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August 17, 2005
Phantom Pains, a Few Days Off and a HAPPY B-DAY to my MOM :)
I have been freaking out since Monday. But before I complain about a few days of complete rest, I will rewind to Monday. I had an absolutely amazing run - mostly due to the fact that I coerced my twin sister (back from Africa) into running with me and a few others. I typically run from the running specialty store that I work at in Chicago. I have recently declared myself the ringleader of the Monday Night Anarchy Group. A lot of the runners that our store attracts are local road race winners and speedsters. After running long on the weekend, I refuse to engage in the typical pissing matches that occur on Monday nights - i.e. everyone declares that they are going to run "easy" and the next thing you know, you are hanging on by a thread and huffing and puffing just to keep the group in sight! So my group is gradually increasing its membership and we usually bang out 7-11 miles around 8:00-8:30 pace. Anne joined us and the most frequently heard comment was the following: "Your sister is a goddess." Translation: "Is your sister single? Because I think she is HOT!" I agree - she is hot :)
I am completely off track! At any rate, we ran our 7.2 mile route and the last mile, I was feeling extremely fresh and happy . . . my feet started going and my stride followed. I clocked the last mile in 6:15. I have been running most of my runs this way in preparation for the marathon: start off "butters" slow and gradually increase the pace. The best part of Monday night was yet to come . . . I drove home, walked in, and B. was waiting for me - he was all decked out in his technical running clothes. The two of us headed out for a swift 3 miler and I logged 10+ miles for the day.
And then the phantom pains invaded my foot. I started to feel a dull ache in my left foot - 3rd metatarsal (aka: stress fracture site). I immediately decided to take yesterday and today off, OD on aleve and ice compulsively. I think I could have run - or at least cross trained - today, but I am too cautious and too paranoid to risk anything at this point. I am planning on an easy 6 tomorrow morning - and hopefully another 20 miler on Sunday. I know that part of the problem can be traced back - once again - to switching out of my mizunos. Our store is running low on them and I refuse to buy off the internet (EVIL EVIL EVIL - it puts little guys like us out of business!) . . . so I am paying the price. Fortunately, I have some old pairs in the closet that I am going to resurrect and squeeze every last mile out of before I can finally update my Mizunos. I generally train in the precision - a nice, low profile, lightweight shoe. Anything with more "shoe" and I suffer.
Enough about my pain - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! I know she reads my blog every other day and she frequently reminds me that I need to update my running life more often :) Will do, mom. I am so lucky to have at least one loyal fan like you out there. You are the best :)
Posted by bridget at August 17, 2005 10:45 PM
Comments
I hope your foot feels better and you have access to a new pair of shoes soon! Thanks for the update, it's good to hear from you again.
Posted by: Alison at August 18, 2005 07:14 AM
Ack! What you could do is order the shoes online and start using them. Then, when a shipment comes in to the store you can buy a pair then ship those new ones back to the online company as a "return." That way you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Hope your foot feels better! We MUST get together for a long run soon. I'll be in NY this weekend, but maybe Labor Day weekend? Or the 28th?
Posted by: alweiss at August 18, 2005 11:11 AM
Happy b-day to your mom! I love my Riders, our shop doesn't carry the Precision or else my search for a lightweight trainer would be solved. I too, refuse to order online, but that is because I need to try my shoes on before I buy them. Hope you get some in soon!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at August 18, 2005 07:44 PM
Egad!!! Take care of the foot... i am so sorry to hear about the pains. keep us posted (no blogging pun in tended). you should just get sponsored by whoever makes Mizunos...then you will always be in shoes! :)
Posted by: Audrey at August 20, 2005 03:49 PM