~ Sigh No More ~

**Plan to run 12+ on Saturday, with the option to bail at any point if needed** **it’s OK and sometimes necessary**

Who am I to argue with those instructions?   These instructions made me feel happy and just confident enough, that I knew I’d get a decent run in.   I chose to run alone with my thoughts.   I chose to do this because it’s what I felt most comfortable doing.   These runs are what is going to ultimately get me to the Marine Corp Marathon starting line, healthy and with a smile on my face.   I need to do it right.

I actually quite enjoy running on the boardwalk and even through some of the surrounding streets to get my miles done.  It’s not all that boring as there is always something going on plus I know so many runner folks that sometimes, I even have unexpected company.  For this run though, I was on my own and loving it.

And with that, I ran 9.25 miles out of the 12.   Not bad.  2.75 miles short.   That is perfectly fine with me and Coach Caleb.

I went with zero expectations and ran the 1st 4 miles with only 2 stops. At that point I did stop Barney as well. At 4 miles I took a Hammer Gel (espresso) and gulped some water and ran another mile.   Not sure I dig the Hammer Gels and need to really experiment.

1 10:10

2 10:33

3 10:53

4 10:21

5 10:34

I am happy with these 5 miles.

Miles 6-9 not so much. I employed the run/walk at 4:1 and 3:1.

6 11:05

7 11:56

8 11:40

9 13.20

0.25 2:55 (11.40 min/mile)

Like I said, I am very happy that I got this run under my belt.

Apparently, I have no fat pads on my heels.  This is causing some annoying discomfort to my right heel.  It is not a heel spur,  nor is it in the area of my plantar fascia.  How do you like that segue???

Fat pad injury refers to damage or disruption of the calcaneal (heel) fat pad. This structure is approximately one inch thick and made up of fatty tissue enclosed by ligamentous baffles or chambers. The purpose of this uniquely designed structure is to absorb shock and cushion the heel bone.  If the fat pad is displaced or thins, then its ability to protect the heel bone from impact is decreased, which can result in heel pain.

Conservative treatment consists of heel taping, using heel cups or a heel pad, icing the area after activity, using well-cushioned shoes, running on softer surfaces, using orthotics (if needed) and anti-inflammatory medication.

I am fairly certain that running in the Vibrams contributed to this.   But, who knows.  I am happily awaiting a new pair of Brooks ~ Ghost 3’s and will continue to wear my K’s.  I need to get that heel pad too.   It’s kinda funny looking but hopefully, will do the trick.

I have a few different ways of approaching my training going forward but mostly, I want to get the long runs done and work on some speed.   I love the training plan that Coach Caleb made for me.  It works.  I am very proud to be a part of the running community.  So much positivity and love and support.  If tomorrow I was told I couldn’t run Marine Corp Marathon, I would smile and say “That’s cool”  I fully intend to be there in DC no matter what.  To run it.  To support all my fellow runners and friends and most importantly to spend some quality time with my sister who will be accompanying me to the race.

The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn’t like to do. ~Thomas Edison

Whatever makes you feel bad, leave it.  Whatever makes you smile, keep it.

Pushups ~ I do.  Core ~ I love.  Honor life by living.  Welcome, you are.

You know, if you feel like it.