New York 2016 - One Step at a Time

You would think after running 29 marathons I would know what I am in for but I honestly have no clue what is going to happen this coming weekend.

It’s been a long 8 months since my trip to Arizona when the pinching sensation began in my left knee. It took a month before I could see an orthopedic and when I finally did I had it drained and then injected with Cortisone and then I ran Boston. Having missed some critical training weeks I was forced to throw away any time goals and I just went out and enjoyed the day. How could I not? It was Boston.

After Boston I had an MRI taken of my knee and a PA and then a Surgeon then told me my marathon days were over. According to the MRI, I had arthritis in all 3 compartments of my knee – a result of ACL surgery from back in my hockey days. I knew the day would come for this diagnosis, however in spite of what the MRI was showing, I was not experiencing arthritic symptoms so I was not yet willing to accept that news – however, nobody would listen to me. All the medical professionals just focused on the obvious – the MRI said I had arthritis.

I then went to see some physical therapists who at least wanted to work with me and keep me running. For that I will always be grateful. However, the progress was slow and would often be 1 step forward and 2 steps backwards.

I basically lost the summer. I had some good days but I probably had more where I was on the verge of resignation – my running days were coming to an end.

I subsequently went back to the Surgeon and this time he reluctantly agreed that he could scope me and maybe he might find something to give me some relief. I actually felt like I was putting him out! But I had also scheduled an appointment with a surgeon out of my area who had fixed my other knee over 20 years earlier. He walked into the room and it was like seeing an old friend. He recalled my other knee (very rare condition) and while I do have a serious issue that concerns him (another story for another day), he did not believe my current symptoms were arthritis and he is confident he can help me.

So, I will run NYC on Sunday and 3 days later I will put my knee and my future running into this doctor’s hands as he performs surgery to address what’s going on.

So what will happen in NY? I have no clue. I don’t have the miles under my belt that I usually have. I don’t have the speed that I used to have. And I’m carrying about 10 extra pounds!! And yet for some reason I think I can still pull off a BQ time of sub 3:40. Am I arrogant thinking I can pull off a BQ with such little training? Am I violating a law of the Marathon that I have always professed – “Respect the Distance”? How far can I go before the knee starts pinching and will I have the mental fortitude to keep going if and when it does? Am I just an aging competitor who doesn’t know when to quit? Am I in denial, refusing to accept the inevitable – that someday I will lose out to Father Time?

Maybe the answer is little of all of the above!

My training miles have suffered dramatically and I will be entering NY with miles similar to what I used to run in the 2006, 2007 timeframe. Back then I did pull off some 3:40’s but this body was 10 years younger. Will 10 years of wisdom make up for 10 years of aging?

I will have to run smart – something that is not always easy for me to do as

I tend to run with my heart. I plan to take the first 2 miles at 9:00, bring it down to 8:30’s for a couple and then try to settle in with 8:20’s and as they say, “I’ll let the run come to me” and see how long the legs will take me. I won’t quit on myself but if it’s not there I will do my best to enjoy the day I’ve been given. I will enjoy the diversity of New York, I’ll take in the enthusiasm of the crowds, I’ll enjoy the companionship of my fellow runners and I’ll count my blessings for being able to be a part of the mystique of a Marathon.

When I finished my first marathon in 2004, I had no clue if there would be another, let alone 29 more.

So as I run this one I won’t worry about the next one. I’ll just be grateful for the run I’ve been on.

And when I finish, I’ll cherish the memories and then go have my knee done! One step at a time.