“A pair of star-cross’d lovers”
-Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
The Marine Corps Marathon has special meaning to me. My father was in the military, the Air Force. He’s a Vietnam vet who served during war time on our soil. He was one of the lucky ones. My grandfather was in the Navy as was my cousin. I have a very close girlfriend who is in the Air Force. My sister’s husband is a fighter pilot. Obviously, Navy Steve is a military guy. I have many co-workers and friends who have also served in one of the branches. I, myself, regret not going to the Air Force Academy as I had one time thought about doing. My eighteen year-old id got in the way.
All that being said, I am proud to be an American. No matter what our politicians and leaders decide, I try to remember just how good I actually have it as an American. Sure, we can all bitch and moan about taxes and civil rights, but honestly, it could be much, much worse. My girlfriend in the military and I jokingly call ourselves “girl scouts.” We say this because we are always looking at the positive side of things and are very patriotic. She of course, serves our country every day and I’m just proud to know her.
Where am I going with all of this? Well, it seems as though my reoccurring tendinitis is back and it threatens my chances of running the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) yet again. This is the same injury that prevented me from running in it last year. Just as Romeo and Juliet were star cross’d, MCM and I all seem to be ill fated lovers.
This injury has, of course, come back by way of too many hills and not resting. While it didn’t bother me during the triathlon, I had taken a week off prior to the race. As I type this today, it gives me a twinge every now and again and I’m not quite sure how long I can rest before it begins to impede my training schedule.
My flight to DC is booked, my registration paid for. My hotel is in the works. And my travel companion, the ever lovely D, is ready to go. Regardless of if I can run, I’m going to MCM. The entire point of my going to this marathon is to share in the camaraderie of being in our nation’s capital, celebrating with members of the armed forces and honoring those who serve. To read the story of how this marathon got started in and of itself is inspiring (MCM Story).
I am doing what I need to do to heal and get to the starting line. I made an appointment with a podiatrist, just to see if I can prevent this in the future. Even if I can’t run MCM I would like to prevent a third cycle of Old Wonky. I will continue to ice, rest, compress, and elevate. What I won’t be doing, is sitting around, having a pity party. I’ll be a lean, mean, cross training machine. And I will be remember those who have served and who currently serve. I can stand a little tendinitis as compared to what servicemen and women have done for me.
As for my Romeo and Juliet analogy, don’t worry, I won’t be heading to an apothecary, unless it’s for NSAIDs and a magazine to read on the plane.
I am running MCM… it will be my first marathon since I wa 17… I just turned 33.
Great attitude!
Hey, I'm the life of the 'Pity Partay'! Just do what you have to do. Those crazy kids of Shakespeare……….
LOVED this!
I have no doubt you will get there in one piece. Maybe revamping your training plan will give you the peace of mind you need to feel stronger about the race – no matter what.
Good luck girlie – I'll be here cheering for you!
We're both just a big ol' pile of mess lately huh Boo? Here's hoping we both toe the start and cross the finish lines of our upcoming marathons! Love you!!
I'm glad that you are going no matter what. I just hope you are well enough to run.
From doth these two house…
Oh sorry, we weren't suppose to finish the quote huh? Yeah well I loved the Leo Claire Danes version ha. I hope you get there!!!
I think it is so great that you are going even if you can't run..My hubs is in the AF and we have really wanted to run the MCM. I will be praying that you will be able to run but be careful! I am sure your dad would be so proud of you wether your run it or not!
The *only* solution for tendonitis is rest and massive amounts of NSAIDs. My son was a pitcher in High School, so he rode the elbow/shoulder tendonitis bandwagon for a while. Two weeks ofrest and 800mg on ibuprofen three times a day – without fail. Miss one dose and the anti-inflamatory benefits go away. And don't confuse the analgesic side effect of the ibuprofen – jst because it stops hurting doesn't mean the inflamation is gone….
Totally late in reading this, but if (knock on wood) you can't run the MCM, maybe you want to sign up for the MCM 10k? Not the same thing, but same day, same finish line, same expo, and you also get a medal. And you finish before the marathoners, so not only you can grab a beer with no line, but you can cheer for the marathoners crossing the finish line.
I'll be doing the 10k (it'll be my 3rd year running it).