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Runyan to Undergo surgery
On May 14, 2007, Marla Runyan will undergo a back surgical procedure called an IDET (intradiscal electrothermal therapy). The relatively new surgical procedure is intended to repair a lumbar disc tear between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. Runyan has been suffering from right leg tension and external rotation since 2001. After her pregnancy in 2005, her symptoms worsened. All other therapies, including chiropractic, massage, Active Release Technique (ART), acupuncture, spinal traction, and physical therapy have only provided temporary relief. It is Runyan’s hope that the IDET procedure will finally relieve her hip and leg symptoms.
“I have tried everything else…it has been going on for years, and I just trained and raced with it, getting daily treatment. Chiropractic adjustments and massage give me temporary functioning but my biomechanics are never quite right. I end up running on the edge of my foot.”
The procedure requires a 12-week recovery period. If the procedure is successful, Runyan expects to begin running in the fall.
“I need to find a solution to this problem. To have any chance at all at the Olympic Team next year, I need two straight legs moving in the same direction. How great that would be!”
Marla speaks for Shell Trading Gas and Power
Eugene resident and two-time Olympian, Marla Runyan delivered the keynote address at Shell Trading’s annual conference held in La Jolla, California April 4. Marla spoke to about 50 higher management employees from Shell Trading Gas and Power, and division of the Shell oil company.
“The theme was ‘Committing to Win’. Marla's story of committing to making the Olympics, in spite of many obstacles, paralleled our business theme. Her speech was inspirational and well delivered to our group of business executives. She was able to tailor her personal history to Shell's commitment towards serving customers, seeking opportunities, developing resources and obtaining excellence in execution,” said Senior Vice President, Ken Snodgrass.
Runyan’s speaking career began soon after becoming the first legally blind American to earn a position on the U.S. Olympic Team. While balancing both training and motherhood, Marla makes approximately 6 to 8 speaking appearances per year.
Rebuilding a Champion
Eugene's Runyan captures USA Marathon title while continuing her comeback from childbirth USA Marathon Championships.
MINNEAPOLIS - Most rebuilding years aren't as successful as the one Marla Runyan finished Sunday when she won the women's race in the Twin Cities Marathon, which also served as the USA Marathon Championships.
The 37-year-old Eugene resident took control of the race early and finished in 2 hours, 32 minutes and 17 seconds, more than a minute and a half ahead of runner-up Mary Akor of Gardena, Calif.
"I really looked at this whole year as a building period ... from the year off," said Runyan, who gave birth to her daughter, Anna, 13 months ago.
While she struggled in the 5,000 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in June, she started the fall strong with a victory at the 20-kilometer road race championship in September.
While Runyan's time Sunday was off of her goal of 2 hours, 30 minutes and her personal best of 2:27:10, she earned $30,000 for the victory and set the U.S. record by covering the first 30 kilometers in 1:46:41.
"I was really happy with the win; of course, I was hoping for a faster time," Runyan said. "I was slightly ahead of my goal pace, even at 20 miles. ... I just couldn't hold the pace the whole way."
Runyan led Akor by 36 seconds at the 10K mark and built her margin to 1:46 by the halfway point. After leading by almost two minutes at the 30K mark, the hilly course began to take its toll and Runyan won by 1:33.
"I didn't have the muscle or the power in my legs I had before," Runyan said. "I have to build back some ... whether I pursue the track or the road."
Runyan was one of 15 women to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston. Also qualifying was Eugene's Sopagna Eap, who finished 14th in a personal-best 2:44:29 in her third marathon.
Mbarak Hussein of Albuquerque, N.M., successfully defended his title in the men's race in 2:13:52 and was one of 11 Olympic Trials qualifiers.
In addition to the Olympic Trials, Runyan qualified for the World Championships next summer in Osaka, Japan. Whether she competes on the track or the road there is still up in the air, she said.
"This was the perfect marathon for me this fall," Runyan said. "I just have to continue to build back up and see how my body adapts and make a decision from there." Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner.
Marla Runyan to undergo surgery
On May 14, 2007 Marla Runyan will undergo a back surgical procedure called an IDET…. [more]
Marla speaks for Shell Trading Gas and Power
Marla Runyan delivered the keynote address at Shell Trading’s annual conference… [more]
Runyan wins Twin Cities Marathon
Most rebuilding years aren't as successful as the one Marla Runyan finished Sunday when... [more]