Half vs. Full after injury

[riggins]

Hi guys-
I need some help deciding whether I should do the half or full in January. I ran the Disney half marathon in 2009, 2010, and 2011 and decided at the last race that 2012 would be the year I finally had the courage to go after a Mickey medal. Then at the end of April, I fell and sprained my ankle pretty badly. I've been going to physical therapy twice a week and have not been allowed to run for the past 10 weeks (although I've been swimming and biking for the past 4 weeks). Last week, I started jogging in place on the mini-trampoline and next week, my PT says I'll be ready for the treadmill. So assuming all goes well, I expect I'll be back running later this month.

So now I'm torn about whether I should try to tackle the full in January or if it should wait until 2013. I was terrified about committing to the full before I hurt my ankle (26.2 miles is a LONG way), but I had decided this was the year I was going to squash my fears and go for it. Now that I'm almost back to running, I'm still really nervous about it, but I'm not sure if its just my same old fears about running 26.2 miles or if my ankle is really a legitimate reason to just do the half again. I keep telling myself that trying to do the full this year would be crazy and I would just be asking for injuries if I tried. But part of me also thinks that's just an excuse because I'm scared of the distance. Anyone have thoughts, opinions, or similar experience?

Thanks
Leslie

 

[cewait]

Wow, this is really a decision only you can make with consultation of your doctor and PT.

In very general terms, without knowing anything else, I would say both races are within your grasp and either race is doable. You have pegged some of your trepidation on mental games - which is the largest negative I see right now.

Rather than make the decision today, once released to run, start training following a full plan. Monitor your leg's health and the % full notices on the web site. If you see your leg not feel well, then pull back to the half. If you see one of the races filling (say 85%+ full) you will need to decide then. In the mean time go out and carefully build miles. Only run 3x a week and follow the 10% weekly increase rule as best your can.

Pay special attention to the opposite leg for the first month of running. You may compensate for your injured ankle which can create an injury on the opposite side.

Finally, do not fall into the trap of worrying that you will get injured by pushing out to the full. Sure, injury is a possibility - but it is also a possibility in the half... Work on your PT well past your meetings with your practitioner. Ask for advanced activities that you can use to strengthen the area once you are discharged and then work to keep both legs healthy.

 

[riggins]

Thanks Coach! I think I've pegged all of my trepidation on mental games, so I really appreciate your "unemotional" thoughts and advice on the topic!!!

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach! I think I've pegged all of my trepidation on mental games, so I really appreciate your "unemotional" thoughts and advice on the topic!!!

Any time....
I have also been there , also. Its not an easy decision but the good news is you have time before you have to commit