Retirement from Running

After doing research on the Internet, I have concluded (as did the specialist) that I have a compressed nerve (pinched nerve) - <info also here>, somewhere which is causing problems on my left foot. It is not Plantar Fasciitis as my symptoms are more typical of nerve compression. The symptoms as I experienced it, starting from around January 2004:-

1) 1 to 4 mths : Numbness of the left foot during running and pain in the toes, then

2) 4 to 7 mths : Numbness dissapeared but felt burning sensation after each run, then

3) 8 to 10 mths: Discomfort during running, swollen foot and burning sensation.

4) Oct/Nov : Fasting month, reduced mileage : 2-3 km twice a week. Minor symptoms as per 3).

4) Before and after Singapore race, symptoms became worse.

The Siemens 10k was the turning point - my left foot was sore for 2 days (until Wednesday). This incident prompted me to seek medical advice the following week.

Now what ? For a start , I have decided to retire from running. I will not run again or do any form of sustained running/training until the symptoms fully dissappear. I may try to run sometime in early Jan. 2004 before the next medical appointment (14 Jan. 2005). The outcome of the run will determine whether I continue to "retire" or commence running.

I will miss being able to run but I look at it this way: My "retirement" will perhaps allow full recovery?