Its been over a week since my last post, which completely goes against my “one post every day until the marathon” thing. This is what happens when a runner gets an injury scare. Its called burying your head in the sand. Heard of it? I bet you have.
I have, in fact, learned quite a few things since my knife-in-the-knee experience last Friday. But when I originally set out to write a daily light bulb, I was healthy and on a roll, envisioning composing my daily blog about the positive and humorous parts of the marathon world I was discovering.
And then BOOM!
Bye bye speed bumps, hello brick wall, and just like that I’m flailing around like one of those crash test dummies.
After taking last weekend off to heal up and doing all the treatment on my schedule, I’ve had some completely pain free days and some holy shit days. The days that it hurts are definitely no fun and I immediately pretend I don’t have a marathon coming up. Stress and pressure don’t help the healing process.
I was kind of waiting until this knee thing totally cleared up before writing a new blog post, thinking that the topic would be about how to (or how not to) manage a last minute injury before a marathon. Long story short, I don’t have an answer, I haven’t processed it on a bigger scale yet, and I’m just living day to day.
A couple bits I do want to share from this past week:
- ALF commenter and NY Marathon entry MBS is having a twin knee problem at the moment, and its been helpful to have another person going through it at the same time.
- Active Release Therapy (ART) hurts like a mother.
- Sometimes its impossible to determine if your pain comes from your back, your knee, your hip, or your mind.
- Even the remote possibility that your body might not cooperate on the day of the marathon is horrifying.
- I liked it much better when I felt invincible.
- Getting to the starting line 100% ready to go is a really tough thing to do.
Lauren, I’ll be sending healthy thoughts your way every day! At least you know you’ve put in all the work. Stay positive and good luck.
Thanks Amy.
I completely agree with not knowing whether your pain is from some actual body part or if your mind is making it all up. Half the time, I don’t know if I’m being hypersensitive and there really isn’t anything wrong and I should go out and run like 10 miles or something.
Also agree that this whole marathon thing was way more fun before this all happened. I actually told someone the day before my knife-in-knee happened that it had all gone so well and that I don’t “really run enough to get injured.” Famous last words.
Fingers and toes crossed for you. Anyone that can make Worlds after not running for 3 months can surely kick ass for 26.2 miles despite knife-in-knee 2 weeks prior.
Classic, MBS. Those famous last words…why is it that injuries always seem to come out of nowhere? I mean, you have to get sooooo good at listening to your body to pick up on warning signals, and it takes at least one previous injury to pick up on those early signs in the future.
Which is why I wrote down everything, to the best of my memory, that happened the week prior in my beloved Believe I Am journal.
I bet I know what did it – that visit to Harry Potter world. Damn wizards.
Theme songs for the week:
– “On the Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
– “We’re All In This Together” from the cinematic masterpiece, High School Musical
PS – I haven’t thought about what I will do if it acts up during the race, but I do know there are lots of bars along the marathon course…
I’m positive everything will work out fantastically — just please be careful. (Obviously, you’re in good hands with a world-class coach and a team of professional sports physicians.) A marathon is no-doubt great strength training for the 5K, but so not worth a winter injury. Lots of luck and healthy healthy thoughts — remember, no one thinks of this as your serious marathon debut. We’ll wait for that much later! Just finish and stay healthy so you can become a London-bound animal on the track!
Thanks Tracie for easing my mind. It was easier to keep perspective when things were going smoothly, and I need to remember to keep that same broad point of view now that a lot of my physical energy is going into this one tiny body part. Its too easy to forget the point!
praying that it clears up. Get well soon.
Thanks Rah.
I feel your pain! I’m in a similar boat as you and Meggie (triplets?), although ART has calmed it down for the most part. Every other minute I freak out about it acting up mid-marathon and wonder what the hell I’ll do if that happens. GAHHHHHH. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you and sending healing vibes. Because you’re awesome, obviously, and will kick NYCM in the ass.
I know right? I mean, if it does act up mid-marathon, what DO we do? A wise man once told me to expect the best and prepare for the worst, so I’m currently working on processing what I’ll do if that happens and feeling ok about that possibility. Then I can release it.
I sure hope you feel nothing on marathon day. I ran my first marathon last December, and had some nasty foot pain that ended my last long tempo run after about five miles. I had to walk the five miles back to the car too, every time I tried to jog a little, it hurt a lot. I got some treatment and was able to run again after a couple of days, but the pain was kind of lurking in the background the whole time. It probably wasn’t quite as bad as what you’re going through, but I got the foot taped two days before the marathon (love that placebo effect) and I never felt it during the marathon and I hit my goal time. I felt it the day after, but it cleared up with a couple weeks of rest. Sometimes the adrenaline takes you right through that stuff. Hope it works for you!
That’s the kind of story that I want to hear! Thanks Erin. Most things do tend to clear up for my races with adrenaline, but never having run a marathon before, it was hard to imagine that possibility over such a long distance.
Totally agree with you on the ART! Hurts like hell, but totally works, also! Good luck in NYC!!!
Thanks Kathy.
Hey Lauren,
Love your journal and your positive demeanor. Take a whole bunch of that positive energy, internalize it, and I think you will be fine. You’re a cool person and a positive influence regardless of what happens on Nov 6. Good luck!!!
Thanks Adam. That’s nice of you to say.
Hey Lauren, I feel your pain right now. My cross country team is less than a week away from Regionals and suddenly I can barley run a mile without this weird pain in my hip. We can internalize our fears and dream of magical potions that will make this sudden pain go away but the only thing that we can really do is rest our heads on the shoulders of those around us who love us. My teammates are being super supportive and keeping me mentally positive. I don’t want to let my teammates down by not being able to preform to my ability but they’ll still love me all the same. You are embedded in such a great community of runners and everyone believes in you so keep up the positive thoughts!
You are so right. Damn girl. Community is really the best medicine. My husband’s shoulder is probably getting a little sore by now, but he doesn’t mind. And all the wonderful comments on here make such a difference, I can’t even tell you.
Lauren,
I’ve started 13 marathons, finished 12. All much slower than you will run yours! However, training for a marathon, as you know, is very hard on your body. You train the best you can and get to the start line in the best condition possible. Then on that particular day, everything is pretty much out of your control. I’ve had great training and a lousy marathon, lousy training and good marathon (great only comes with great training), good training and good marathons. I’m still waiting for great that’s why I keep trying.
Know that even us slow pokes have our doubts especially when a mysterious pain infiltrates our body, and even when we know it’s just tired muscles. The most important lesson I’ve learned is ‘trust your training.’ The 2nd most important lesson I’ve learned, 26.2 miles is a long way no matter how many times I do it!
Best of luck to you. Godspeed!
Rick, that was awesome. Thanks. There must be something about that mystery of what will happen on the day that keeps pulling us back to racing (and especially marathon from what it sounds like).
Do you think there is a Runner’s World cover jinx? Similar to the Sports Illustrated cover jinx? I agree with what Tracie said above, i.e., if this is a real injury, then the marathon is not worth risking 2012 over. And no one thinks of this as your serious marathon debut. You are no doubt trained enough to have a decent “fun run,” as long as you are not running through an injury.
Thanks for commenting Monica. Luckily its not a full blown “injury” and if it becomes one I won’t risk my Olympic plans. A decent fun run would be a great back up plan if worst comes to worst, but I really hope I get a chance to see what I can do. Just for me really.
Oh yeah, and as for the “curse” I’m not a believer. People also said that about the Running Times cover, and right after making that in 2010 I won the USA Championship! Luckily nobody mentioned the curse to me before the race 🙂
Trust in the ART and the massage. If anything will get you to the finish line, it will be those two things. If it doesn’t happen, let it go and shift your focus to the next race. Can’t keep Lauren Fleshman down, we know that!
Thanks Steve. It really is that simple!
I’m no professional runner and you’ll run NYC about 45 min faster than me…BUT, I’ve gone through injury-freak out mode during the taper of every marathon I’ve ran. The injuries range from tight hamstrings to neuromas and sore achilles. On my last long run, I’ve ran 5 miles then walked 5 back home, defeated. I’ve stood on the starting line unsure that my body could hold it together for the next 26.2 miles. I personally think it’s because your mind is used to ignoring pain to get through the training season, but once you enter taper mode, your mind relaxes and stops ignoring the pain because it knows that the training runs in the last two weeks won’t help performance on race day.
You’ll be awesome. Have fun, stay healthy. And use this experience to grow as a runner and a person.
Thanks Sara. Great advice. A little bit of this happens in track races, but maybe since EVERYTHING about the marathon is amplified, this taper body problems stuff is also much more amplified than I’m used to. Kick ass!
Lauren,
I have very much enjoyed your posts, your fabulous positive attitude and your honest thoughts. Such a bummer about your knife-in-the-knee experience and hopefully a recovery is eminent. Yes, it would be great to see you run a great NYC marathon and post a time that would make you excited about your accomplishment. However, I would much rather see you on the starting line June 25, 2012 for the first round of the 5000 healthy and ready to show the world what you are capable of, than to see further damage done to your health running NYC. I think you said your goal was to train for the marathon so that the training would make you stronger in the last laps of the 5000 allowing you to make the moves that will separate you from the rest of the field…hopefully what you have done in your training has given you strength and the appreciation of what it takes to stand on the podium on June 28, 2012. I think there may be many more marathons in your future, but possibly only one more Olympic 5000…hope I’m wrong because 2016 would be cool. Know that you have an army of supporters and admirers who are behind you 110% no matter what happens and like Tracie said…we want to see you become that “London-bound” animal on the track.
John, That was such a cool comment. Thank you for that. My father-in-law Gary just said something along those lines to me yesterday. He said “The whole point of you training for this marathon was to gain the strength of marathon training. You got all the training in so you did that, no matter what happens in the race.” That’s the truth. But man it really would be fun to put that hardwork to the test.
Dear Fleshmonster,
One of two things will happen Sunday:
1. You will go until you finish.
2. You will finish when you can no longer go.
Your job in those two is the same: Go.
One job.
A job at which you are one of the best on the planet – one of the best damn Americans ever.
You go, Lauren Fleshman!
You go knowing we love you, your family loves you, your friends love you – hell even some of your competition has to love you ’cause your that super.
This is one page in the book called “The Story of Lauren Fleshman.”
One freaking page!
(Okay, it’s a pretty cool page – but you’re pretty good at living each page in LARGE PRINT no matter what the words are on that particular page)
Experience whatever the day brings – I know you know that, you’re a total Jedi – this is all just my way of saying I’m rooting for you.
I always like to imagine sitting with a grandchild on my lap and telling them about my great adventures … “Did I ever tell you about the time I ran my first NYC marathon?” “Yes, grandma! Please not that story again!” “There I was … just days out from the race and I got a knifing pain in my knee …”
It’s gonna make a great page in your story no matter what happens … because YOU are living … truly living … your life … and that is always awesome – no matter what the “score sheet” says at the end of the day.
You rock. Glad to be on the planet with you.
Michael C
Thanks Michael! You are totally right about this being a page in the story, and looking at running that way makes it so much more rewarding (and keeps you from going off the deep end when things seem to be falling apart). Thank you so much for the support and the inspirational words.
I line up behind writers like John and Traci above. Since this marathon was framed more or less as a training experiment and as a stepping stone to the 2012 Olympics, I’d hate to see it turn instead into a stumbling block that sets your training back and endangers reaching your primary goal. Of course, I’ll be thrilled if you heal up and can run free & easy through the streets of NYC–I’ve been looking forward to that since you announced your entry. And I have my copy of RUNNERS WORLD all ready to be signed, if everything works out and I am able to meet you at the marathon expo later this week. I know you may have a very hard choice to make. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks David. Eyes on the prize: Track 2012. Lets hope things keep improving though bc I SO look forward to running the streets of NY on Sunday.
We are all behind you and wishing you the best this weekend in NY! Hope you are feeling great on Sunday morning.
Thanks Nicole!
Sending you happy thoughts and prayers! You are an inspiration to many of us-whether you do the NYC marathon or not. You are so much more than one race. 🙂
Thanks Becky.
Lauren,
I heard a bit of folksy wisdom today that seems to apply to your situation.
“We remember what we should forget and we forget what we should remember.”
Train your mind to be great, as much as you train your body.
What is your mental goal for this marathon?
What is your mental measurement for success after you cross the finish line?
Is your mental goal balanced against your physical goal?
We are cheering for you regardless of the outcome.
Have fun! Enjoy the process and the people. Breath peacefully and smile.
Can I put you in my pocket for the race?
You’re frickin awesome no matter what happens at that race. And even if something does go wrong, it’s another helpful experience. I’ve already called dibs on the TV so no one can watch the football game! Best of luck!
I am with you, from here Lauren. I know and trust that you will a) do everything humanly possible to be ready to go in New York, and b) make good decisions for yourself along the way, and c) arrive at a place of inner peace during this part of your journey…
Hi Lauren! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now, and you’re a huge inspiration in running, as well as general awesomeness/badassness. Like everyone here, I’m pulling for you to heal fast and blast through the NYC marathon pain free (ok, well no one goes through a marathon pain free, but you know what I mean). I’m recovering from my first Ironman more slowly than anticipated, so I had to defer my NYC entry this year. But I’ll be there cheering on first avenue between miles 18 and 19 (probably around the 30K mark). Anything in particular you want me to shout your way?
Stay positive. I am sending good vibes your way. We are all cheering for you no matter what!
Good luck Lauren! Do you have a goal (set pace etc.) that you would like to stick with, or are you taking this one as it goes? Maybe the latter is more comfortable in a way? (Will you be counting mile splits, for example?) In any case, you have already reapt the benefits of LR training, so just stay healthy, enjoy the run and take plenty of rest afterwards. Crossing the marathon finish line is such an incredible feeling. All the best to you!
Noooooo! Stabbing knee pain go away! I hope it’s a fluke and that the race goes on for you in spite of it! I’ll be in New York watching my husband race his first marathon (he is a lottery winner). Hoping that I see you there, at the front of the elite pack, kicking tooshie and taking names.
Lauren:
Best of luck from deep in the heart of Texas. I’m battling a calf injury myself. First visit to your blog and I was awestruck to see you answer your comments. That is SO admirable! I had already read about you and I’m sending best wishes in your inaugural marathon. You win when you toe that start line in my book! Above all else, enjoy the experience, you only get ONE first marathon. I hope yours is as memorable as mine (Munich ’82) and for GOOD reasons!
Hey Lauren,
When your mind is in the right place- it is amazing what we humans are capable of. Try not to worry (easy for me to say) and believe you have done the best to prepare yourself. Listening to you over the years- I know you are already in tune with what all your fans are telling you, and I know that at an elite level, where your financial and personal goals dwarf our (us “normal” people) running objectives- it is insanely difficult keeping your cool. Last time I checked, you were on the cover of Runner’s World- added pressure, sure, but when you look back on it when you are a grandmother- nobody can take that away from you. Have a great week, soak up the little moments and we will be cheering for you- ringing the cow bell.
Good luck and best wishes Lauren. You’re going to rock the NYC Marathon! Stay positive and enjoy the race. I and many others will be cheering for you.
Sorry to hear of your struggles. Best of luck this weekend. I had planned to be in NYC but ended up with a stress fracture in tibia. Will be cheering you on from home instead. By the way, totally agree that ART treatments is very, very painful – but seems to help a lot.
I know exactly what you mean about not knowing if your body will be 100% ready to go on race day. I have regionals this Saturday and hoping to make it to state. I had a great 4 mile tempo at moderately hard pace Friday. Felt pretty good about regionals until today when I did 4 x 800’s and legs weren’t feeling to great. I guess all I can do hope for the best and give it my all come Saturday. Good luck with your injury. I’m sure you will be ready come rest day. Most important part about running is to go out, relax and have fun.
Thinking about you and wishing you all the best. You deserve an incredible race!
Hoping to meet you at the expo 🙂 We can share some marathon virgin nerves!
Good Luck Lauren!
I’ve been dealing with plantaris tendon problems on and off for 4 years. Sadly its hard to rush the healing process. However, a positive attitude helps!
I’m crossing my fingers for you extra hard! I really hope you feel great on Sunday and can run an awesome first marathon. In the meantime, relax and think positive. Sending prayers/positive thoughts your way. 🙂
A friend forwarded me the espn article…liked it a lot…wanted to comment on the need for restrooms during the marathon. I’ve run 28 marathons, and have never touched a porty-a-potty handle, because the need doesn’t arise. I think I peed once while running a marathon, but the point is the body pre-race knows what it’s about to do, and so does the colon!! Let’s just say the body is throwing sand bags overboard so the hot air balloon can take to the sky and soar! I would dispel from your mind notions of those ignominious finishes we’ve all seen in the Hawaii Ironman…the marathon is a piece of cake compared to what they’ve gone through!
Happy birthday Cindy, you are only a baby. Just wait until you are my age 61. The cake would be enoghut to make you go off your diet a little. It looks and sounds so…. good. Have a wonderful day. Hope your cold gets better soon.Jean in Virginia
Fingers, toes and eyes all crossed for you Lauren and sending you many positive vibes ! No matter what happens you are one awesome athlete ! I was wondering, is the marathon part of a plan to make you a stonger 5,000 meter runner or are you going to start focusing on the marathon ?
Wishing you a wonderful, injury-free, calm-stomach race! 🙂
Lots of wise words here 🙂 Sending you (and knee-twin MBS) lots of positive thoughts for a great race on Sunday – define “great” your own way – and look forward to reading all about it!
Even on a bad day, you rock every race you run. It’s the NY Marathon. Savor every moment. Seems like a lot of us will be out there with you–at least in spirit.
Good luck tomorrow! Great thing about your first marathon, you’ll PR! Can’t wait to read about your experience!
Good luck tomorrow Lauren!
I’m sure you’ll be amazing!
Lauren:
Hopefully you are already half asleep…oh, who am I kidding!?!? I know what the night before a marathon is like as far as sleep goes. Anyway, I really hope that everything goes well tomorrow for you. The fact that you have been subjecting yourself to some A.R.T. gives me lots of optimism that things will go smoothly tomorrow; I swear that stuff is magic.
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow…we will all be rooting for you!