Snap. Just like that. I am down on the ground, writhing in pain. Did I just not see the curb? Was I dragging my foot? My right hamstring is shredded. It is a mere four weeks in front of the New York City Marathon. As I sit for two hours in the urgent care facility on the single-most beautiful Sunday afternoon this fall – I am awash in emotion.

Runners set ambitious goals so that we stick to a training plan. With fierce determination, we obsessively follow that plan. The reward for our discipline is a well-executed race.

BUT – even with the perfect training plan – things happen. Illness, time constraints and injury are the biggest bad boys of the training schedule gone awry. It happens to nearly every runner… eventually.

I guess it’s my turn. Now I am among the walking (not running) wounded. I have plane tickets for two, hotel reservations for four nights and the chance of a lifetime to run the biggest marathon in the world. And a silly curb tripped me up and doused my plans!

Deep sigh. With a forced and weak smile, I will go forth and follow the doctor’s orders. I will be patient and see how quickly this bizarre turn of events can be put in the past. I resolve not to wallow in self-pity. I will remain positive and make the best of a disappointing and painful situation.

Stay tuned for the end of the story. Will I run or spectate in New York City on November 6?