Honestly I think he was just being frank. He said that the issue I have would not benefit from surgery and having just had surgery on my foot in early 2007 I'm not too interested in going under the knife again.

As for the 2nd opinion, I have the MRI report, which is pretty explicit, and tied to his analysis. I also have the physical therapist.

I've spoken to many physicians, trainers, and coaches over the past year and they are near unanimous in the problems caused by running. Unfortunately, the type of running I like is competitive running over long distances. I just love to run, but it has come at a price.

Right now I'm focusing on strengthening all of the ligaments and muscles around it--just as you suggested. After that, knowing my nature, I'll be out there running. But at the same time I understand that like it or not I will have to adjust what I do to the realities of life. I have planned on riding my bike across the United States when my kids go off to college. Might be time to rethink that one.

Thanks for the tip on Zimmer.

Wesley Hein Wesley [at] lifetwo [dot] com Sign up for the LifeTwo Newsletter!