16 Weeks After ACL Reconstruction: Nike Marathon Finisher

I did it! Less than 16 weeks after ACL Reconstruction and Meniscal Repair, I ran a marathon. Yes, 26.2 miles in 5:22:06 I walked/ jogged the first 12 miles or so with my sister, who was competing in her first half marathon. Then as the full and half marathon courses separated, I said goodbye to my sis and continued onwards for 14 more miles. It was a big psychological challenge. I had to rely on will-power, determination, and faith to overcome the physical and psychological obstacles I encountered during these long miles. Remembering "Team in Training", my supporters, family, friends, co-workers helped. I dedicated these last 14 miles to my niece, Lizzy, who died earlier this year. Her memory also helped me overcome the challenges I faced. I knew that what I had to endure on race day was temporary. Unlike those battling Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other cancers, my trials and tribulations would end after a few hours. The survivors and those currently battling cancer are the real Heroes!

I was sore for a day or two, but now I've recovered and I'm already looking forward to the Rock n Roll San Antonio marathon next month.

3.5 months Post ACL Reconstruction: Nike Marathon Weekend

It's finally here. Sunday will be the Nike Women's Marathon. When I signed up for the random drawing in March, I convinced my sister and her girlfriends to enter the draw with me and if chosen they would be running their first half or full marathon on Oct 18, 2009. Well, we got chosen. From that group, I know one girl had to withdraw due to medical issues. I was not sure that I would be participating so soon after ACL reconstruction.

But I used this as a target date, a goal to shoot for during my rehab. I trained hard to maintain my cardiovascular fitness by swimming, biking, and later the elliptical machine. When I could, I started walking from a couple miles at first to over 18 miles by mid September. When I got the go ahead to run a couple weeks ago, I started by jogging at 13 to 15 min/ mile pace. This week I ran at 8 to 12 min/ mile pace for over an hour on the treadmill. I have also been on the roads training, my last long run-walk 12 days ago was a 20 miler. I have been working on my hamstring curls to regain strength in my hammies. Although I'm no where near 100%, I am ready to at least walk a half marathon and if my leg holds up run or jog the remaining miles of the full marathon. My goal is to finish before the 6.5 hour marathon cutoff.

I will be flying out to SFO tomorrow and hit the Expo at Union Square. Then its home to the Eastbay and get together with my sister and my parents. Sunday morning I will walk the first 12 miles with my sister. At this point the Half marathoners will head for the finish, while the Full marathoners continue through Golden Gate Park and then out to Lake Merced, before returning for the finish along the Great Highway. If I can get to mile 12 in 3.5 hours, I hope to run the next 14 miles in under 3 hours.

3 months Post ACL surgery

Since my last post, I've formally enrolled for the 2010 Ironteam. I will be competing in the Wildflower Long Course Tri and the Full Vineman Ironman distance Tri. I will once again raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My fundraising website is set up and I've got my first few donations already. Thank-you to my donors. 75% of the funds I raised last season will also roll-over, so thanks again to my past donors. Please make a donation if you are able to. The LLS is a worthwhile organization that is making a real difference in the lives of people dealing with Leukemia and Lymphoma. This year I'm dedicating my Ironman training to my niece, Elizabeth who passed away earlier this year. She was only 16. I will swim, bike, and run in her memory.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/VineFIrn10/neomedic

My PT and rehab is coming along well. I've been doing a lot of walking and crosstraining on the elliptical and stationary bike. I walked 18 miles 2 weekends ago! Yesterday I saw my ortho doc who gave me the green light to start running again. My ortho doc wants me to start with treadmill. I hate treadmill. Too boring. So I've started with jogging along the dirt paths in P.V. The paths are level and provide a softer surface than asphalt or concrete. I also walk and jog with my Vibram 5 finger shoes. These shoes simulate barefoot running. They provide a layer of protection for the soles of the feet without all the heavy support and cushioning devices found in the typical running shoe. The idea is to develop one's own intrinsic foot muscles. I also have better proprioception and tactile sensation with the ground. This is especially important since I lost some of that after my ACL surgery.

Check out their website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

I will be walking the Nike Half Marathon in SF in 2 weeks with my sister, Cindy. This will be her first half marathon. She will be joined by some of her girlfriends. I'm looking forward to seeing the big Team in Training contingent at the race. I will be wearing my Ironteam tri-top.

Then in mid November, I will be walk/ running the RnR San Antonio Marathon. By that time, I will be 4.5 months after my surgery. I will be walk/ jogging a 20 miler this Sunday as a training run. Prior to my 3 week taper period, I will get another 20 miler in after the Nike SF race.