Wrote Friday about the time to start testing the leg out, building back up after six lost weeks. Because there's 10 weeks until the marathon now; it's not around the corner, but time's still a-wastin'.
And in the last three days, the tests keep on coming:
SATURDAY: I aired it out. Sort of. At this stage of training, I should be having one long run a week that varies between 14 and 20 or 22 miles. Saturday, I popped out for eight. I've run eight miles many times in the last year, but none felt as good as this one. Because I could do it without doubling over in pain. Because, while I was winded and my stride was off, I could still finish and say 'I did it.'
Test: Passed.
(But not without incident: About five miles in I felt a twinge in my right leg. Tweaked a groin muscle. Yeah, because when it rains it pours, and somebody, somewhere has decided this marathon is not going to be any easy road at any time.)
MONDAY: It's 8:45 a.m. and I'm sitting in an exam room at PACE Orthopedics, nine days after my MRI. Dr. Harary comes in and says the knee is structurally sound. This is good for many reasons, not the least of which is I'm not doing additional damage by ramping up my training.
Test: Passed.
TUESDAY: OK, we're not there yet. But it'll be just as important as Saturday or Monday. It will be the first time in more than a month I've run on consecutive days. Ran five miles this morning, and if felt alright, about as well as it probably will from here on out. Fingers crossed it will go well. And if not, at least I've got physical therapy at 8:30 to keep building strength in the leg.
Test: Incomplete ... for another 18 hours or so. ...
