Realizing...

That there is very fine line between determination and stupidity. Hoping I land on the right side of the line?

Mother F'r

I think pretty much everyone who reads this blog knows of my calf injury as of late. Well today I saw Dr. Hatzenbuehler--Sports Medicine guy, who also happens to be the Medical Director for the ME Marathon.

Anyhow---any pain I feel in the actual calf muscle is not concerning--very common among runners and "fixable" with stretching.

The pain I feel along my shin in one particular spot is concerning. Because it could be a stress fracture. BUT it could also be a shin splint. Let's hope for the latter. Stress fractures take 4 weeks to show up in an x-ray, so it was too soon for that. I have an appointment in 2 weeks.

I plan to run Sunday. Not so sure what it will be like.

Oh and I did ask about my Runner's Knee since that flared up last weekend. I asked if it was ok to run through that pain should it happen during the race (keep in mind I have never been able to run THROUGH that intense pain). Dr.H said, "Sure it's ok. But there is no way you would be able to do it." Which reassured me that I am not a big sissy and that Runner's Knee IS indeed debilitating.

Ran 4 today. Knee was good. Shin was not.

Disney here I come?

Neglected

Nothing too exciting to report. My legs felt like shit earlier in the week--my breathing killed me during my tempo. But I had an amazing "easy run" today--ran it too fast but it was one of those runs where my legs felt light and I just went...A pleasant surprise since I felt crappy heading into the run.

I am contemplating compression socks. Seriously. For after the marathon. As you may recall Erin and I will be able to get into a park FREE the Monday after the marathon. BUT--we will have just run a marathon the day before so.....I did see in Runner's World (last month?) that they rated several socks and they do indeed help with recovery. So maybe?

Calf is still tight--I really think a lot of it is from road running--particularly the shoulder slope since it is my left calf.

Solo long run this weekend but then Erin and I will be running together the next three weekends (the third weekend is the race!).

Recovery Week

Ahhh--Recovery Week is glorious.

Except when your recovery coincides with the hottest and most humid week of weather EVER.

I ran last evening. Against my parents wishes (they hung out with G while I ran).  They told me about 154 times how horrible the air quality was. They asked me 78 times if I was SURE that I wanted to run. And my dad did ask me my route....just in case he needed to come find me (passed out on the side of the road?). I told them I would be fine and would cut my run short if needed.

Like hell I was going to cut my run short.

And out the door I went. First three miles were fine. Last three--a tad rough. I would feel like I was FLYING and glance at the Garmin and notice I was not FLYING.

At points there was the sensation of running through water almost (in terms of an odd resistance feeling).

It actually was an oddly enjoyable run because it was interesting to see how my body reacted to the humidity.

I did sweat for the rest of the night despite a nice cold post-run shower.

Today I decided to postpone my run until tomorrow.

Long Run is a nice 5 mile easy run this week...and next week? I will be bringing IT. I hope.

Oh and Monday I had a 6 mile easy run. And inadvertently discovered the best motivation to run fast. Picturing your baby at daycare just waiting for you. My pace was 90 seconds faster per mile than target. Which really isn't a good thing since it was supposed to be an Easy Run. AND Recovery Week. I suck.