday, so I went to urgent care and had some x-rays taken. I am currently sporting a fashionable air cast walking boot while waiting to hear back about the x-rays. Wish me luck!
By the way, The Asics LA Marathon was awesome! The course started at The Dodgers Stadium and went west towards the coast to end near Santa Monica Pier. We got there early and were pleased we were able to hang out inside the stadium for the two hours prior to the start. What a treat! There were so many great spectators along the course (with the exception of the bit near the end through the VA) cheering, clapping, and handing out goodies (oranges, water, beer, pretzels, candy). There were a few tough hills near the beginning of the race, but otherwise nothing to complain about. The weather was perfect. The medal and technical tee were top notch. I would definitely do it again. Oh and did I mention it was on St. Patty's Day which meant I had an excuse to wear my all time favorite color: GREEN!
