this week in running

If there was a theme to this week, it would be "educational"

On Saturday, Kathy and I learned that we really need to ask questions if we're not sure of the route we're supposed to be taking (it's probably a good idea to ask questions even when we think we're sure too). Sunday's run was supposed to be 14 miles. Because of misunderstandings, however, I rounded it out right around 16 miles. And actually felt really good afterwards. It may have helped that miles 11-13 or so were walking, but really, who cares? I came into Saturday with a bad attitude, not wanting to run 14 because 12 was so rough, but now I'm excited for this Sunday's 15 miles.

On Tuesday I ran 3 miles, and learned that I don't necessarily hate that length anymore. The weather is cooler, so that made it nice, and I had a strong backwind on the way home, that helped too. I also learned that even though I haven't used my inhaler in probably 8 months, the cold still bothers my lungs, and it's good to have on hand. I was actually supposed to run 4 miles, but thought I would do 3 outside and 1 on the treadmill (since it was getting dark). While running, I was having some problems breathing, and after stopping, I couldn't find my inhaler. So the 4th mile turned into a trip to Walgreen's to get a prescription refill. On a side note, I found out that my old inhaler was apparently propelled by CFCs and is no longer on the market, so I had to pay $33 for a "brand name" non CFC propelled inhaler. Gotta love it. =(

And then yesterday, I learned that apparently my shins are like swiss cheese. I had a little shin pain Tuesday while running and meant to ice them down, I really did. But it didn't happen. Yesterday they were a little sore during the day, I thought after running a mile or so they'd loosen up, like they usually do. Ummm, no. In fact, after about 4 miles, I wanted to cry (and almost did) because they hurt so badly. The route was to be around Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. I ended up running alone, and decided that Lake of the Isles was not a good idea because it was getting dark, I don't know it as well, don't know how well lit it is, and in general hate running that lake because it's so long and skinny it seems to take forever. Running alone for me is hard enough without adding perception problems into the mix...

So I was the last one in again (other people had started before) and Coach Dave came to find me and run me back in. I told him about my shins, and that it was the bone that hurt, not the muscle, and he said that they have to get weaker before getting stronger (hence the swiss cheese analogy - they break down and then build up), so I should probably take it easy, ice and ibuprofen, etc. otherwise I could get stress fractures. Which gives me a perfect excuse for not running today.


Awww, darn. (actually, kinda!)