10

When I see or hear the number "10" I think first of Nadia Comaneci, then, Bo Derek. But this "10" doesn't refer to either one. It is just the number of weeks I have been sidelined. And though I tried to wash my brain with aqua jogging and my stationary bike, brain couldn't be washed. 

It is noteworthy to say that in these 10 weeks I have exercised the equivalent to 245 miles of walking. That's quite a bit... and these activities certainly helped to keep myself entertained, or aerobically fit (not!) but there was no replacement for my favorite running activity: Racing.

The last race I had been registered but had to withdraw was Seattle Rock & Roll Half Marathon on 6/26. Still, I went to the expo to feel the race atmosphere, pick up my shirt & bib, meet blogger friend Charlie and his buddy Tom, try everything that was offered, and get a new pair of my Asics Nimbus 11 for 50 bucks. Not bad.

After 10 long weeks the bone bruise seems to be totally gone. However, a pain in my right foot and in my left hip that I dismissed during my marathon training, cannot be dismissed any longer after 10 weeks of doing not much and still hurting. I have been sent to a podiatrist. Initial diagnosis: I am possibly developing neuroma (inflammation of the interdigital nerves of the foot). And as a possible compensation, I put more weight on my left side (90 lbs vs. 45 lbs - yes double!!!!). The hip pain could be a result of that. "Could" because two opinions say that left leg is longer than right and that's the reason of the problem and other two opinions say that I am just compensating. Who to believe? I don't know, but f or sure I need to improve my bio-mechanics, and for that I will have a gait analysis plus a bunch of new procedures that will start this coming Friday.

All in all, I have been cleared to run. Just completed two miles that felt an eternity but it meant freedom. Freedom to build, little by little, my running blocks to be back in the game....my racing game. A game that will start... how soon?