Hopefully back on the Turtle Track

I ran a very short run today. I only did 2 miles, hoping that I didn't overdo it. Today the pain may be 10%, as opposed to what it has been. My pace was still in the 13.something range, but at least it wasn't 15 like it has been. Tomorrow I will tackle another run, maybe do 3.10 and see how that goes. Still....I ask myself, will i EVER get to 13.1??

Shin Splints AGAIN!

So I've had to take a week off from running and it's killed me. The shin splints were back causing trouble. A week ago, on a Sunday night, I did 4.20 miles and had my best pace ever. Well, I've paid for it ever since. I've learned that I probably did too much too soon. I researched everywhere to find out the best ways to help. I used Google, youtube, runner's blogs, etc. I had to wear my running shoes everyday because I had no support from other shoes. Just glad this week is over. Last night, I ventured out on the track. I ran in the grass a little and walked on the track. That seemed to help. The splints didn't hurt that much on the grass. I iced my legs as soon as I got home. Today, I've had no pain. I may try it again, slowly and turtle-y.

Week 7

I did it. I actually ran ONE WHOLE MILE without stopping to walk! The turtle did it. Yes, I still run at a turtle's pace, but, hey, it's MY pace and I'm doing it. I almost cried knowing that I FORCED myself to at least attempt to run a whole mile. Last week I was pleased with running 1/2 mile without stopping. What can I do next? I have 154 days until the St. Jude Marathon weekend. I'm still going to do what I can, not expecting myself to be able to run the whole 13.1 without stopping. That's ok, I will do what I can. I don't hear anyone clapping as I go anymore, so obviously my thighs have tightened. The shin splints are still there, but not as bad. I have a small pain below my calf, but I'm icing it as soon as I get home. I have to stop myself from thinking that the people walking the track are laughing behind my back. I've had two different couples cheer me on as I go past them. They must see the anguish on my face LOL. I have pushed myself to go at least 4.20 miles and I'm finishing in about 57 minutes. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be even less.I'm a turtle and I'm loving it!

The Turtle and the Hare Both Finished the Race

I try to keep that sentence in my mind. It doesn't matter how fast. A mile is a mile - no matter how fast OR SLOW. Everyone will finish. I've had a good two days of running this week. I hydrated myself a lot the other day and the run seemed easier. HYDRATE! HYDRATE! HYDRATE! It will make a difference. I'm still using my leg sleeves and I totally have faith in them. I'd recommend them to anyone and I'm thankful for my friend who recommended them to me. My running is much less painful than when I started. Thank God! And I'm trying to increase a few more steps each time. I've made it completely around the entire track without having to stop, whereas before, I ran by time and I was struggling with 90 seconds. THING TO REMEMBER SO FAR: NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT HURTS IN THE BEGINNING - DO NOT GIVE UP! The turtle kept going. :)

Yes, I'm still here!

Still here. Sore, but here. I took a few days off from running, to see if that would help with the shin splints. I've been walking, so I wouldn't be just lazy-ing around. I was so discouraged with Friday's run that I left before my time was up. The pain was unbearable - even with the Zensah sleeves. Monday I began my plan again. I did pretty good with some pain. The first 10 minutes were ok, but then when it was time to walk and then run again, it was awful. All kind of horrible thoughts downing myself were "running" better than I was. Tuesday, I just walked instead of trying to run. I didn't want any more discouargement. Wednesday - I tackled it again. Earlier in the morning, I went to the gym to work out. I'm hoping strength exercises will strengthen my legs. My shins had not hurt as much, so I got up the courage to run again. I did a few minor stretches to my shins and put on the Zensah sleeves. Also I did my shoe laces to help with the high arch. Maybe that will help? I prayed this time before I ran. And I was off....5 minutes of brisk walking. Oh, muscles, why do you have to do this to me? I checked the timer and I had a few seconds before a 5 minute run. 5 MINUTES!!! Can I do this? Will my legs allow this? Are my dreams of a 13.1 destroyed? I took off - slowly of course. I'm not running to beat anyone, just myself. With each step and each beat I said to myself over and over "I can do ALL things in Christ who gives me strength." Over and over and before I knew it (after checking the timer a million times) my 5 minutes were up. I did it! It was time to walk for 3 minutes. Wow. Thank you, Jesus! Here it went again, 5 minutes. I stopped after one minute and walked a few steps and then caught a breath, had a good talking to myself and ran the rest of the time. I still had the Bible verse going through my head. Walk for 3 minutes. I did it again! Ok one more 5 minute run after that. Eva, you can do it! And off I went, slowly of course, and I actually made it! The turtle made it - 3 sets of 5 minutes. There was pain, but not like it had been. I was yelling and sceaming inside my head and thanking Jesus. I went ahead and walked the next mile to make a total of 3 for the day. I had walked one earlier that morning, too. For the first time, I had run/walked two miles and under 30 minutes. I was so shocked! So happy! So amazed with myself. I got my confidence back. If anyone would like the link to the How To Tie Your Shoe Laces, let me know. Johnny, I'm getting stronger!! :)

Week 4, Day 1

Tonight's run/walk was a toughie, but the turtle made it. As always, I started out with a brisk 5 minute walk. THEN it told me to run for three minutes. Ok, run, turtle, run. And I did. Sadly, that three minutes felt like three hours. Ok, I caught my breath and LORD HAVE MERCY it told me to run for FIVE minutes! I took a deep breath and off went the turtle. Music blaring, I kept focusing on positive things of running. Oh, me, I thought, I think five minutes has to be over! I take out my IPOD and I've only been running for 45 seconds. Serioulsy? OMG. Ok, so I took another deep breath and tried to focus on the beat of the song. I loosened up my fists and kept my lower lip looser. Chest was on fire. I checked the IPOD again for the time. Ok, 2 more minutes to go. I've got this. I can do it! RUN, TURTLE, RUN! I counted backwards in my head, oh wow, look one minute! GO, TURTLE, GO! Count down going, I'VE GOT THIS! I CAN MAKE 5 MINUTES! Then a miracle happened. I was told to walk! Walk, I can do that. What did I just do? I ran for FIVE minutes! I DID IT! Sweat pouring, I caught my breath and it told me to run for three! Yes, three is easy, if I could run for five, I could run for three. Breathe, Eva! I made it. Three minutes!!! WOOHOO!! The turtle ran. What? What was that? Run for five minutes again? THIS THING IS CRAZY! Deep breath, I wiped the sweat off and did my best. Sadly, I stopped running for thirty seconds, so I didn't make the whole five that time. THE TURTLE RAN FOR FIVE WHOLE MINUTES!!!! Total run time tonight was maybe 15 mintues. The turtle ran. The turtle did it! Let's see what tomorrow holds!

Better run and underpronation

Tonight was better. I did Week 3, Day 2, over since I had issues yesterday. For some reason, tonight was better! I didn't feel like a 100 year old turtle. My walk was faster, my run better. I made sure NOT to stretch tonight to see if that might have been the problem. I didn't have the heaviness at all. I had to run 3 minutes again and I did it. I did check the Ipod to make sure the timer wasn't stuck. LOL The turtle made it! RUN, TURTLE, RUN! I've been wanting a new pair of running shoes. I have underpornation - high arches and I land on the outside of my foot. I tried on a pair of Asics and WOWEE! They felt AWESOME! Hopefully before long, I can get a new pair. I researched and it said that the Ascis Gel Nimbus were good for underpronation. We will see.