Mike's Marathon Blog

No, I’m not talking about Brett Favre. Trust me, I wish I was talking about Brett Favre.

I will unfortunately be a game-time decision for the NYC Marathon. Right now, I can’t walk. I can’t bend over, I can’t sit, lay, stand up straight, move, sleep, etc. Running is currently not even an option. It is physically impossible.

My back started flaring up again last week. I golfed on Thursday and as much as I want to get mad at myself for golfing, I know that’s not the sole reason for my current back pain. It had been hurting a little all week and I guess that was the nail in the coffin. I was in the clear for awhile, which was nice, but this pain has been coming and going all year. I have a herniated disc. I wasn’t supposed to be exercising, never-mind training for a marathon. I guess it caught up to me.

The worst part about this whole episode is that it doesn’t just affect me this time around. My friend Miriam and I have been training for this race together and as of now, she might have to go at it alone. I feel terrible. I honestly cannot even sleep thinking about it. Well, that and the excruciating back pain when I lay straight.

My plan first thing in the morning is to try and get an emergency injection. I don’t know if they will take me on such short notice, but maybe they will squeeze me in after I explain the situation? The last time I scheduled an injection, it took over a month to get an appointment. And looking back now, maybe I should have kept it?

If the injection is off the table, then my next step will be a chiropractor. I’m not sure if they can help, but perhaps they can do something/anything to relieve the pain for the weekend? I don’t know if this is possible, but it’s worth a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? I can’t walk as it is.

Can I back-out at this point? The answer is yes. I have until the day before the marathon to cancel. My number would automatically be transferred to the 2011 NYC Marathon and I would be given a spot for that Miles for Miracles team. Any money that I have raised has already been donated to Children’s Hospital.

I unfortunately cannot stop time. The marathon is 1 week from today and I leave for NY in 5 days.

I’m praying for a miracle!