Snow Flurries in Chazy !!!

Hello there folks.

So I have avoided writing this for a few days because I've not wanted to deal with it. A month or so, a smart fella told me that I should be careful tying my race to my raising some dollars for mom. I thought about it for a few days and contemplated a lot of what he was saying to me. Because it did feel a little odd to ask friends and family for such favors and help. At the same time it was clear to me that it was one of the only things I could do to help out, to feel like I was fighting this sickness the only way I could at this point. In the past week or so I have gone up and done with regret and just saying.....well saying "screw it, I did the right thing"

Specifically, I am not so sure about my ability to complete the marathon due to an injury. About 4 weeks ago I completed 18 miles with no problem. Honest, I felt GREAT !

Then two weeks later I did a 20 miler, and felt fabulous in many ways, but as some may know, the last four miles were super painful because of a stabbing pain in my left knee.

Fast forward to this past weekend, I was supposed to complete my final long run of 20 miles. I was only able to go 6 before stopping and walking home. Kevin came to pick me up, Darryl and Gary finished the 20 miles and I sat at home feeling defeated and foolish.
The weeks between the first 20 miler and the second I started Physical Therapy and had some xrays.

It's your basic IT Band issues. I am rehabbing it, getting sports massages to break up the scar tissue and stretching till i can't anymore. I thought this weekend I would be ok, but I wasn't.

I am not giving up, but all of a sudden this became a mental game that I feel illl prepared to tackle. My training has basically stopped, as the prescribed therapy for this thing also involves not running at all.

I am also sorry to those who I asked for help with the fundraising, as I based it on something that had the risk of incompletion. I will definitely be able to finish the 13 miles if I have to run it was a bottle of Vicodin in my hand, but MY GOAL IS STILL TO PUSH THRU TO THE FULL MARATHON. I may have to re evaluate finish times, and be ok with walking a bit.
But I will try. I promise.


IN OTHER POSITIVE NEWS:
Mom got her second chemo yesterday, and is feeling pretty good. The first round was HORRIBLE. She ended up going to the hospital because she was so sick, but I think they gave better meds this time, and that she is learning to eat more small things throughout the day.
I am going up to see her this week, and will stay for a week, Lake Placid on Friday for lunch and also a Sports Massage, where they specialize in IT Band issues !!!!
Whiteface here we come.

Thanks everyone.