8 mile day, continued

... the 8 mile day has continued to take its toll on me.

I didn't mention this in the last post, but at about mile 6 my left foot came down wrong.  I felt it at the moment and knew it was weird, but it wasn't bad enough to stop.  I figured I'd 'run it out.'

It's a week later and I'm still feeling it.  I ran a short mile and a half on Monday to see how it felt and it started hurting after a mile.  I haven't run since then, thinking I'd be able to do my 9 miles yesterday.  Unfortunately, it was still hurting and I didn't want to push it.  I did a little bit of research and it seems I may have a metatarsal fracture.  (Medical friends, you may correct/help me in any way.  Advice is welcomed.)  From what I read, this kind of thing needs time ... like 4-weeks-off-of-it time.  With the half marathon on May 1st, that's impossible.  If it's really serious, it needs a doctor.  I don't like going to doctors ... not because I don't like them as people, but because I always feel like surely there are other people that are way worse off than me that need to be taking this person's time.  I know I'm weird.  I just don't like imposing myself and my issues on someone else.

The pain comes and goes depending on what I do.  If I point my toes, it hurts.  If I stand on my tippy-toes, it hurts.  I'm icing it when I can and it doesn't necessarily hurt to walk, but I'm staying off of it whenever possible.

Last year, about this time in my training, I was having shin issues.  I took several days off, iced it, got new shoes and ta-da!  Problem solved.  I would love to think that's what could fix this.

I had a little breakdown moment 2 nights ago with Colt.  The tears were flowing.  I know there are bigger things in the world and far worse problems, but I'm allowed to be sad and have a weak moment.  My plan was 9 miles yesterday, 10 miles next Saturday, the 10k race at CRBC the next Saturday, and then the glorious 13.1 miles on race day the next week.  I have had high hopes in my training knowing that my endurance IS better and my legs ARE stronger and my time WILL be better.  This injury is a huge letdown.

I know that's a lot of information, but if you're particularly educated in any area that may help me, I sure would appreciate your guidance. :)  I'm praying, praying, praying that I can still run the half marathon on May 1st.