7 Miles Today!!!

After two very painful initial miles, I discovered what my problem actually was. It turns out my left ankle was lacking support and it was rolling funny as I my forefoot struck the ground. When I run, my left foot turns inward (pigeon toed) and my ankle rolls outward because I over pronate. It was cold and windy and I contemplated giving up. But then I realized that if I gave up now, then it would just make me more likely to continue giving up in the future. Besides, I had to run with Amanda tomorrow and I couldn't tell her that I didn't make it through 7 miles. I was determined and I was also broken. I stopped after mile 1 and I stretched really good. Especially, I stretched my shins. I ran/walked until I got back to my house. I decided to get my athletic tape/bandages and wrap my ankle. The wrapping would be the litmus test, if I still had issues with my ankle after wrapping it, then I would just walk until I completed the 7 miles. Luckily, wrapping my ankle gave it the support it needed for me to complete the remaining 5 miles. It took me 1 hr and 45 minutes to run/walk the 7 miles, but I did it. I did take intermittent walk breaks every 2 miles or so and I did have to slow my pace. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to do for the day, but I have to put everything into perspective. I was hurt and I sucked it up and continued on. I found a way to deal with my pain and in the end I am much happier for continuing on and achieving my goals.

What I learned today is that our bodies are incredibly resilient and with a little help I can push my body beyond my expectations. Last week I did 6 miles and I struggled a little to keep running until the end. This week, once I got past my initial hiccup, I easily did the 6 miles and I felt exhausted at the end of mile 7. My next step is to start looking into shin splint prevention and ankle strengthening exercises in order to help me solve my problems. Because at this point if I don't do something, I am going to struggle a lot more when I get to the Baltimore Marathon.

Total Miles Run: 38 miles

Until we meet again...happy running :-)