Not My Race...It is HIS!

It's been a very hard decision, but I have decided what I am going to do. I have mixed emotions. I am honestly not sure that I can complete the task at hand. For almost a year I've had significant hip pain. Yet, I have been able to run and finish races albeit at a much slower pace than usual.

Last April I was a speaker at the Illinois Marathon Speaker Series and decided to run the half marathon while I was there representing TEAM 413. The race was difficult for me and on the way home I starting having more than "normal" pain in my right hip. I dismissed it. I tried to forget about it. I took time off and then I tried to run again. I couldn't.

So, all my running plans seemed to be placed on the shelf for awhile. I missed running at Grandma's, Hospital Hill, the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and other events throughout the summer. Finally I had to make a decision and in early August I saw one of the top hip surgeons in the country. Having already seen my MRI and X-Rays, I knew that his advice would not be what I wanted to hear. He told me that I needed either a hip replacement or hip resurfacing. We discussed the validity, complications, and success of both procedures. We concluded that I was a candidate for a hip resurfacing rather than replacement simply because I am so active with TEAM 413. I want to return to running as soon as possible after the surgery.

My surgery was scheduled for January 16, 2013. Then, I asked a lot of questions. "If I can stand the pain, can I run/walk until then? Will I cause any additional harm? Will activity compromise the success of the upcoming surgery?" The answers were fairly simple...."the damage is done. If you can tolerate the pain, you can do whatever you wish."  So I asked more, "How about running the Chicago Marathon in October and finishing the Goofy Challenge at the Disney World Marathon in January?" The doctor answered, "Not a problem if you can do it....chances are you won't be able to go through the pain." Although it was not a challenge, I took it as one!

So, here I am just three days from the start of the Chicago Marathon, one of the greatest marathons in the world. I registered a very long time ago. I have a race number. I have a corral assignment. We have a place to stay. Everything says, "GO!" except my hip. I've delayed or altered long runs because of pain. Instead, my long runs became long weekends....4 miles on Friday, 8 miles on Saturday, and 12 or more miles on Sunday. Unconventional? Yes! Will this training get me to the finish line in Chicago? I have no idea, but I hope to give it a shot!

After much prayer, I have made the decision to go to Chicago, I will line up at the start line on Sunday morning, October 7, with a very supportive wife cheering me on. My start corral is far back in the crowd so, I will have more time to "warm up." My race goal is to beat the time limit for the event, but if I can't, to keep moving forward and get to the finish nevertheless.

No matter what happens on race day I will still plan on going the "GOOFY DISTANCE" on January 12-13. After that, I'll check in at the hospital and turn my hip over to the surgeon for resurfacing on January 16. 

Crazy? Maybe.

Blessed? For sure. 

Goal to glorify God? Exactly!

Say a prayer for us as we continue this path that God has planned for us. While some folks may not understand why I feel the need to carry on, all I can say is that it is my calling, it is my duty, God is faithful , and I am blessed!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris