Eric - I am so sorry about Boston - I know it doesn't help right now, but it was so amazing that you qualified. Hopefully your x-rays will be negative and mabe that will help speed a diagnosis for you.

I could never qualify for Boston in my age group. I need a 3:10. If I can run that kind of time, I'd be famous by now. There are other ways of getting in Boston. One is by raising money for a charity, while another involves finding an invitational number. BAA gives out invitational numbers to sponsors and local running clubs. My club got 4 numbers this year, but my name wasn't picked from the lottery. However, I have friends with great connections and they can get the sponsor invitational numbers. That was how I got mine, which I had to give back, which was also why I was so down. I don't get to run Boston often, so every chance I get is precious.

Has anyone given an opinion as to why you have suffered so many fractures?

Last year was due to training error and I over pronate as well. I think I was healthy - but who knows what was brewing. If I had known about the previous fractures ,I would have taken some down time at the 1st sign of repeat trouble. After last summer, I just kept saying I never want to go through that again, now the pain is much less, but the recovery is going to be longer. By the time I get cleared for full impact, it's possible I will have lost 14-16 weeks. I think the double surgeries I had took more out of me than I realized - especially since both involved metabolic hormones, but I have to take responsibility as well for running too many miles too quickly. I knew I was on the edge, but with all the stresses I had going on I thought I was willing to risk it - funny how hindsight changes all that I'm just trying to stay positive until the next set of x-rays 6 weeks from now. I feel certain you will be well on your way before me - but until then - it does help to have the company -