thoughts?

best case its going to hurt for a few hours, deal with it

worst case it straight up breaks during the race and will hurt a lot for a short amount of time

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Boots
Fleet Feet Rochester, NY
Fleet Feet Buffalo, NY
YellowJacket Racing, Rochester, NY

You didn't taper seriously. You say you know this is stupid. You're going to race.

Let us know how it goes.

Let us know how the Sam Adams 26.2 tastes. :toast:

Thoughts? I’d bag it. "Significant pain even when walking"? Do you really want to risk being off for three months or longer? Long term injury-related issues? I say take the long view. Live and learn. Qualify in another year or two or five and do a proper taper. But it sounds like you plan to race regardless, so good luck, I guess. Yes, I know it’s *Boston*, but still, your long term health seems more important than any one race, even *Boston*.

And I don't understand the concept of disrespect to the race. But perhaps a 6 or 7 hour death march is more so than not starting, I don't know.

Ben

My concern is that it hurts to walk, that most likely means the run is going to be very painful. Ice won't help heal a stress reaction faster. Why risk doing some real damage and have problems for possibly years. The Dr that ordered the MRI, what was their guidance?

Thanks for the thoughts so far, folks. As I lay here in bed hours away from our would-be departure time, it's looking like a no-go. I just learned that our hotel costs are refundable... I'd save $1500 by cancelling and only be out the race fee.

I've run through many injuries in the past, but this is one is really painful... walking to the bathroom to take a leak just now was difficult.

Oddly enough, the pain seems to lessen slightly after I walk on it for a bit... but I know that running will anger it and the adrenaline will wear off pretty quickly. Nobody ordered the MRI - let's just say I'm fortunate enough to have access to such things, and the ability to interpret them. This race means a lot to me, but the risk:reward ratio seems very unfavorable in the big picture now that I'd only be out the race fee... running is very important to me. The new worst case scenario is that I decide to go, eat the $1500, and my metatarsal fails spectacularly in the middle of the race to a degree that requires surgical repair... I've now paid $1500 for a 6 month layoff from running and a chance of never getting back to my former level again. As much as it hurts (literally), the right choice is becoming clear.

Tons of respect for you!!! Sounds like you are making the right decision, which can be very hard when you are emotionally attached to achieving a goal. Rest up, let your body heal and know that this is just one race which will be run every year for a very long time and plenty of opportunity for you to race it again.

Not so fast, MadisonMan... stupidity prevails. We are on the road to Boston right now. For a number of reasons, I just need to know if I can get it done.

With the warm weather, I probably wouldn't have come near my goal time even if healthy. I need to take a prolonged break from running after this no matter what, but I will have an easier time doing that if 1.) I at least gave it a shot, and/or 2.) the damn thing breaks, in which case I won't have a choice.

While I agree that the race will be there for years to come, recent life events have reminded me that "next year" is promised to no one - or even tomorrow, for that matter.

And if I stand at the start line Monday morning knowing I can't do it, then hopefully we can make lemonade from the lemons and call it a fun (albeit $$$) weekend trip.

Update v2.0

Got halfway to Boston, about 4 hours on the road, before I had the courage to pull the plug. Called the hotel to cancel, so I've removed the element of choice. I'm deeply disappointed, but I've got a history of foot stress fractures and I need to start learning from these setbacks rather than potentially wrecking myself. It will be hard to watch the race on Monday, but at least we've got a few more bucks in our pocket and I feel like I'm treating my body with respect. And if I'm going to break this thing, I'd rather do it playing with my daughter and dog - blessed to have a beautiful family to take my mind off of the disappointment.

Thanks again, friends - be kind to yourselves.

Cushy shoe, smile, run in a way it hurts less it's Boston I've seen much worse i the case of idiots on crutches/boots and more who have to start ! Your on the low end. Than after no running for 4-6 weeks and heel

You've seen much worse, eh? Well, I'm not as tough as those folks I guess. In all seriousness, I now have to live with the decision to DNS... I'll never know if I could have made it through, but I do know that one day (God willing) I'll be back to Boston - healthy.

Smart! If your still going take it all in,rest up a few weeks than requalify. The majority of us are not smart. It's refreshing to see you may DNS, as opposed to .. screw it, I'll heal later!

Once again....Smart Decision. If you are even questioning it, you are making the right decision. Heal up, re-qualify and see you there in 2018

Thanks MadisonMan. Are you actually in Madison, WI? Looks like I may be moving there this summer, so I'll be looking to plug into the local running scene.

Yes...live in Madison. You will love it here. Great places to run, ride and swim