Looking good, feeling great?

I think this picture should put anybody off attempting marathon training if they have any doubts.  It was taken straight after a Sunday run of 15 miles, which seems to be the downfall of my training so far.  

Now, I know I've just recently had a birthday - thanks for all the cards and presents by the way, and if you didn't send anything, don't worry, seriously, don't worry at all, it's not a problem, not at all...it's not - but I only turned 33 not 50 as someone said I looked in this photo yesterday. 

Anyway, since last Sunday's 4 mile run I went on a 5 miler the day after and only got 2 miles in when the pain, which I have been banging on about since the 15 miler, in my right foot returned. I limped to the nearest tube station and went home.  After a shower I went straight to the GP who didn't seem to know anything about feet and looked shocked when she saw that mine didn't look exactly the same as each other - and she couldn't work out if this was due to my injury or just the way I am.  I was prescribed anti-inflamatories and a mild depression has ensued.

I've been swimming this week which I used to love but I am beginning to associate with injury now.  I have taken the Ibuprofen in between wandering around and wondering if every slight twitch in my foot is it not heeling or just plain and simple paranoia.  

Last night I was chatting to a few people at a party. One had had an injury which he said made his right arm look like he had two elbows.  He continued to weight train through some pain until he decided to go to his doctor and was prescribed anti-inflamatories. Like me, he was sceptical but was back training with a non deformed arm two weeks later.  There was also a runner who has changed the way he runs over the last 6 months to reduce future injury.  He seems to think I'll be fine if I just take things easy with steady runs every other day over the next week. 

Talking to these people has really pepped me up.  Soon I'll be running 15 miles and more again, I'm sure. But looking at the photo again, do I really want to?