New Drug = Naproxyn

13 days of rib pain later, and I have found my saving grace...Naproxyn. It is not a miracle drug or a new drug, but I can take a deep breath without that stabbing pain just to the left of my sternum, and so it is my favorite drug for now. I will not go into the slightly old, post-CVA physician who prescribed it or the long wait to see him which nearly made me late to work. Nor will I detail the not-on-time opening of the base pharmacy this morning and how I was nearly late to work because of it as well. All I will say is that when it comes to government-controlled free health care, you get what you pay for...keep that in mind those of you pushing for the public option. You will not be getting next-day appointments with the best physicians money can buy because you won't be paying. You will get passable care from adequate practitioners 4-10 days after you call to schedule the appointment, but that is enough of my soapbox.

To recap the last 13 days, Neil and I finished the Chicago Marathon. Neil finished in an impressive 3:39:57...pretty fantastic for a first marathon. I amended my goal of sub-3:20 and finished in 3:24:57. It was 33 degrees at the start of the race, and I am glad that I didn't talk myself out of the long-sleeved-shirt and vest. 5 days and one massage later, my legs are not sore, and I am looking forward to my next training challenge. Now that Chicago is over, I turn my focus to the Ironman which is terrifying yet thrilling. The Ironman World Championships were the day before the marathon, and Chrissie Wellington won her third straight...impressive to put it mildly.

To be honest, I can't wait to get started, but I am apprehensive that I have no formal training plan. I am not worried about being able to follow-through, but I just need it laid out in front of me. I need a list/pie chart/PowerPoint presentation of exactly what I need to do, and I will do it...as soon as I get my bike fixed and find somewhere to swim.