**UPDATE - SEVERE INJURY**

Hi Everyone,
As sad as it makes me feel to write this update, I feel it is only fair that I continue updating my blog when there is bad news. It wouldn't be right to only put in all the "good" stuff. So here goes....

Obviously (per my previous entry), I got hurt at the end of last week. My running doctor diagnosed it as Posterior Tibula Tendonitis (shin splint), which is very common. What is NOT common however, is where my tendonitis has appeared. The inflammation is on the inside of my left ankle (right around the bone, yet above the heel) and continues into the arch of my foot. Basically, it is where the "shin splint" tendon attaches to the bottom of my foot. The doctor has explained to me that the only thing that helps is heat, taping and rest.

So I did not run all week. At all. And I was a real pecker to those who love me. I don't think it was intentional (at least I hope not)...but I have really been on edge. My acupuncturist has REALLY helped to ground me. We have been communicating via email almost daily, and today instead of my scheduled long run I did one hour of "pool running" to help my foot, then followed that with a 1.5 hour acupuncture session. When it was all over, my foot REALLY REALLY REALLY hurt. I got in the car and had to sit for a second because it was throbbing. But I came home, got some food, took a nap and I am doing a little better now.

This next week is really going to be a challenge. I am going to have to really pace myself and not push too hard. My thought is that Monday night I am going to go for a 1 mile walk during the day, then do a 20 minute elliptical (zero foot impact). The next day I will re-evaluate and see how I feel. Truthfully, my friends and family have been very supportive and have been really doing everything possible to keep me in a positive mood - but I am scared. Never in my life have I put forth this much effort, and I really feel like I have failed everyone (including myself). This next week will be important. There are only 5 weeks left until Marathon Day and I HAVE to get back into training shap ASAP. If I cannot get at LEAST a nice healthy 5 or 6 mile run in by the end of this next week, I will be going into panic mode.

No dedications for this week. Just alot of medicine, alot of hopes, alot of dreams, alot of prayers.

Wish me luck everyone....

Bill