What to do!!!

Ok, here is the deal. I am following the Hal Higdon plan for my first Half. In the training, it incorporates races for two of the days. I checked off the 5K from the training, but there is a 10K for Nov. 9th. I work on some weekends so it is not always feasable to race. There is one for Nov. 1st which I can run. But then it mucks up my scheduled long run of 8 miles on Sunday! Follow me?

Schedule
10/27 - strength/stretch
10/28 - 4.5
10/29 - 3 3
10/30 - 4.5
10/31 - rest
11/1 - 50 min cross
11/2 - 8 miles

So my options are to just stick to the schedule or race on 11/1 and add on a few miles after the race to get to 8 miles and ditch the cross training.

So can someone give me some feedback as to what to do? I really want to race, but I also want to get in my long run. *and* not get injured! Help a girl out!

Morning run

How I love to venture out early in the morning to this. See the small bit of moon up there on the top of the picture?

It was so quiet out this morning but soon a handful of people joined me out on the path. They were all choosing their method of exercises, whether it be on foot or by bike but one thing was common. Their love for the newfound fall weather!

While driving to my destination I hit the temp. button in my car. 55 degrees F. it read! Brrrrr! But after a summer of running in the mid 80's, I welcomed the cool crisp air. It felt invigorating!

I finished 7 miles strong and surprised that I felt so good since resting so much from my leg issue. I was encouraged too as my pace was under 11 minute miles. I looked back at my history on my Garmin and last April I was at 13 minute miles for a 7 mile run! Training works!

A little more than one month to go for my Half-Marathon. I look forward to having a great race no matter the pace...

Cleared!!

Went to the Dr. yesterday and he cleared me to run! Gotta love Sports Medicine professionals as they are used to wackoes who are passionate about their sport. Go ahead and run through the pain - here are some drugs that will make it just fine!

As long as I can run still I am good. But really, it was just a case of nasty shin splints that will recoup well after some heavy corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories.

So today I am going to do a very SLOW 4.5 miles as to not wipe myself out. Then back home to ice the fool mess out of my leg.

I can still run my races!!!!!! No, I am not the least bit excited and relieved! ;)

Aw heck!

So yesterday I didn't run my 2 miler to rest my leg. Today I was a glutton for punishment and ran 4 miles against my better judgement. I mean, it doesn't hurt that much!

So I ran today and felt pretty strong minus the nagging dull pain in my right leg. At mile two, I stopped for water and massaged my shin bone all the way down towards my ankle. All of a sudden shooting pain right above my tattoo and ankle. Totally muscle pain right at the attachment. Why I didn't do that yesterday I have no clue!

So now I am resting with an ace bandage securing a bag of frozen peas around the area. Can I say OUCH??!! Guess I will have to chill today with the laptop! ;)

Pain...

Today I was so excited to get out there and run on my favorite trail but moments into my run I knew I wasn't going to like it! I had a dull ache in my right shin area. It kind of circles around into the back of my calf as well. Just dull and achy.

I thought I would push through it and keep on going - hopeful that it would just fade away after I warmed up. Nope, didn't. It nagged me for the whole 4 miles and then after as I walked. So frustrating!

Now I sit here at my computer about 30 minutes later and it still hurts. Just achy and bothersome. Enough to remind me that something is not right.

I hope some Vitamin I will do just the trick. I will rest it and hopefully it will be good as new soon!

If anyone can do a cyber diagnosis or offer any advice, go for it!

Tickers...

Can I just tell you how freaky it is to have those tickers count down the days? I thought it would encourage me when I saw my little tickers but now I feel a bit ticked off! LOL!

No really, I see them now and think "OH CRAP!" only that long until my next race? What have I gotten myself into! (saying this as I snicker and shake my head back and forth!)

Ok, thought over.

First of three down!

What a blast! Had a great morning run at the Greater Maitland 5K with around 300 others. My time was 32:28 which was a lot faster than my first 5K 2 years ago (35:20!) so I am pleased.

It is so funny because when I train the first mile is always the hardest and for this race, I averaged 9:45 for the first mile! Yikes - slow down girl! If you average it out, I DID slow down but I was a bit ticked I had been so fast the first mile. My hope was to kick it in gear the last 2 miles but I kind of outdid myself without knowing it on mile 1! Oh well. Knowledge for the next race!

My last post was regarding feeling giddy yesterday and I did. So much so I didn't sleep so well. Then at 11:45 the door alarm started going off - wonderful when you know you need to be up at 5:30 and all you hear is "back door open, back door open" in this booming man's voice. Grrrrr. I turned off the monitor and switched on a fan to block the noise and thankfully fell back asleep.

I don't know about you, but I learn year after year how controlling and obsessive I am. Do you know that on my way there I practically panicked that I had gone on the wrong day?? LOL! I quickly snatched my phone and checked out the date - whew! I was on track! I relaxed again and enjoyed the drive there listening to great morning music.

The race was well put on, a nice support group and not too crowded. I do have to admit though, I am a bit spoiled by my two Disney Medals!

I am so happy I ran like the wind!!

Feeling giddy!

Tomorrow is my third race ever! It is a local 5K that I am so excited about and I can't wait to hit the pavement in the morning. The first 5K I ran was two years ago and my goal was to finish... This year my goal is to be faster and finish stronger. I feel confident that my training so far has prepared me well for that.

So for now, I will just enjoy the nerves, anxiety and excitement of tomorrow as I run like the wind!