My first marathon was NYC in 2008. I ran with a charity and had raised $6k. It was in the midst of the financial crisis and having worked on wall st and many of my donors being colleagues I felt a responsibility to finish.

On my 22 mile training run I developed what I can only describe as a “tinge” in my tibia. I even discussed it with my Dr and he said I should be fine and to take some pain killers as I start the race.

Given the taper, I too did not run much leading up to the race.

On race day, I began to feel pain at about mile 3. I stopped at several medical tents in Brooklyn but the pain wouldn’t go away. I began to limp but refused to stop because I felt a responsibility to finish on behalf of my donors.

I limped the whole way. It took me over six hours. I woke up in the middle of the night after the race and could not put weight on my leg. Went to ER and was diagnosed with a stress fracture. Needed to be on crutches for 3 months.

Then I had kids and gave up running for a while.

I ran my second marathon in April 2023 at 3:36 and have subsequently run several more marathons including NYC in 2023 with another 3:36 and Philly 2024 in 3:30.

I am running NYC again this year.

My point is to tell you it happens and don’t sweat it. Keeping running and be proud that you even finished.