It appears that I overtrained for the London Marathon, and as a result I developed an exertional compartment syndrome. I was seen by an orthopedist this past Wednesday morning, and much to my disappointment, he advised me not to run for three to four months. I should be able to run at that time, but must very slowly build mileage.
So I wonder…will I ever run another marathon? At this point, I think not, but how much of my mood is merely being influenced by this setback? Every time I train for one, I end up injured. Last time it was two months of physical therapy for a patellofemoral injury. In 1997 I had the infamous “unhappy triad” (tearing the anterior cruciate ligament, medial cruciate ligament, and medial meniscus) injury secondary to landing improperly in the long jump at a track meet. For this injury, I had surgery followed by two months of physical therapy.
I am planning to use this time for reflection. Perhaps I will try swimming, or cycling, or weight training. I know I must exercise. How can I become a physician and not exercise, when that is exactly what I will recommend to my patients? The future is open.