Friday, August 6, 2010

Uh-oh ... And I am in love

I think I might have some shin splints.

On our way to a funeral, I was telling the boyfriend about how "this part of legs have been hurting." 
I described it as:
 "it comes and then stay for a few seconds and then goes away. And then it comes back and goes away again and again."
"it's a achy, sore, stiff kinda hurt."
"the back of the ankles kinda hurt too."
"it seems to hurt when I am not running."

He said I probably have some shin splints.

When we got home, I did a search on the Internet and yeap, the symptoms are rather similar to what I am having. And the causes? Increase in mileage or intensity of training. I have been running a lot more miles per week and I have been doing more inclines, fartleks, tempo runs lately.

So, tomorrow, I am supposed to do my long run (5 miles). It is the first week of my half marathon training. So, what I am going to do instead will be resting, maybe swim some laps, and icing. I can sustain a 5-mile run without difficulty, so I am not too worried about missing this 5-mile run. And with the extra cut-back weeks that I have inserted into this training schedule, it gives me enough cushion to take a step back and relax.  I definitely do not want to be stubborn and be out of commission for longer than I could bear. 

Rest day tomorrow. Lots of ice. Lots of rest. And I am definitely going to do strengthening exercises on my calves and ankle religiously from now on. It is amazing how running isn't just running anymore. It is a lifestyle. And I plan my life and habits around running. I love it. I think, I have fallen in love with running.

In other matters: Head over to Running Diva Mom for a cool medal display giveaway.

9 comments:

  1. I think you are making the right choice with the rest and ice instead of the run. I certainly hope you don't have shin splints!

    Have a great weekend!

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  2. Take care of yourself (and those shins!). Ice and rest, and hopefully you'll be back to full speed in no time.

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  3. I'm switching gears tomorrow too and biking to let me heel rest! It's hard.

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  4. Shoes are a culprit of shin splints, too, so maybe go ask your local running store about an insert maybe. Ice is a must too. You're doing the right thing (I work with the high school cross country team...I see this a lot :/). Have a great weekend! Oh, and so glad you have a new love affair :).

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  5. I hope the shins feel better. And way to go for having such an awesome attitude about it!! We should all take a lesson from you and accept that sometimes our bodies need a break, they deserve a break, and we shouldn't push ourselves to run through injury. Great job being a good example. :)

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  6. Yes, do be careful! You don't want it to turn into a stress fracture. But sounds like you are on it--a big congrats for being a newer runner with the discipline to know when to back it off! Most of us have learned the hard way at one time or another.

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  7. I'm glad you are taking some time off. Rather take some time off now, then right before your race. I hope you are feeling better very soon!! :)

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  8. this is what u must do - R I C E - rest, ice, compression, elevation!! that is the answer to ur problems. lol

    sorry that u r having shin splints! thats too bad. but injury is part of training. take it easy for a few days and u will come back with fresh legs and rock next week!
    hope u had a good weekend.

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  9. I hope you get well soon! I am not as smart, I will stick to the plan no matter what but that didn't work so well for me. Definitely listen to your body. :) And never give up!

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