Will do! Thank you.

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I have been enjoying the podcasts here for quite some time and always enjoy learning more from Tawnee and Phil! I am a 51 year old female ultrarunner, typically running a few 100s each year, multiple 50 milers and 50Ks as training runs. I have been training using MAF since February. Tracy Hoeg is coaching me. My MAF test (I do 10 miles on the track each month) began at 13 minute mile, it has now whittled down to 941. I couldn't be happier. I began adding fats/lower carb a few months ago. I first began MAF training because higher mileage, speed, etc, was beating me up. 5 years ago I had a total radical hysterectomy and nothing has been the same since. I hadn't any injuries prior to hysterectomy BUT I realize I am of course, older than I was prior to surgery, too. Duh. I have to think diving straight into menopause has to have an effect on the injury side of things. I've had herniated discs, fractured ankle, broken ankle, neuroma surgery and a neuroma in my 'non surgery' foot since hysterectomy. It seems that recovery from 50 milers and 100 milers is now taking longer than the training itself! Each time I am injured I tell myself that I will no longer cross the line between running for joy, pushing a little bit and crossing into body abuse and injury.

On Saturday I was running the Voyageur 50 Miler. I was doing great until mile 35 when I noticed a twinge in my ankle/leg. I was no longer able to flex off of my foot. I noticed that my calf was a bit swollen, a bit red, I assumed it was a case of shin splints or tendonitis, nothing too serious. At 45 miles I was a hurting unit, dragging my foot behind me wondering what in the heck had happened? Two days later the swelling, pain and redness alarmed me so much that I thought I broke a bone! I went to the clinic and was diagnosed with cellulitis. What? Crazy. I have no wound that I can see or cut or scratch. A week later and I am still swollen, although the redness is gone, the pain persists.

I have a 100 miler, Superior Sawtooth, again, in a month. I am having real doubts about this. I am afraid, really afraid, that I will cross from joy and fun to body abuse and injury. I finished Superior for the 3rd time last year, but recovery resulted in neuroma surgery. I just don't know. I'm having trouble struggling with the mental aspect of letting the long endurance runs go. Tawnee, I know that you had to come to terms with this at one point.

I LOVE running. I LOVE training, I LOVE my daily run but I am beginning to think the 100s are not worth the recovery and the time off from my daily joyful running. Any input is welcomed.

Thank you for doing such a great job with these podcasts, I learn so much and enjoy each one.