I am fortunate in that my (GP) doctor IS a runner. I explained to him I'd be searching for another alternative. He encouraged me to do so.
After much detailed research, I found a surgeon who understands a runners point of view and promised me I would indeed be able to run again. (He kept his promise.) He had a totally different surgical procedure and approach. And I won't be setting off the security systems at airports either since I have NO metal or other objects in my spine. I will cover this experience in detail in the near future so that other runners may benefit from what I learned in case they ever face a similar situation.)
This is, of course, not to imply that surgery and metal support for the spine is always unnecessary. I am just saying that in my case, as in some others, it would have been a mistake. One that would have changed my life forever. In life, things happen over which we have no control or very little control. All we can do is deal with it the best we can. But by golly, when a situation presents itself over which I do have some control, you had better believe I will not just sit passively by and go along for the ride!
Okay, now on to the "thon" training!
Want to "run" the Boston Marathon from your chair? Take a look here!
Here is an interesting bit of information.
Since the first Boston Marathon in 1897, Man has invented airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and the Internet, but modern day runners have been able to shave only 48 minutes off of John J. McDermott's winning time of 2:55:10.
Ladies, did I mention panty hose, hula hoops and automatic dishwashers? (Oh thank you, inventor of-most-important-kitchen-aid! ) Hmmm . . . kitchen aid . . .that would be a good name . . .
OK, I'll get back on track. (Notice related pun.)
Now for the plan.
For general marathon training, you can follow a three- week, rotating schedule similar to the program laid out by Ed Sheehan, coach of the B.A.A. Running Club.
Use weeks one and two of the program to build up strength and endurance by increasing your mileage; use
