I’m not happy with the way the weekend has been going. Sure, I’ve been relaxing. I enjoyed going to celebrate a friend’s birthday on Friday night in the city at LaSalle Power Company. Didn’t really drink, but still had fun catching up with some lovely ladies I hadn’t seen in awhile.
I made a point of making it a one-drink night. Why? Because I had a long run scheduled for Saturday morning.
That didn’t so much happen…
I haven’t had a pain the last week, but it was an “off” feeling. Then, on Friday night while doing my cross training session, I decided to include a mile on the treadmill between weights. It didn’t feel so hot. So I made an executive decision to pass up my long run and push it to a different day. I cross trained again yesterday. No running. I think what almost bugged me more was that my training plan is all thrown out of whack- after two solid months of following it religiously! Ahhh… the ocd in me kicks in…
It was fine that I didn’t do the long run for another reason- I was tired. Friday night did not include much sleep.
Sure, I got a nap in. But apparently I was looking rough during my trip to Trader Joe’s. I’ve noticed they always like to carry a conversation- usually about food choice and what you’re making. After a brief and vague conversation, the cashier adds, “oh yeah, asparagus is definitely one of the best things for a hangover.”
What? It’s 7:00. On Saturday night. Do I still look that rough? I had one drink. I’m just sleepy, I swear! Ouch…
Clearly I need a little pick-me-up.
I don’t know how many times I’ve used McDonald’s $1.00 large iced tea as my go-to beverage. Starbucks needs to recognize…
How… um… classy. The salad was amazing- topped with green beans, edamame, orange pepper, mushrooms and peanuts. Or in other words, everything but the kitchen sink.
So yeah… I’m freaking out just a bit. I’m nervous that I have the beginnings of shin splints. High impact is really the only thing I’m having trouble with. I can ellipticize (is that a word? if not, I’m claiming it as my own) all day. I can climb stairs forever. But the running might take a backseat. Being as how we’re exactly three weeks away from the Rock ‘n Roll Half, I’m not happy about this. But I guess there’s not much I can do. It’s not severe, so we’ll just keep testing the waters out until I’m back on the trail…
If you’ve got any helpful advice, I’m all ears. Seriously. I don’t want the schedule being thrown off to completely take down my motivation for the race.
On a happy note- Sarena The Non-Dairy Queen passed along the Sugar Doll Award to me the other day! I love Sarena, by the way- she’s got a sense of humor that keeps me cracking up every day! So here’s a few more random things for my peeps to ponder:
1. Heath Ledger was my most prominent celeb crush I had in high school after I watched 10 Things I Hate About You. I adored him enough to even sport the big poster of him from A Knight’s Tale through my freshman year. I believe my roommate and my boyfriend at the time both despised it. Brandon Boyd from Incubus was a close 2nd in this category. What can I say? I went through a phase of digging the shaggy hair… Who was your high school celeb crush? No judgements will be made… or at least not out loud…
2. My favorite Bath & Body Works scent is WarmVanilla Sugar. Because that was the scent of the lotion my aunt gave me for Christmas before she passed away. It still reminds me of her every time I smell it. And I search it out if I happen to come upon one of their regular clearance sales.
3. I can still rap Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez’s rap intersession in “Waterfalls” by TLC. I learned it around the age of 10 and had no idea what it meant. Ah the young and clueless. But I can still do it… holla’.
Anyhoo, I’ve just had breakfast this morning. I’m waking up a little and hopefully hitting the trail. We’re going to test it out. So I’ll either be doing a solid run or a warm-up walk followed by some gym time. Wish me luck! 
Filed under: Fitness Randomness, Nutritional Randomness Tagged: | Blog Award, cross training, fitness, half marathon training, health, iced tea, injury, Rock n' Roll Half, running, Salad, Sugar Doll Award
Those pancakes look mighty tasty…that should improve your mood today! I hope your shins feel better and the run goes well this morning. I hate not being able to follow my exercise routine…kinda makes me crazy! I love that scent from Bath and Body Works too! Keep your chin up and good luck! Have a great Sunday Amy!
Amy, dont feel bad. Im sure that you’ll get back on the wagon in no time.
And considering your level of fitness, it will definitely be a-okay 
So dont sweat it (pun not intended)
ha ha– I giggled just a bit on that one…
Ack. I’m sorry about the pain, girl, and I hope it’s nothing too serious. Go easy on it for a few days, just in case.
I had a crush on Heath throughout high school, too, and I still watch A Knight’s Tale every one in a while
My other big one was Paul Walker.
Oh Paul Walker… he was cute. That’s really all he was… the kid couldn’t act worth a crap (in my opinion). What happened to him, anyways???
haha i feel all badass when i go the left eye rap in that song
and remember to breathe. you’ll bounce back. if it really is shin splints then the best thing to do is not run for a few days. i had a really really bad case this past spring and it was not so fun. i ignored it for so long that i was derailed for a bit. but if your case is just starting then i think just a few days of babying them would work
Aww girl i am sorry about the pain!! REST UP and im sure it will heal asap!! seriously- its no biggie!! just take care of yourself.
you freaking crack me UP!!!!! “how..classy” hahaha!
I have been experiencing knee pain for a few weeks since my half marathon and haven’t been able to get into my normal fitness routine, so I know how you feel. It really, really stinks. I think it is doctor time for me.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that! My leg’s feeling better today- but I remember finally caving and having to go to the doctor for my injury last winter… it sucks!
My high school celeb crush was probably Heath Ledger too and it’s a shame that he died because he was simply amazing. Thanks a lot Heath Ledger, you were supposed to be the next Johnny Depp but even better.
I hope your legs feel better soon! Don’t push it, do what feels safe and they’ll be better in no time.
He so would have been, right? Or they would have started collabarating and become a power duo in the cinema… rarr
I’m OCD on the exercise, too, but am learning when the body is screaming for a break or a break in routine, it’s better to oblige. It’ll all work out.
I can still rap Will Smith’s rap for Fresh Prince of Bellaire. “In West Philadelphia born and raised. On the playground is where I spent most of my days….” Sad but true. Anytime I hear the word Philadelpia, I break it out. Happens more than you’d think
Ahhh…. we used to break that out at house parties! I couldn’t keep up with all of it, but tried! I’m very impressed.
I was having shin splint problems too, my solutions:
- Take walk breaks
- Ice after EVERY SINGLE RUN
- Stretch your calves throughout the run
- Foam roll your calves
- Zensah shin sleeves have done WONDERS for me!
Here’s another blog with lots of good advice! I think you will be able to beat the shin splints if you take precautions, good luck!
http://healthyashley.blogspot.com/2010/02/kick-shin-splints-for-good.html
Oh you are awesome! Thanks, girl!
Blech. I’ve managed to sidestep shin splits, but a ton of my friend shave suffered from them. Amber above me touched on most of the key points, but my buddies have had a lot of success with icing and the sleeves. You might also look into switching shoes if they’re old.
On the other hand, you might just be having run of the mill soreness from working out like a motha. In which case, rest and some Advil popping for a day could be just the ticket.
Just bought new shoes today (not because of the shins, but because I knew it was time to retire the old ones). I’m hoping it will help for future runs!
OMG I cried the day Heath Ledger died. I looooved the Patriot and Knight’s Tale. We went to see it on PROM NIGHT when it came out to theaters. Or maybe that was my excuse… b/c I didn’t have a date…… suck it prom
And oh yeah, I forgot to mention! Hope your funk goes away soon!!
I loved TLC! I have a very vivid memory of me in 3rd grade, standing in line waiting to go somewhere, and my friends and I were singing that song!
Oh no!! I am sending you good vibes and crossing all my fingers (and toes) for you!!!!
ive never had their tea. is it unsweetened?
sorry bout the leg…. injuries blow.
Yes- but you have to be very clear about it. Otherwise they like to assume things and will dump a cup of sugar in it with that sweet tea crap they serve… blah
oh those pancakes. i want to stuff my face in them now.
Shin splints SUCK! Ive always had a big problem with them. I was having pretty bad shin splints back in the winter, and they got much better when I got new running shoes. Running on grass is supposed to help too. Ive never really been a big fan of it, because the grass isnt as flat as pavement and therefore causes me to hurt my ankle. But its softer so its easier on your shins.
I really hope youre feeling better though! Take some time off, after a few days the pain starts to go away.
I had to skip a few runs at the end of my half training because of shin pain and I was still able to do the race! Listen to your body! It’s okay to miss a run or too
YAY FOR BEING A SUGAR DOLL!! hehe <3
im sorry ur weekend wasent the best- i hate when something liek that happens.. whether its my foot, my legs, knee, neck, anything! always puts a damper on the day/week!!
xoxo <3
here's to a better weekend NEXT week!!
Is it weird that I’ve had a crush on Patrick Swayze since I was about 10? I think he was a wee bit old for me in HS, but dayum, he was hot in Dirty Dancing
I hope your leg is feeling better…hopefully it just needed a bit of rest! I hate shin splints, so I am thinking happy, happy thoughts for you! My best advice….ice, ice, ice! And some Advil, lots of stretching!
I hope your legs start to feel better…I know very little about shin splints or running, but I will send good thoughts your way. I’ve been having a rough weekend too, so I’m feeling your pain!
Oh, I am the shin splint mf-ing expert. Hate em! And I have been warned profusely that you can take anti-inflammatories, ice and massage but it will keep coming back unless you identify the problem…and it can turn into a stress fracture if you’re not careful.
I think its pretty common to get them whenever you increase your mileage too quickly, which can happen if you’re training for a half– “they” say don’t increase mileage by more than 10% a week.
You might also want to make sure you’re wearing the right shoes, or if you’re wearing old shoes, that could be the problem too.
Also, it sounds like you already do a lot of x-training so this might not apply to you, but it could be tightness in your calves, shins and ankles – stretching and improving your flexibility can help.
good luck!!
Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry about your shin splints.
I’ve never had them, but I’ve heard GREAT things about those leg sleeves that you can wear. Maybe those would be worth a shot if icing/stretching doesn’t do the trick? I think every runner has been there, but the good news is that you’ll get back out there!
And I feel the SAME way about McD’s $1 beverages. Except I am bad and get the Diet Coke.
But seriously, it is my crack.
Sorry about your leg pain! Can I ask how old are your shoes, and when was the last time you got professionally fitted? I ask because I was having shin-splint type pain a few months ago, and I went and got properly fitted for a new pair of running shoes. The pain was from my over-pronation, and has completely gone away since I got my new shoes. Now I’m not a doctor or anything, but it’s something you could check out!
Starbucks does need to recognize!
I hope you feel better soon. Injuries are so lame. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Sigh, I want Tim Hortons coffee.
This post had my cracking up—at the TJ’s employee hinting you looked rough and Left Eye rap–I think you need to make a video rapping it out, dressed up like old school TLC of course. I love how I used to know all the words to these dirty rap songs like OPP and Me So Horny when I was a youngin and had no clue what they meant. No wonder I turned out the way I did!
Well first of all, after two months of hard core training all is not lost!! Remember that even when the ocd talks back your body is ready! Second you NEED a tiger tail muscle massager http://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Tail-Rolling-Muscle-Massager/dp/B000FE82QU. use this on your calves and your shins…i PROMISE this will work but you must must must roll it out twice a day. HARD like to the point where it hurts (think applying lots of pressure to the pressure point/deep tissue massage). feeeeeel better dear!