Hard Work and Dedication

Be careful with the pace. Yes, you can run 6:40s and it does feel easy, but it beats up the body overtime. Ease off to 7:20 or so, if the legs start itching run a mile, no more than that, under 6:00.

Sasha thanks for your input. I've been suffering from some right ankle pain - and as a result just took five days of rest before going out on a 12 mile easy run yesterday. Should I be concerned having taken a 5 day break with the marathon approaching on Oct 11th? The ankle issue didn't start occuring until after I started running in a new pair of shoes about 3 weeks ago. They are the same Nike Vomera 4's I've always worn, just a new pair. Anyways, the ankle tends to get a little swollen (by the inner bone that juts out) and causes discomfort when I run. It usually is more painful post-run ... icing it for 20 mins has helped. For example after my 21 mile long run on 9/20, I was in some major pain, hobbling around, but the next day it had mostly subsided. Afterwards, the following Mon and Tues, 9/21 and 9/22, I went out for 8 mile easier runs and the pain returned and got worse. So I took 5 days off until yesterday, when I went for a 12 mile run in about 1:26. I started feeling the ankle about 1/2 way through. It's definitely bearable but I feel like it will slow be down. I know you're not a doctor, but any thoughts? Also, how would you suggest approaching the next week and a half or so, in terms of training, mileage, etc? I want to give myself the best chance on race day. My sister is a former distance runner, and her thoughts:

"Think you better go have the ankle looked at...if it's tendonitis it will get worse running. Get a prescription

for a physical therapist for ultrasound and stim and to ice and take Arnica and stay off it. You should probably be tapering now anyway for the marathon. Maybe go see a sports med person after work who can take a look at it. Maybe even a cortisone shot will help you."

I would sincerely appreciate any advice that you or anyone else could provide. Thanks!

Andrew:

Training-wise, as long as you do some jogging/cross-training not a whole lot will change. I would keep it very mild as not to aggravate the injury.

Your sister had a good idea. If you have the money or good insurance getting professional help can never hurt. The trouble is that a lot of times you pay a whole lot of money for them to tell you it is nothing serious and will go away with rest and icing.