Exercising Restraint

After Thursday's VERY short 4 mile run, I felt an uncomfortable twinge near my shin. Went home, foam rolled and discovered several localized painful spots on the inside of my calf. After extensive google research, I pannicked and, of course, diagnosed myself with shin splints and possibly a stress fracture (which, by the way, I do not have). I iced, foam rolled, and massaged. I was disappointed looking ahead to Saturday's 16 miles since I had plotted my strategy perfectly. Big time bummer.

I altered my running strategy after consulting with Coach Kris: take it really easy with a shorter run/walk interval, stop at EVERY water stop to stretch for extended lengths of time, and possibly not complete the 16 miles. Goal, not to royally screw up my training for the Napa Marathon on March 1. Today's running buddies: Jen, Andria, and James.

Well, I didn't limp - but the last 4 miles really pissed me off as I knew I needed to take it even easier. Shin started hurting and I switched to a 1 min run/1 min walk interval. Coach Tim ran by us with Jesse, and congratulated me for "exercising restraint". We did the same for Jesse who's been fighting tendonitis.

Mike Z did make a comment at the end. I could have stopped at a water stop and had to be driven back to the start. As I think of it now, I've got a new perspective. It could just as easily be me wearing a Team In Training honoree shirt. We never know when or who cancer will strike - I should consider myself lucky to be in good enough health to run for a cause that raises millions for cancer research and patient services. Suck it up Janine, you don't have cancer and today's run was a success because you finished while exercising restraint.