Back to Basics

Well, well, well...here I am...4 1/2 months later.

The weather is starting to warm up and the temperatures are inviting me to hit the pavement. I haven't run since October 25th, so I am looking forward to it, but also a little nervous. I am all healed up from my stress fracture...I never posted the x-rays, so here they are.

So, I did get out of my regular routine November-January. I started to get back on my strength training and cardio workouts at the beginning of February. March has been 100% on track with training and nutrition (more details on that later), but I still haven't been on a run in the great outdoors. Truth be told, I'm a wimp with the cold weather!

This weekend is the St. Patrick's Day Lo-Tide Run and although I would like to improve my time from last year, I am really just happy to be on the road again.

no race for me

Its official...no race for me tomorrow. I can't even describe how disappointed I am. I went to pick up my race packet so I could at least get my shirt and other goodies. Everyone seemed so excited and I couldn't help but think about how much energy would be flowing in the morning as the race started. My eyes got a little watery hen I got back in my car because I hated having to tell everyone that wished me "good luck" that I wouldn't be running.

This coming week I will probably have an appointment with an orthopedist. I will just heal, train, and race in March. I will keep on blogging...my 2 feet haven't finished their journey yet!

not looking good

I tried to run on the treadmill today to test out my foot...its a no-go. I lasted about 3 minutes and knew it wasn't going to work. Then I had a mini-meltdown and decided I would try one last time on Saturday. Really though, I already know that I probably won't be able to run on Sunday. It is SO frustrating and disappointing to train for so long and not be able to finish what I started.

feet don't fail me now

Well, it is suspected that I have stress fracture in my 5th metatarsal :(

There is no way to tell for sure without an MRI (and that isn't happening). I am currently wrapped in kinesio tape and will ice, wrap and rest until Sunday. I am going to try to run tomorrow and see if the pain is better, worse or the same...and if things go well, I will still plan on running the race on Sunday. I have trained too hard to give up now!

And either way, there will be a walking boot in my future.

hoping for the best

Well, I ran my 8 miles yesterday and finished in 01:22:31...a personal best for me! I felt great as soon as I finished mile 3, so that must be my magic mile. After that, I was on auto-pilot :)

I am a little bummed because I have this pain on the outside of my left foot. I have been icing it and taking some ibuprofen and if it is still feeling the same I am going to have it looked at tomorrow. I am hoping it is just a bruise and not a stress fracture! Arrrghh!!!

I took today off from cross training and will either cross train or run tomorrow based on the foot status.

the final countdown!

Here I am...1 week away from my race! The past month has been quite challenging and I haven't been able to train like I wanted. However, I have tried to not let that discourage me! My confidence is definitely down some, but I feel like I will still finish within my goal. Today I will run 8 miles and it couldn't be any better weather here. I am eager to cross the finish line next week!

Training schedule this week:

Sunday - 8 miles
Monday - cross train
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles
Thursday - rest
Friday - rest
Saturday - rest
Sunday - RACE DAY!

balancing act

I have had quite the struggle with finding balance lately...personal life, work, training. It's been a busy few weeks, but good. I truly envy people that can find that balance between everything because it is hard! I am getting back on my schedule, but I haven't been training on the pace that I should be. I hope that I haven't pushed back my progress because the race is less than a month away! I have my first 10 mile run in the morning, so that will tell me if I am still on track. I think that I will be fine, but I am getting a little nervous. Tonight, I am sitting down and revising my training for the last few weeks. I am still up for the challenge, but I must get my balance back to truly succeed.