"Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up."
~Dean Karnazes
As long as I can keep a pace faster than 14.5 minute miles, I can finish in time to get a medal.
The pain is still there, and for the first time in 10 days I did a "test run". This involved jogging 10 feet across my hotel room. It hurt. It hurt like hell.
I am going to have to summon every ounce of pain blockage I can to get through Monday.
I am breaking every rule and have been trying out new things left and right. Another impromptu ART session at the expo. A brand new pair of tights that I am going to wear on Monday (yes, it's going to be 40, but the thought of walking the majority of 26.2 miles in my race splits just doesn't seem like a good idea). A brand new method to running the marathon.
Yes, my friends, you heard that right. I am going to try a whole new method on Monday. After talking to a lot of people, I am going to try the Galloway method. I think it is my best option to help keep me running for as long as possible.
No, I have never done this during a race. No, I have never even tried it during training runs. Yes, I know that in normal situations this would be considered foolish.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Like getting an ART session on your ass done on an expo table while hundreds of people pass by. In case you're wondering, this is exactly where it hurts:
And by hurt, let me illustrate: Imagine a chef knife that has been left to age in hot coals for awhile being plunged right into your ass and spine with each step. Now repeat for the distance of a marathon.
Exactly.
*Coming soon: pics of Ryan Hall, Josh Cox, Steve Runner, and Running's #1 Superfan! I have so much to show you guys from the expo!*
Good luck on Monday girl! I hope you feel better by then!!!
ReplyDeleteIs it your piriformis you are having problems with??? My Dad has had a lot of problems with his and has found sitting on a tennis ball (right where it hurts) for a few minutes helps release some of the tension in that area...
I have had ART tx for some knee issues I had in the past and it was amazing!
Seriously though, I wish you the best of luck and hope for some amazing healing in the next 36 hours!!!
For what it's worth, I've been doing the run/walk Galloway method for about a year, and have gotten faster race times as a result (and felt much happier crossing the finish).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm sending healing thoughts your way. Take care of yourself!
I was so sad to read this post :( No matter what, you are still awesome. You are fierce, tenacious & totally inspiring! Hang in there - you WILL get through this. I totally believe in your awesomeness :)
ReplyDeleteThe piriformis issues just blow. Hope another couple of days makes a big difference.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the spectacle and be in the moment. It may not be perfeact but it's stil pretty damned awesome to be where you are now, from where you were.
Going to the galloway method, especially with the injury seems to make a lot of sense.
Your strength, motivation, and pain tolerance are an inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteI know that you will have the race of races, no matter how you cross that finish line.
Rest up and find a hot tub to go sit in for a while. Relax and think positive thoughts.
Monday will be awesome. Your back will be awesome.
You are awesome.
Holy Cr.p, you are a tough cookie! I seriously hope that the pain will go away very soon and that you won't suffer too much during the race.
ReplyDeleteAll the best and all the health you might need.
Sending healing thoughts your way. It does sound like you are enjoying yourself at Boston while looking for relief, though. Best of luck on Monday.
ReplyDeleteBe safe, have fun and if you crawl, crawl with pride...
ReplyDeleteHang tough, make memories and know how proud we as bloggers are of YOU...
I'll be stalking you, Best Wishes!
You have the right attitude. Your flexibility and determination will pay off! Good luck, Ana-Maria
ReplyDeleteHang in there FL! You already have a great story, it will just keep getting better. And isn't that what life is all about - the stories. Can't wait for the rest of the report. I too will be sending healing thoughts. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIn your @ss? See, now that sounds like sciatic injury to me. It feel like its deep in your buttock, but no amount of rubbing helps, because the pain originates in your sciatic nerve. Try googling it. There are alot of things you can do right there in the hotel room to help reduce the pain.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'll be keeping fingers crossed. Walk if you need to. Drink your water/gatorade.
Good luck tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteTry to have fun. You'll be moving slower than you had hoped, but this will give you more time to enjoy the course.
ReplyDeleteChin up!
love the artwork. i'm sure you aren't that manly looking though ;)
ReplyDeletegood luck!! hope the pain subsides enough to get you through the race. try to be smart, though i know it's boston and it'll be extra hard.
sending healing vibes your way!
Good luck on Monday girl! I know you will do great whatever way you decided to run/walk it!
ReplyDeleteTwo rules apply here:
ReplyDelete1) Rule number one: Don't ever try anything new on race day.
2) Rule number two: Rules were meant to be broken.
I have been doing a version of the "Galloway method" long before I ever even heard of the guy, and run EVERY race that way, I believe as you do that it will help you cross that finish line and earn that finisher's medal.
I'm sure the Galloway method will get you to the finish. Pay attention to your body so you can run the Boston again next year! Good luck!
ReplyDeletewhatever it takes to get you there. be safe.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at BOSTON baby!
ReplyDeleteI love the visual!
ReplyDeleteOh no, I hope you are feeling much better by Monday!! Best of luck out there tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThat is going to be one earned medal! Good luck, and I can't wait to read how it all goes.
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking about you Tomorrow! I hope everything goes well and your get through the race with as little pain as possible!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeleteJust do the best you can and what will minimize the pain as much as possible. Have fun tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteKeep thinking so positive!!!!! I'm hoping for miraculous events!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling at least some reduction in pain. Good luck tomorrow morning!
ReplyDeleteMy sister just called. Her hotel is at the finish line, and I will have her look for you. You are going to do great!
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Hope you feel better. You are tough and I am sure you will ride this out.
ReplyDeleteMan, that's crazy! Two days before I ran the Around the Bay 30k at the end of March my hip felt like it was tearing itself apart. It seemed to me that the femur was coming right out of it's joint, and that there was no way I could run. I struggled through the race in the end, walking way more than I ever thought I would, but I finished. My thoughts are with you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI do the Galloway method for my races too. I think you'll be glad you did it for this race. I'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteDDYA!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck tomorrow! Rooting for a pain-free run from hawaii..
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I really hope you aren't in pain.. that sounds awful. Looking forward to your recap.
ReplyDeleteLeah
http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com
You met SteveRunner? Was it everything you hoped for? I'm guessing not. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou may have to apply the reverse Galloway--Walk 5 minutes, Run 1 minute. You can do it but be careful. We will be thinking of you today. Good luck.
Galloway is a great idea. Best of luck to you, and I can't wait for the race report.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with busting out the Galloway if it saves your ass (literally) during Boston. You do what you have to to stay safe and secure! I'm rootin' for ya! Many prayers coming your way.
ReplyDeleteAlright! Your 5k split just popped up on the athlete tracker. So happy you are running!
ReplyDeleteI am only seeing a 5k time . . . . I hope you are still in it.
ReplyDelete10k split just popped up. Great! A good solid pace, FL. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI see your 10k time!!!! Glad you are still in it!
ReplyDeleteStill motoring through 15k. Great stuff FL!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! You're hanging in there! :o) Keep it up.......
ReplyDeleteStill going strong through 20k. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteJust keep going, FL!!!
ReplyDeleteHM split is up. Halfway there FL! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteHalf way!!!! You go girl!
ReplyDelete25k! So glad to see these splits keep coming up. You're doing it! You're running the Boston Marathon!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots of luck!!!! I've been following your blog to get inspiration to start running longer distances. I was so sorry to hear about your injury. But I'll be keeping you in my thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAlright, the comment I deleted was a premature congrats on passing 35k. But I knew you'd make it, and that split just popped up! Only 7.2k to go!!!
ReplyDeleteCome on, come on! I have been keeping an eye on your race. I know you are struggling, but keep at it. You worked hard to get there and you are working hard to finish. Then go get a new ass!
ReplyDeleteYou did it! Congratulations. Way to fight to the finish. Now, ice and rest up. Can't wait to read all about it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching the finish!!! Go get yourself a beer and take care of yourself. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats girl, you did it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou can't deny you are AWESOME!
Congratulations on gutting it out. Not everyone has the guts to suffer like that.
ReplyDeleteI hope you aren't in too much pain and that you can eventually look back on your first boston marathon and smile about it.
Way to finish. I hope you're not in too much pain, but I know you probably are. You are SUCH an inspiration to me. CONGRATULATIONS on being a BOSTON finisher!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats. Great time. All very proud of you and your finish. We knew you could do it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You have now completed the Boston Marathon! Interested to read/hear your impressions and challenges. You deserve a nice break. Have a safe trip back to HI. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteGives me Chills! I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteI hit the course to get my BQ on Sunday. Hope to see you in Boston next year. Here's to healthy Ramus'!
Way to go!! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I got nervous be between the 15 and 20 k because they didn't update your time. I'd assumed you had to stop. I was so pleased on your behalf when I checked "one last time"!
ReplyDeleteYou did it!
Congratulations on finishing what must have been a most gruelling race!
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing feat!!! So proud of you.
ReplyDeleteI KNEW you could do it!! I am so excited for you!! You are such a fighter and we are all so proud of you! Celebrate and enjoy your victory...can't wait to hear the race report!!
ReplyDeleteGreat finish FL!!!! Now, rest and recover!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I can't believe you finished- and with such great time!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI hope you aren't injured. Rest up!
I've been an lurker 4Ever but had to speak up today.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your finish FL. You are truly an inspiration. Now get some R&R.
Shhheessh.. I cannot imagine you have finished THE Boston Marathon. I have been checking you via website. I am in AWE! No question, you must have been in a lot of pain. I feel it. You inspire me and a lot of RBFs here. My hat off to you for getting the job done. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS on an EXCEPTIONAL Boston Marathon Finish!! You have got to be one of the STRONGEST people I *know.* What a complete inspiration you are.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm cringing just thinking about the kind of pain you must have been in... off to read part 3! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats girl, you did it!
ReplyDeleteIn your @ss? See, now that sounds like sciatic injury to me. It feel like its deep in your buttock, but no amount of rubbing helps, because the pain originates in your sciatic nerve. Try googling it. There are alot of things you can do right there in the hotel room to help reduce the pain.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'll be keeping fingers crossed. Walk if you need to. Drink your water/gatorade.