I'm a lucky guy

Time sure does seem to fly in between blog postings.  As we get closer to D day, the postings here will probably get more numerous and more excited/terrified.

I've been working hard the last 4- 5 weeks trying to just get healthy and work out the aches and pains that have come as a result of the training.  Last week I want over to PR Running in Westboro to replace my Glycerin 9's with a new pair that would probably be my go too pair for the race.  After reviewing what I've been dealing with and looking at my gait again, I walked away with the Asics 3030's and couldn't be happier.  They are specifically built for my type of late pronation and should be a big help with the toe issues I've been having basically since the start of training.

So on Saturday, rather than go out and battle the recently fallen snow and ice, I trucked over to the gym to go hit a quick 13 miles on the treadmill.  The first 9 miles felt very good.  Other than being a little bored....you can only watch sportscenter for the first 45 minutes before it gets obnoxious and you've memorized every highlight.  My feet, knees and ankles all felt great, my breathing and heart rate were pretty good and I really felt solid.  Then of course it changed.  I felt my calf tighten up a little bit.  Then after the 9th mile I felt a sharp pull in my right calf that brought me to an instant halt. 

I went and stretched for about 20 minutes trying to work it out, but I was done for the day.  I was frustrated as hell because it seems like i can't get back to 100%.  Now a couple days later, the calf is feeling much better and I'm going to try a couple miles on the treadmill tomorrow at the gym before my workout.  I talk to my Team In Training coach and she thought I should spend some more time doing core and back work because that is why my calf is probably so tight and let to the pull.

As frustrating as it is, I still have to feel pretty lucky.  I had to go pick Brady up from school on Friday morning after he vomited.  It turns out that he was exposed and came down with Hand, Foot and Mouth virus.  The poor kid was up all night Saturday night, literally getting about 45 minutes of sleep the whole night.   Amy and I were up with him all night and he wouldn't nap all day Saturday.  The poor little guy just couldn't get comfortable.   As frustrated as Amy and I were that we couldn't help, it helped to reinforce why I'm running this race.  I know that within a few more days he's going to be better.  I saw him in the min johnny when we went to urgent care Saturday afternoon and he looked cute because I knew we could go home and he's have it off.  I have no clue what I would do if that was a more common wardrobe for him.

Despite all the frustration and minor setbacks that have gone into this training....I really am a lucky guy.