© 2004 Dr. Tim Maggs by Dr. Tim Maggs
The next time someone says to you “I could never run a marathon”, tell them, “Not!”. That statement is only a reflection of their resolve. A clear statement of who they really are. Truth is, anyone can run a marathon. Anyone, that is, who buys into the rules of life. Like, all rewards in life come at a price. This is the mantra for marathoning and beyond.
Gina, who I wrote about several years ago, was diagnosed in 2000 with a severely degenerated disc in her low back, a condition typically associated with the more geriatric than with her young age of 33. Her low back pain was warranted. But, where to begin with such an extreme condition.
Our options were many, but for some reason, Gina followed my lead that “motion” was the key to happiness, and joint motion, as well as body motion would help her to reach a better level in life. I couldn’t believe her enthusiasm when she said, “I want to run”. I knew it went against all conventional thinking, but I also knew that most conventional thinkers wouldn’t run a marathon. Had they ever crossed the line of a marathon, they’d give up on the conventional junk.
Discs are simply the pads that lie between most of the bones in our spine. They provide cushioning and stay alive with the controlled stresses that most joints go through. But, problems begin when a joint is under an abnormal level of stress, and the joint inherently locks up, making the disc slowly degenerate. Loss of normal motion is the precursor to disc degeneration. We now know that musculo-skeletal health is directly related to joint mobility, so full range of motion in both the neck and low back is the very least we want in an effort to keep our structures ready, willing and able to participate in our next race of life.
It was almost 4 years ago when Gina entered my office with chronic low back pain. Upon exam and x-ray, it was clear that Gina had a severe degeneration of her L5 disc, something you’d expect to see in a 70 year old spine. We went through the necessary treatment to calm it down, but now, rehab was the issue. Gina was so excited about running, and knowing that my goal is to get everyone on the planet to run a marathon, we certainly had a very cooperative relationship at that point.
We started out at short runs. Now, don’t laugh, but Gina was thrilled when she completed one minute and thirty seconds of running. She couldn’t imagine ever running for 4 minutes straight. But, she continued to listen to me. I said to her, “remember, growth hurts, but the rewards are great”. Now, I say that to many, but only the chosen few “get it”. Gina got it. She never stopped. And, low and behold, she began doing 5 mile runs, that led to 7 mile runs that led to “where on earth will this whole thing lead me to”. During the process, Gina never really had a setback. Her condition was well controlled by her willingness to do the necessary work to keep her back condition under control. Once a week I would adjust Gina, use ultra-sound on her low back, insure she was wearing her orthotics and make sure her running was within some reasonable guidelines.
Gina joined the Team in Training, for the Leukemia Society, in preparation for the big event of her life, she signed up for the Vermont City Marathon. Gina followed a very regulated schedule with a group of runners who were all on a quest to finish. Not only did she develop some great relationships, but she found herself all of a sudden in a situation unlike any situation she had ever been in. Gina was never under the gun to perform like she would now have to. She felt the stress of asking for supporters, as her performance would now be seen by so many. Boy, isn’t this what life is all about?
Much like the day of execution for those on death row, the day finally comes for all of us that plan to run the marathon. But, for the first timers, the stress is so much greater. Gina was blessed in the fact that her day of running was that rare day---the one that was perfect for both the runner and the spectator. Cool temps, mild breezes and sunny skies. Burlington Vermont giving us it’s best. What a day.
Gina crossed the finish line in 5:04 and entered the ranks of “marathoner”, a distinction that could never be taken away from her. Her legacy is now in the bank. Someone who, had they gone to the wrong doctor, would have been told to “never run again”. Gina could now be sitting home, depressed, overweight, unhappy, but doing what her Dr. told her. Fortunately, she stumbled upon someone way outside the box, as in me, who knows that finishing a marathon holds a benefit that only can be understood by those who have finished a marathon. If Gina couldn’t walk tomorrow, I’m sure she’d agree, it was all worth it.
Life is short, and happiness is rare, so never let anyone proclaim doom on you and your future. And, if you’re ever unsure, ask Gina what life’s all about. But, don’t get upset with that smile that’s frozen on her face. Great job!
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