I'm running Chicago on October 11 for my first marathon. I've been a lifelong active person and run consistently, but consistently little. I'm 28 and have kept records for a while, so I know I've averaged about 325 miles/year the past 6 years and about 1200 miles biking, plus weight lifting, hiking, etc. So not a true runner is what I'm saying. Fairly fit, though. I've run two half marathon. For both, I did maybe 70% of the runs on the minimal Hal Higdon Half Marathon Novice 1 programs, mixing in some cycling, Crossfit (I know), and swimming. I ran 1:38 in one and 1:39 in the other. I was hoping to run 3:30 in Chicago, but marathon training (I'm doing the Hal Higdon Novice 1 program) has gone horribly. Ever since I ran an easy 13.1 in 8:30 something like 6 weeks ago, the long runs have gotten worse and worse. Three weeks ago, it culminated in sharp pain in my right quad and left ankle, with tenderness running up the outside of my left calf. I ended up skipping the 18 miler that weekend (though I did backpack). I took a whole week off from running, cycling instead, and felt pretty good. Ran the 18 the next weekend instead of 14 and felt OK. Got really dehydrated in the sun and heat but legs were OK. Ran the mileage during the week and my left calf felt really really tight. By the third run that week, I couldn't really run up on my forefoot, which was a problem because I was running a trail with a lot of steep hills. I went ahead and went for the 20 two days later, last Sunday. My right quad and left outer calf again hurt, particularly the calf, and I ended up walking maybe 3 miles out of the 20 and probably averaged something horrendous like 11 minutes/mile. I haven't run since Sunday. I did cycle yesterday and today. Both times my calf felt tight but actually felt better when I finished than when I started. It hurts to walk. I suited up yesterday, took three steps, and realized I still couldn't run on it. So here's the deal. It still hurts a little to walk, particularly if I shift my weight forward toward my toes. My outer calf is very tender running up from the outside of my ankle up to the outside of my knee. I have googled it and found some stretches for what's called peroneal tendinitis, but I honestly can't feel it where it hurts when I do them. It just doesn't hit the muscles. I've had a couple massages, done a lot of icing and stretching, but so far no good. I've skipped all the runs this week. I guess I'm going to go on a long bike ride tomorrow to maintain some fitness and play it by ear on Sunday, when I'm supposed to run 12 miles. Anyone have any advice? To be honest, I am pretty depressed. It was tough enough realizing my 3:30 goal was likely out of reach, but now it's looking like I might not even be able to complete it, and if I do, I might end up in a time that would frankly be embarrassing. I need help!!!