update

i ended up seeing a physical therapist (who also happens to be my friend) this week. she showed me a bunch of stretches that should help, used an anti inflammatory gel patch on my hip, and had me run a mile on the treadmill to make sure i wasn't over pronating or anything. she said it looked like i was running fine, but she did discover that my left leg is weaker in general. i guess that's pretty common. it was news to me.

so, this week i walked 3 miles. and ran 2.5 (one at the p.t. appt.). other than that, i have been resting and stretching. as of right now, i am planning to run the marathon this weekend. it's all kind of up in the air as to whether or not i can make it to the finish with my leg. if it is painful, i will try to run and walk. if that hurts too much, i will quit. there are always other races, and since i just ran a marathon, this is just a bonus if it works out. it's actually kind of nice to go into a race with this laid back attitude. no pressure.

as always, my goal will be to enjoy it, be thankful that i am able to run, and pray for people i love during each mile.

off to run #7.
stay tuned...