Pain in my ...abs

So I went to the doctor this week. I am not sure I told you guys, so forgive me if I bore you.

While training for the marathon in VA Beach, I had some pain in my lower right abdomen. Well, everything and anything hurts those last few weeks so who would know if something hurt or was injured?

I did see a doc before we moved, but things were inconclusive. It feels like I think a hernia would feel...burn, sting, hot, but I never found a protrusion. Now, I only feel pain when doing lower abs, long runs at about 9 miles or shorter runs if fast.

So, I finally went to a doc here. You know, this process is just painful and maybe worse than the pain in my belly. First I make an appointment with a general doc. Yep, I have an issue, maybe this, maybe that. Must be referred. See doc #2. He determines I have strained my illiosoas and the bursa sac is irritated or burst (in other words, I have bursitis). Now, I must see doc #3 for physical therapy. The prescription calls for 3x per week! How inconvenient!

Now what? I am not sure I told you guys that after my great running vacation I was just sure I should suck it up and do the El Paso marathon March 1. (but you knew that was coming didn't you?) It won't be my best time; in fact, it is likely to be my worst, but I think I can do it. Now, this is interfering. I know that I am not causing permanent damage, just pain. I could do the marathon and then do the therapy.

I can't do a race this fall since Pete deploys, Ian graduates and I need to take him to college on the East Coast. That would be a good time to take a break and try to heal.

So, the truth is I hate to give up a chance to do another marathon. It is calling me in my sleep. That said, I feel foolish for not taking care of an injury. Of course, I was assured no permanent damage, just pain. I have done 3 marathons with each one netting a better time. It sucks to know I will have to slow down.

If this were not enough, I also struggle with long run routes. Off post is not very appealing for a woman running alone. It's not risky, but I wouldn't call it the safest area. Lower income, big fences, even in the front yard, with big fighting dogs jumping, barking and growling. Scary! what's left is running in circles on post for miles and miles.

I know I am whining. Why is this so hard? I cannot seem to make a decision. My plan today is to run 18 this weekend. I will do 10 off post alone. I am fairly confident about one route through a few neighborhoods and then up Scenic Drive, which is a hell of a hill, but a gorgeous view. Then, back to post for my normal 8 miles. If I can do that and feel fairly good, I should be able to gut out the marathon. Of course, I will have to schedule a 20 and a 23 sometime before March 1, but at that point it's all perspective.

One option is to try to do a perfect 4 hour. Solid 9 minute miles with perfect splits. Then, I could be a pacer! That would be cool!

Aren't you glad you don't live in my head?!