It was three weeks before the marathon and my 16, 18 and 21 mile runs felt like someone was hitting the side of my knee with a hammer. Friends of mine suggested I bow out but it seemed like such a waste to sacrifice all my work up to that point. Besides, I was raising money for my church and backing out just wasn’t an option.
I had been looking everywhere for help or advice and two people told me about Dr. Cragg. When I called I had little hope of being ready for my first marathon. So, I was very glad when the receptionist was able to fit me in the day after I called. On the first visit Dr. Cragg must have listed a dozen things that were wrong with me. Then one day a few weeks later you all stretched me out and sent me home. That night (6 days before the marathon) I ran 5k like I never had before. Just shy of my 40th birthday I ran an 18:44 5k which was better than I had ever run even in high school. It felt weird not feeling pain in my glutes or knee for the first time in five months.
During my training I ran a painful 21 miles in 3:40 and so I had little hope of finishing 26.2 in under four hours. However on the day of the marathon the miles went by and while I was conscious of my IT Band and Hamstring issues, I shot holes in my training times.
In my first marathon, the miles wore on and I dealt with the same aches and pains all marathoners experience but the problems I had been having for months just weren’t there. In light of the problems I had during training, I was elated with my time of 3:56 and I credit much of my success to Dr. Cragg.
I do not think I would have finished without you all at SLIR.
As a cross country and track coach I would refer any of my athletes to Dr Cragg in a heartbeat. My head coach has been having issues and I’ve already passed your name on to him. Thanks again for your help.
