Good News!

On Wednesday I finally visited with an orthopedist, and as you can see from the x-ray, the news was very encouraging. I do not have a stress fracture, but merely a case of “runners’ knee” — an inflammation caused by a tendon rubbing up against the bone. Those dots on the x-ray below are BBs the doctor had attached to the sore spots on my leg, and they align neatly, he says, with where such contact would take place.

So my running need not be put on hold. The doctor gave me some anti-inflammatory medication which, after a week, should relieve the pain. He also set me up with some PT to learn stretching techniques that will help prevent a reoccurrence. Finally, he encouraged me to get some arch supports for my shoes, which I intend to try out over the weekend. Meanwhile, he says I’m free to run as far as I can until it hurts, then I need to stop.

The bad news is that with the L.A. Marathon two weeks away, and with my having seriously curtailed my running regimen (including no long runs) these last four weeks, I cannot get myself ready in time. But I already knew that, and on the bright side, I should be able to get ready for another marathon much sooner than I had thought. Right now, the top contenders are:

• The OC Marathon, May 2
• The Palos Verdes Marathon, May 15
• The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon San Diego, June 6

I suppose circumstances, recovery, and — above all — Providence will determine which one, but I am so grateful that these are even an option. Thanks to all who have prayed!