The road to 13.1: Making the road a little longer
I love a challenge. Well-timed challenges are even better, in part because they give me the combination of a task to overcome and a reasonable chance of doing it. The best part of all is when those challenges are approved by medical professionals. In this instance, I’m fortunate to have all of the above.
Two weeks after the Borgess Run for the Health of It, Grand Rapids is hosting the Fifth Third River Bank Run. The former is a half marathon (13.1 miles) run, while the latter is a 25-kilometre (15.53 miles) run. The distances are relatively similar, and neither race is particularly expensive, and I have friends in Grand Rapids who can dispose of my body if I don’t survive that race, so … I sought medical and coaching approval to add the race to my calendar and, if necessary, tweak my training program.
Amazingly, Dr MV and my coach at Borgess Run Camp endorsed the goal. Dr MV attached conditions related to the health of my legs, but I think that was always going to be a factor. I’m okay with that. I’m still in physical therapy for my hamstring. I’m working on my shin splints, and have other options available to me in that battle. I also have ibuprofen and ice packs.
Dear Dr CV and/or Dr MV,
Can I talk you into a prescription for Vicodin as part of my training regimen? I’m guessing I can’t, but it never hurts to ask, right?
Sincerely,
Darrell
In any case, I’m looking forward to pulling off two races of half-marathon length or greater within the space of three Saturdays. Oh, and mad props to Steve for offering me a futon on which to sleep the night before the race.
Dear Steve,
You rock. I’m not sure if you rock the casbah, but you rock. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Darrell
