My Predicament I need some advice from some knowledgeable Boomer Masters... First, a little background. My nickname is PBJ (but that’s another story). I took up running as a mid life crisis management tool around the age of 40 (I’m 46 now). I started bumping up my mileage to run a marathon a little over 5 years ago. I run about 2 or 3 marathons a year, and usually follow a twenty week schedule that peaks at around 60 miles a week. Last year, I ran the Boston Marathon (3:10 in a jester suit), the Vermont City Marathon (six weeks later – 3:07), and the Hartford Marathon in October (2:59x, a lifetime goal). Unfortunately, I have had chronic heel pain throughout 2007 (and it’s been worse in 2008). In December 2007, I was restructured out of my old job (at the water cooler company – but that’s yet another story). So I lost the use of a treadmill. My new job is down by the shore in southeastern Connecticut, and I had to switch from morning running to afternoon running. And for the last three weeks, I have had an upper respiratory infection, so my training has suffered tremendously. Prior to the infection, I was running 4 – 5 days per week, averaging about 40 to 50 slow miles per week, with no speedwork ( too painful on the heels). I’ve been depressed – and I’ve avoided running forums – which probably has made things worse. In the last 3 weeks, my mileage dropped to about 30 – 40 miles per week (I am currently taking an antibiotic and prescription cough suppressant with codeine). Normally, I focus on building up the long runs to marathon distance or more (I had a 28 miler before Hartford last year). But so far this year, I only went 20 + miles three times. Just yesterday, I attempted a 4 mile run, and had to stop twice to cough up each lung. Now my predicament – assuming I get healthy in the next week or so – should I still attempt the Boston Marathon? If I do, I know my time will be nowhere near 3 hours, but that doesn’t matter. The key thing is – will I enjoy the race, or will it become a death march because of the lack of training? Do I join the PBJ family as a spectator, or do we call off the whole thing? Your words of wisdom are most welcome. Hope I haven’t bummed anyone out. PBJ

Ah PBJ - I have no words of wisdom for you - but wanted to welcome you back to the forum. You have been MISSED! ~Your Birthday Buddy

Joe B- Sorry to hear about your situation, but such is the life of many a boomer... You are smart enough to know that if you can accept a lesser time goal, then you will be able to finish and enjoy the Boston experience. I'd vote for running it by feel and have fun. Take in the many sights you'd not see if you were focused on bringing home another PR. See the people, enjoy Wellesley, slap some kids with high 5's, take in the 'hills' and spit them out, smile as you pass Fenway and relish Boylston street... But that's just my own personal plan. You do what you will...and I hope you feel better really soon. You've already surpassed all of my goals and remain my hero...

I have absolutely no doubt about my advice: pass on the marathon. Glad to see you here posting. Best wishes to you Joe. Spareribs

First of all, it's very very good to hear from you again!!!! PBJ, I'm out of work and getting discouraged. Miles suck. When I get out, it's slow going. I'm haining a heck of a time getting my lungs cleared up as well as fighting depression. I'm scraping the Bayshore Marathon this year. What would you advise one of your kids to do in the same situation???? Ask your Dr. as well. Mine's also a runner. My $.02 that needs to be adjusted for deflation. Again, good to hear from you.

Hi PBJ- It's good to hear from you, but sorry to hear about your heel and illness issues. I'm no expert, but assuming you get over your infection AND you are able to train slowly with no further heel pain, I'd go for Boston with the aim to run slowly and a have a great time. Having said that, I qualified at Hartford after being injured for a good bit of the summer, coming back with relatively low mileage in the last 6 weeks before the race. I PR'd. Go figure. Sometimes less can be more. Either way, we'd love to see you, long-suffering, and the PBJsters in Boston. We've missed you.

PBJ, I'm glad to hear from you as you've been missed. I'm also sorry to hear about your setbacks, running and otherwise. I don't feel qualified to give marathon advice but couldn't help from thinking that you don't want to make things worse by pushing yourself rather than cutting back, or temporarily stopping, to let yourself heal. Whatever you decide, I hope it works for the best and that you keep us informed as to what's going on. TomS

Hi PBJ, As I emerged from lurking on CR, you were waiting for the official Hartford results and then life took many twists and turns for you. I have wondered and worried about you, so I am happy to see you over here! The advice here is good even if contradictory in some ways. I tried running Boston just for fun in 2002 and felt miserable for months afterwards. I had a winter-long cold that year and was facing major surgery soon after Boston. It was fun to see the crowds and all that and the history of this marathon is of course undeniably seductive. BUT.... I get the sense that you are competitive and want to do your very best for you. If you can TRULY be satisfied doing this for fun---perhaps in a costume that will make you go slowly My goal at the NYC marathon one year was not to be beaten by the Triceratops costume. And if you can drop out and be FINE with that at the first sign of serious pain.....then maybe it's worth it. You are a talented runner and I assume you wish to be racing and running for years to come. I hope I get to meet you in either capacity---if you run or spectate. Good Luck with your decision and I hope you are feeling better soon. CNYrunner