Diagnosis Herniated

Growing up my dad's favorite saying was "Any excuse for nonperformance no matter how valid the excuse only weakens the character." So when I finished the marathon twenty minutes later than expected, I figured there probably wasn't any worthwhile excuse for it. I had some painful miles, but assumed it was my lack of preparation that caused the pain, exacerbated by the pounding, incessant, freezing rain. My back hurt. I couldn't lift my left leg. Pain ran through the back of my knee. My foot burned. I self-diagnosed a hamstring tendon injury, but it didn't quite fit. Then, a week ago, as the soreness subsided, I realized that my left leg was still dragging. More leg symptoms ensued. On Friday I ran five miles (because any excuse . . .) and limp-ran the last mile. After some quick consultation with Dr. Google, I discovered that every description of my symptoms ended with "stop running immediately and see a doctor." That didn't stop me from running three miles on Saturday and six miles today. But I did go to the spine doctor after I ran today. He thinks I have a slipped/herniated disc. At first when I learned something was actually wrong I was a little excited because, yay, not a hypochondriac. Then I learned that I have to get an MRI on Thursday and take medicine, luckily for only twelve days, which has side effects that include weight gain and crazy (seriously). On the bright side, I can run as much as I can tolerate, which is about three miles. Right now my primary reaction is "ugh."