Easing back to reality

I'm back in Pensacola. The dogs seemed to have done well at the kennel, and the cats look no worse for wear. Angela had texted me while I was gone that she finally found Marco's hiding spot. Behind the washing machine! She was able to give him his meds. That's good news.

I miss Monica, Dave, and Baby E. I had such a great time visiting them, I didn't want to leave! I am excited that they'll be closer soon and we should get to see them more often.

Fifteen years ago today I married the man of my dreams. I am more in love with him now that I was then, if that is even possible! He tried to call today while I was in a layover in Atlanta, but the mic on the computer wasn't working so I couldn't hear him. Since I was on the phone I couldn't see him either. What a bummer. We did a few skype chats, but somehow it isn't the same. However, I did get to hear from him today and I didn't think I would, so I would call that great.

I ran solo at McGuire's tonight. Jen had homework and Chris is still on vacation. That was a bummer, but I still enjoyed it. The temp was 74 and the humidity a mind-boggling 31%. How could you not enjoy a run under those conditions?!

I did 3.14 miles in 29:30 for an average pace of 9:24. That is faster than I had intended, but I couldn't help myself. It felt good! Splits: 9:12, 9:40, 9:22, 1:17 (=9:08).

There is a slight problem though. The past few runs I have felt a slight pain that I have never felt before. It is about three inches above my ankle on the inside of the front of the right leg and extends up the leg for about four inches. It hurts a little when I start to run. Then I don't notice it, then it hurts a little afterwards. I fear this may be the development of shin splints (or maybe I'm just paranoid).

I am planning on postponing tomorrow's run to the afternoon so that I can talk to my coaches and hear their thoughts. I am glad that I am catching this (whatever "this" is) early. My goal is to be injury free. The all-knowing interwebs seem to indicate this may be shin splints and the only cure is to stop running for a while and then ease back in. I have the ability to do that, as my next big race is not until November. I looked at five web sites. They all had the same information. It is possible this could be caused by a significant increase in training (pace or distance or both), ill-fitting shoes, running on uneven surfaces, running too hard on downhills, or worn out shoes. I have not increased my training significantly. If anything, I've decreased it. My shoes fit really well. I give them credit for fixing the PF trouble. I am still running on the road or sidewalk, and the same ones I've been on for the past year, so I don't see that. I haven't run downhill anytime recently, nevermind on a regular basis, so that doesn't seem like the culprit. As for the worn-out shoe theory, I thought about that. My Asics have 272 miles on them (after tonight's run). They are supposed to be replaced every 350 to 500 miles. So none of these seem like they could have caused the problem. The other option listed by the web sites? Stress fractures, but the pain signature is horizontal typically, rather than the vertical pain I'm feeling, which is indicative of shin splints. The solution, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatories. I need to talk to my coaches and find out their recommendation.

Following the run tonight I went to Mellow Mushroom. I had gotten a text from Cherryl that she would be there (and Karl would be next door at Buffalo Wild Wings) for anyone who wanted to drop by and say hello before they head to Whidbey. Karl leaves Thursday and Cherryl on Tuesday. She is not sure she is going to do the 5k with me on Saturday. It's OK if she doesn't, it would be awesome if she did. I mentioned that I was taking a sewing class on Friday and she might do that with me. That would be fun! I'm going to call her tomorrow to really talk to her about it. We didn't get much of a chance to chat. She had mentioned a few weeks ago that she doesn't have any jeans that fit and I had offered her the ones I was going to give to Goodwill. I didn't see her then but I brought the jeans tonight. I told her to try them on. If they fit, they were hers. If not, I'd take them back and donate them. Then I came home and I'm chilling with the pups, worrying about my leg.

I think it is time to hit the hay. I got up at 4:30 Eastern, and so I am wiped out. Tomorrow is another day.