Doctor Envy

My husband said when he was running one of his races, he was telling his friend about the doctor he and I have been seeing for our running injuries. He's a runner, too, and actually runs a "Running & Endurance Athlete Center " as well as being a sports medicine doctor. He's the consultant to our running group.

My husband's friend said that she had "doctor envy" because our doctor has so much experience with running. It certainly helps to have a doctor who understands running, and more importantly why you run.

I found this out today when I went to my third PT (pain and torture) session. My first session was with Joe, who has run 10 Boston Marathons. He's the one who diagnosed me as bowlegged. After seeing him for the initial consultation, I've been seeing another physical therapist who is really nice and does a good job explaining the exercises, but she is definitely not a runner. (Her profile is not on the website, btw.)

She asked how I was feeling today, and I said my legs hurt in the usual places, but not too bad. I said I had taken a break from running, then I ran 6 miles on Saturday and 2 yesterday. When I met with Joe, he told me I could run the race if I felt up to it, or I could cut back. But my current physical therapist said "Six miles!" and shook her head in dismay as though that explained everything. I said I was supposed to run 13.1 but cut back because of my legs. I explained I was trying to train for the Columbus half marathon in October and I needed to run.

She said I could do other workouts to maintain my cardio while I was doing the physical therapy. Like swimming. Swimming? I can barely float, let alone swim. The whole reason I run is because it requires the least amount of coordination, not to mention it is really relaxing. An hour on a stationary bike would be unbearable (and would hurt my butt), and I'd never get a good work out swimming. And when and where was I supposed to swim? Let's not even mention the elliptical machine.

Later, Joe walked by and asked - "Don't you have a race coming up?" I said I decided not to do the race and instead did just 6 miles. He smiled and said that was a good idea and I was gearing up for the next race, right? At least he understood.

The woman I am working with admitted she hated to run. She was involved in a number of sports like volleyball, and running was part of the practice, not something to be enjoyed by itself.

So she doesn't understand. I need to run. I have to run. I will run! Just not so much yet....

I truly believe I'm on the right path. I just need to slow down and keep working on my PT. And talk to runners who will sympathize with my plight. Like Joe. Even if I am nowhere close to running the Boston Marathon.