Training for Marathon #2

I knew before I even crossed the finish line at my first marathon that there would be a second one in my future.  I walked way more than I wanted and felt if I stuck with my training plan better I could have performed to my peak.  I signed up for the Rehoboth marathon that will be in December. Training began the week of August 16 and would continue for the next 16 weeks!  My training started out worse than it did for my first marathon, I only ran just under 14 miles for the entire month of August.  September was not much better with me getting 25 miles in for that month.  To put this in perspective, I should have been running that much each week!  October rolled around and the Crest Best Run Fest was fast approaching.  I signed up for the 5k and 10 miler, this would be the event that would tell me if I would continue with the marathon or defer till the next year.  My goal for the day was to just finish the 10 miles without walking.  Mission accomplished, marathon training was getting back on track.  In October I completed 100 miles.  My 19 mile run felt great and I felt confident this was going to be a good race for me in December.  November rolled in and I felt strong going into my last long run of 20 miles.  The last mile hurt but I did not worry about it, I ran 20 miles of course I expected things to hurt!  I took 2 days off and set out on a short 2 mile run after work one night.  I was still sore and not feeling quite right but as I have learned from other runners, you never judge a run by the first mile. I felt worse with each step, my ankle was not happy at all. I iced my ankle and rested a couple more days.  Friday I saw my doctor and she referred me to physical therapy and an orthopedic doctor, it was looking like my race was over.  Saturday I was not in as much pain so I tried again to get 2 miles done.  I completed the 2 and it didn’t hurt as much as Wednesday’s run but how would I complete 26?  I checked the race website and found I had till Sunday to defer, I took this as a sign to postpone my race.  If I was meant to push through and complete the marathon, I would have missed the deferral deadline.  I am disappointed but I know it is the best decision.  Better to take some time off now than to further injure myself.  I will keep you updated.