So much homework. But the dog was here to distract me. Being a teacher takes a lot of work and time.

New bike, new training session. Thats what I am looking forward too!

I'm really good at swimming now. I've discovered I have to kick with my hips---More power and pull. As well as I need to learn how to do the "dragging" drills, where you drag your fingers to get your elbows up.

the shin hurts, going down the stair, walking, speed walking, on the elliptical, when will it feel normal???

Here it is. the deadly schedule for the spring.

1) must stick with 10% increase in total milage to avoid injury

2) bike and swim for recovery

3) strengthen leg and hips

4) Listen to my body--if something hurts, STOP, and heal

Went on the Pre-core elliptical the other day---my shin hurt. Thats not a good sign--and easy cardio machine, and my injury hurts. STRESS FRACTURE FOR SURE right?

Im already sick of biking and swimming :(

It may mean not running, but its a new chapter.

After researching and attempting to diagnose this problem I've been dealing with, I have come to the conclusion of "Hey, it'll be rough at first, but lets look at the bright side right?" I mean it means no running---alright, so now I turn the page and begin chapter 2. Chapter one was run, run and be free. Chapter two--focus on biking and swimming. For biking this means getting a bike and actually getting out on the roads. For swimming this means working on my technique, stroke, and speed. I need to learn to breathe on both sides as well as strengthen my right foot----some weird tendon is pulling after a certain amount of swimming/kicking.

So Chapter 2---a new start. Keep my muscle I've created, and work on strengthening my arms, abs, and quads. I plan to get up to par for the new biking season.

goals-

Swim 4-5 times a week, 1-2.5 miles each swim, about 40-55 laps, which means 2000-2500 meters

Biking- only indoors for now. 30-55 minute sessions ~ about 8-20 miles

Free Weights and machines- 20-30 minutes, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back etc.

Abs- crunches and continue to strengthen core

Once pain goes away in shin begin to stability and strengthen the tendons and muscles in ankle and knees.

Stretch and ice/massage in between to continue healing process.

Phew, sound good guys?

its going to be LEGEND---wait for it----DARY! thank you barney stinsen...

I've hit a wall

I have hit a wall. I worked so hard to where I am in running, and with the pain in my right shin continuing I took a recovery week. The pain kept pestering me, and now I am worried. After a week and a half off---I am unable to run. A shooting pain is in my shin when I begin to do a brisk walk.

People have said it's most likely a stress fracture. Since the pain in pin pointed in my area, and has not gone away---its mostly likely not shin splints.

Its part my fault. A) I ran a lot on a bad leg.... B) ran a lot on bad support.

So now here I am sad as ever. Because my "Quest for a marathon" has been put on hold.

My remedies:

1) No running for 1 or 2 months

2) ice

3) massage my shin as much as I can

4) go to my doc, x-rays??

5) lots of biking and swimming, and weight

6) Take off the winter, start back up in the spring.

Months and months of miles, gone.

What I am worried about:

1) will this happen again?

2) How long do I wait?

3) Whats wrong with me? haha

4) Im going to loose so much muscle from this recovery

5) To be honest, watching people run and what not has made me really sad...im kinda bummed out :(

6) Will I be ready for this summers race??

7) When lace armstrong broke his collar bone, how did he recovery so strongly. I mean I understand it takes time and I am used to running everyday---but I mean hes always needing to be training--how did he stay in shape for cycling with a broken collar bone??

When the steam rises from your shoes...

Steam...
I knew that I had a great run--when I took off my shoes outside of my car to change into my boots, I saw steam rising from my shoes. Incredible, and so interesting at the same time.

The battle with the shin splints...

Recently my right shin has been bothering me, it has kept me from running the last couple of days. However, I rested, swam, biked inside, and was back on the road today. Incredible day, I thought it would of been a lot colder, but it turned out to be pretty warm for 14-16 degrees and sunny!

I use to run in dexter, the country roads, and beautiful no traffic atmosphere. However, from running from my house (in dexter) I would have to immediately start with going down a hill. :-/ As cool as that is, it ruins my shins from the start. I used to be able to do a 8.5 mile run in Dexter, but due to recent shin problems from christmas, I try to avoid an accident waiting to happen.

Ace Deuce-

So now Ann Arbor is the spot. I run through down town, I run on the busy roads (Almost getting hit by a car count:5). I just love it. I see people and they clearly don't see me---for instance today a man from where I work, (an 80 yr old still weight lifting and going strong!!) always says hi to me at work, honked at me today when I was running! It was the motivation I needed as well as it put a smile on my face.

The Seasons and Michigan's Terrible weather...

Now to me, summer running is nice, I sweat unbelievably more than others (its healthy), I just get too hot too quick. But I love the sun. Fall Running on the other hand was spectacular! The cool temperatures and the beautiful colors of the leaves. The rain---wasn't so great. But just visibly seeing the leaves change throughout this season---allowing me to get a lot of miles in ;).

Something inspirational is stated below...

Finally, winter. The season of well I found this quote online "Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne

I agree with that, only on one occasion, driving. Driving is terrible when the snow comes down. However running, that is a complete different story. I had a fellow runner state an interesting observation or opinion about winter--how its a balance and finding the right amounts of layers, with chap-stick, and blah blah...can't remember exactly everything he said (sorry Remi, clearly I cant quote), but I agree with him. It is totally a balance thing, when you have the right amounts of layers, and hats, gloves, and leggings, you can peel off layers, or take your gloves off to feel the cold on your hands. Something inspirational like that.

But today I ran 7.8 miles. The cold was nothing! But, the amount of layers was perfect. I was hot from working hard, but I didn't need anything bulky or heavy. My hat and back were soaked by the end, but great day.

The gear...

Finally the new inserts. When first started to run (mentioned in previous post 3-4 miles here and there) I had neutral shoes, just normal Asics, however as I began to run more---I began to have arch pain. SO, I started to tape my arch. It helped tremendously! Then I got use to that, and shin splints came into the picture!! So I just kept taping my foot. It became a BATTLE with the tape. If I didn't tape it right, I would have pain. Some good days and some bad days of taping. Oo, the those where the days of fall. THEN, I talked to some fellow workers, and they said come get fitted at a running store. SO I did, and Now I have these shoes. Saucony Stabil. See picture. O my, how these shoes have a) increased my milage, b) made my feet feel better.

Continuing after the new shoes, I was taping with the Stabil shoes. O it did wonders. Then the pain/shin splints made another appearance. So I went back to the store. "Powersteps" inserts were my next experiment. Iw ore them around the house, at work in my Stabil shoes. FANTASTIC support, for cheap $$ (compared to professional orthotics which can be so much money) and light weight. Thus this leads this story to now. I ran today with the new inserts. HOLY MOLY, great. No tape either. That use to be my security blanket, if I must say so.

I look goofy...the gear helps, it makes me look like I know what I'm doing...which it true sometimes.

So now the journey of "surviving winter" continues.

Happy Running everyone.

The beginning...

This quest for a marathon has been a process I must say. It all began in the summer, when I went through a rough patch in my life. To be honest I was betrayed and hurt. So I began to run. At the beginning it was 3-4 miles here and there. The summer heat was contributing to the distance but running felt great. I felt free, and calm, I was running the bad times out of my system and becoming a stronger person.

After finally getting situation in a new living place---at home I began to feel deprived of my independence?! to say lightly. So I ran more. I spent more time at school and the gym than I did at home. I ran till I was so tired I'd fall asleep and repeat the next day.

I would have to say it was a but intense for a beginner. I was running 4-5 miles a day and either swimming, or spinning after the run. I felt great physically, but then a marathon runner and some online advice directed me to a more efficient workout training plan.

One of my goals at the time was a "sprint" in East Lansing which consisted of running 3 miles, biking 12 miles, and swimming 0.5 miles. I thought I could do it, but I chickened out since no one could go with me to the race. Plus I didn't have a "race" bike.

Second goal 1/2 marathon at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October. I started training late due to delayed impulsive decisions, with that said I wasn't confident enough to run 13 miles. I was running about 5-7 miles confidently.

Now here is where the real "marathon" training begins. I have two goals to go for.

1) Dexter-Ann Arbor Run in May

2) Ann Arbor Triathlon at Half-moon Lake in June.

So now I have new shoes, inserts, and gear that will enhance my running.

I now run about 30 miles a week and mapping my routes.

I am hoping by the spring Ill have a bike and be running 40 miles a week.

its a slow process. If I go up too fast in milage ill get shin splints which I have been battling with for a while now. Winter is defiantly slowing me down---but I have managed to get a lot of good-long runs in despite the cold temperatures and wind.

The snow is supportive on my feet when my arches hurt as well as the coolness helps me not sweat like Niagara Falls. Plus the sky, snow, and just winter wonder land aspect is just so peaceful.

To a new year! 40-45 miles a week hopefully, new road bike---hopefully get on the roads and bike, loose some extra pounds, finish the dexter-ann arbor run, and complete the sprint triathlon in june!

More late...