Training Resumes - Part 2

I started this yesterday before the kids went to bed. After I read to my six year old, I decided to lay down. I forgot all about this post. 2 hours later I woke up, took out my contacts and put on my PJs and went to bed. I was apparently tired!

I started the new season of MIT today with a 4 mile run. I was ecstatic, because I was able to run. I have been running for two weeks almost exclusively outside, and at a quicker pace than I am used to. Eventually, my legs just shut down and refused to allow me to run again.


On Sunday, I tried to do an easy 3 mile run - but it was extremely painful. It was so painful on my shins that I only ran 1 mile and walked two. I was very distressed at the time, but after thinking about it for a few days I realized it was a wake up call.


My legs were telling me I was pushing too hard, too fast. I wasn't used to running on blacktop more than once a week. I was also running faster than usual. It was fun while it lasted, but it couldn't last.


So this last week, zzzzzzzzzzz...............................

Addendum:
I didn't run at all. I did the elliptical machine and cross trained. I did PT almost every night. I iced every night. Turns out this was the right move. I was able to run the Saturday long run with much less pain. Granted it wasn't very far, but I didn't need to go far. And it wasn't very fast, but you are not supposed to go at race pace when you are in training and running your long run. I'm training to finish, not to get a certain time. If I can run the whole 26.2 miles, I'll be happy. Well, I'll probably be in serious pain and all, but I'll be happy!

I bought some more paraphernilia to help with my legs. We now have a Roadrunner Sports retail store here. I bought two shin splint compression wraps and an Ice-Up cup so that my ice won't fly across the room (which is what happens when it is in a paper cup and I'm rubbing it up and down my leg). I can take it to work, too, since it comes with its own little cooler! I used one of the wraps during my run (I thought two would look too dorky) and actually, that's the leg that hurt afterwards. But it's hard to tell if the wrap caused it or if my leg hurt anyway. I got some free advice from the Roadrunner Sports sales person - he suggested taking a water bottle and freezing it and then rubbing the bottom of my foot over it. Apparently the arch has something to do with my pain, too. I'll try anything now.

My plan is now to go back to the treadmill at least once a week, and substitute at least one run with the elliptical, until my legs feel better. I'll do one short weekday run outside on the trail, and then my long runs. That should get my legs more acclimated to the trail and give them time to heal, on their own terms.

Time for PT!