Running Interrupted

Well, despite my lofty plans to go running during this weekend trip, nothing materialized. In fact, I had plans to run in the morning on Friday before we left for Charlottesville, however this too went by the wayside, although not for lack of desire.

Friday I got up early and decided to get my errands done before going to the gym. That way I would get things done and then not have to go running with that bothering me. My first stop was to get my car tested for vehicle emissions, per Maryland state law. It passed, but took longer than I anticipated. From there it was on to the Wal-Mart to return those too-large insoles and possible get some others. I was successful in finding arch supports that I think will work nicely. However, returning anything to Wal-Mart is a chore. The customer service counter is always understaffed and overwhelmed. This was no different and I eventually just decided to return them another day when I had more time. However, by the time I got home, it was after noon and I had to be ready to go by 1:30 or 2:00. I also had yet to pack and get things in order for the trip so by the time all that was done, it was way too late to go to the gym. Bummer.

The weekend was great, and as a result I lost all desire to get up early and go running. I took my running clothes and shoes, but they never made it out of my bag. We did go hiking in Shenandoah National Park, so I got some exercise. However, at some point along the way I aggravated my shin splints on my right leg, and was hobbling around most of the day yesterday. I think sitting in the car and driving back to Baltimore made it worse. I iced it pretty aggressively last night and rejected Annie’s attempts at making me go on a walk. By the time I went to bed, it was feeling much better and I could walk relatively comfortably. Today it feels fine, although I am going to have to wait until tomorrow to go back to the gym for safety’s sake. I’m not sure if it was the new inserts in my shoes, or if I aggravated it by taking a few bad steps on the steep trail. Regardless, it feels OK today so by tomorrow, it should be fine. I don’t think it was the inserts because I put them in both shoes and I would think that if one leg was hurting that both would at least be a little tender. But my left leg feels great.

Regardless, I hope my arch pain fades and the shin splints can be contained. I’ll start a post-run regime of icing and stretching in addition to the stretching I already do to try to limit future outbreaks. We’ll see. Tonight, however, unless I feel especially confident in my leg, I won’t be going to the gym, unfortunately.