Is there such a thing as a running addiction? I mean, people can be addicted to alcohol, to drugs, and reading everything that Claire writes. There are support groups for pretty much everything and they always say that recognizing the problem is the first step to recovery. On a related note, I'm a big fan of insurance. I got insurance for my car (in case of accidents), my apartment (in case of fire), short term health, long term disability, and life insurance. I take glucosamine to save my knees, fresh fruits and vegables for anti-oxidant goodness, and other vehicles that I hedge my bets with. It's all about reducing risk. In the case of running, it's reducing the chance that I won't ever run again. Runners run, and that's how I identify myself. If I can't run again, I'll be losing a big part of my life. You'll have to decide what's more important to you. Would you hedge your bets by taking some time off to let your body heal with the hopes of not having an extended down time, or go for the instant gratification with the possibility of being out for the count? I was offered an official Boston Marathon number earlier this year but turned it down because I was in no condition to train. It was a hard decision, worse than breaking up with my imaginary girlfriend with a PhD in nuclear physics who also happens to be a super model. It was also the right decision (in regards to turning down the number). I can run in the marathon and be out for a year, or suck it up now and run all future Boston Marathons. It's a tough decision and you'll have to decide what's best for you.

Running is an addiction - our brains get wired to expect that endorphin rush. However - if you continue to re-injure the same site, are you really any better off? It is really hard especially when you feel that you are 'better" - the fact that you have to take a week off between runs says you're not quite there yet. When my doc told me that if my leg did not show progress, that I would need a pin - I felt physically ill - not just at the thought of another surgery, but at the thought of 6 months healing - without even water running for a couple of months (because of the incision). I would rather take the down time now then to have to deal with a surgery. That's just the choice I am making for myself. Just know - there are people here who really do understand your frustration - so vent away - anytime. We are here for you BTW - If you are altering your gait to protect your injury, you could be setting yourself up for more trouble as muscles /tendons will try to handle a job that they are not built for. I am now dealing with a 1" muscle discrepancy in my legs from "guarding" my injured leg for so long - it is really hard to re-train my leg to bear equal load now that it's healing - I don't think it would have been as big a problem if I had recognized my injury sooner.