I remember blogging that I’ve never had much trouble with shin splints as a runner. I think they bothered me when I was on the gymnastics team in 6th grade. But since I began running long distances, they have never bothered me.

Jinx.

My 20 miler turned in 13. It’s disappointing because in all honesty, I felt amazing. And the pain was something that I could have pushed through for the remaining 7 miles.

HOWEVER, I didn’t want to push anything. I’m close enough to the marathon to know that a serious injury at this point could be detrimental to the race. At the same time, I’m far enough out that a small break can only be beneficial.

I feel strong and prepared, so I’m going to take it easy this week.

This actually works out really well, because I’ll be on the road for work from Tuesday until Friday, so running just can’t be a priority.

As much as I hate making formal training plans, I’m going to give you a tentative one (for my sake, not yours):

This week, I’m going to cut my mileage in half. I’m also going to order compression sleeves. Thanks to my Twitter buds for helping me make that decision!

Next week, I’ll get back up to my normal mileage and tackle 20 miles.

Then if I’m feeling good, keep it up and run a 22 miler.

Then it’s taper time!

For now the injury isn’t severe enough to make me thing that 20 or 22 miles is not practical or possible. I know they are. I’m hoping that rest, ice, compression and foam rolling (that’s R.I.C.F…not to be confused with R.I.C.E)

In the meantime, I’m icing, searching for compression sleeves and asking Dave to please wipe the dried slobber off of Dexter’s face.

He looks like a triclops.

Welp, I’m out! I don’t know how often I’ll be checking in this week. I’ll try to keep it regular, but it’s going to be a crazy busy week!

P.S. my calves are almost 14 inches thick. I don’t know, but that sounds hard core. Be scared! They can beat you up!