Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Don't count me out

Last week was hard.  I did not run once.  The entire week.  My last day off was Nov. 15th.  I was on a good streak. 450+ miles later I decided it was in my best interest to take a week of running off to heal my leg.

So instead I swam and rode my bike indoors.  I swam 4 times and rode my bike 3 times.  This was the first time getting in the pool and on the bike since the end of September.  It felt great to be back.

Did the time off help my leg.  Short answer: No.  Didn't really do a think.  Seems like a waste.  I am not counting it.  A slight change of pace is always a good think.

So what is wrong with my leg?  Not sure yet.  I think it might be shin splints??  I have been icing it twice a day now and I will wait and maybe see the doctor on Friday...or whenever I can get in for an appointment.  I iced my leg before my run today and I felt great.  Felt almost too good. I ran so fast and didn't give in.  Felt like I was running from daemons.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Pain Tolerance

A few weeks ago my left leg started giving me problems.  I kept running and the pain seemed to get worse and worse each day.  Not a pain to stop running, but very annoying.  I am not sure exactly what the issue is, but I have determined it's lower leg.  It could be shine splints??  It could be my ankle. Not sure.

After running 22 miles on Saturday and a 7 mile race on Sunday I decided to take a few days off.  I was only planning on 2-3 days, but it's been 5 so far.  The pain only occurs when I put pressure on the left.  This includes running, squats, and other types of lifting.

I have been cross training this week.  I've been swimming 5 times and cycling 3 times.  First time back in the pool and on the bike since the end of September.  Hopefully these activities are not making things worse?

This weekend looks like I will either run or take off completely.  I want this leg issue to heal.  At the same time I don't want to miss too many more running workouts.  It's amazing how you can go running from 80+ miles per week to 0.   On a positive note I will still have 8 weeks left to train for the Boston Marathon.