My Achilles Heel.

Isn't it postmodern that my figurative Achilles heel is actually, well, my Achilles?

OK, so that gives me a giggle even when the pain presents itself loudly while I'm running. :)

Over the last couple of weeks I've been feeling a twinge, a soreness, when I begin my runs. After the first mile or two, it eases up and I can continue in peace. But this week the pain has taken another turn and has in fact increased throughout my mileage.

This is not good.

So, as usual, I went to my dear friend Erin for help. Erin, of the multiple marathons. Erin, the one I contact straightaway when something seems off-kilter.

Erin, who has blown my long run tomorrow all to bits. (Hi, Erin.)

She wasn't trying to be a killjoy, but she told me something I pretty much knew already: If I continue to maintain or increase my mileage without giving my tendons a rest, I'm asking for trouble. So I should rest up and ice my Achilles and decrease my mileage for a few days while I wait for recovery.

AND SO, tomorrow I will shoot for a 7-miler rather than my planned 14-miler. (In other news, it's funny that a 7-miler seems so SMALL now!) Then I will get back on the wagon next week in anticipation of my 20-miler the following weekend. I'd rather skip out on my 14-miler than be forced to miss the 20, that's for sure.

I suppose I'm due for a rest anyway. It's been a great training season so far. I just hate for it to be pushed on me like this. But I come from a family with "Forge on Ahead" stock -- I don't ever rest on my own volition. When it comes to my body, I have to be bullied into submission.

Fine. I relent. Uncle.

(But I'll STILL be up and at 'em tomorrow.)

:)

This Week's Schedule.

Monday: Bowling.
Tuesday: Rest day, weights.
Wednesday: Run (5 miles)
Thursday: Run (9 miles), weights.
Friday: Run (5 miles).
Saturday: Run (14 miles).
Sunday: Bowling.

:)

Next Week's Schedule.

Monday: Rest day!
Tuesday: Run (4 miles), weights.
Wednesday: Run (9 miles).
Thursday: Run (5 miles), weights.
Friday: Rest day!
Saturday: Run (18 miles).
Sunday: Bike OR swim.

:)

Next Week's Schedule.

Monday: Rest day!
Tuesday: Run (4 miles), weights.
Wednesday: Run (8 miles).
Thursday: Run (5 miles), weights.
Friday: Rest day!
Saturday: Race day! (5K run -- this can be my makeup run from last week!)
Sunday: Run (12 miles).

:)

This Week's Schedule, Revised.

This week got away from me a little bit with early days and late worknights. My Sunday tri got cancelled, so I still have plenty of time to fit everything in. :)

Monday: Bike (60 minutes).
Tuesday: Rest day, weights.
Wednesday: Rest day.
Thursday: Weights.
Friday: Run (4 miles).
Saturday: Run (16 miles).
Sunday: Run (8 miles).

To make up next week: Run (4 miles).

:)

Remembering a Hero Among Mortals.

Marathoner Jane Tomlinson dies after 7-year battle with cancer

The Dread Pirate offers a beautiful eulogy that I couldn't possibly top. I urge you to go check it out and learn more about Jane Tomlinson, a TRUE Ironman and an inspiration to many.

She's sure inspired me.

What are YOU gonna do today?

This Week's Schedule.

Monday: Bike (60 minutes).
Tuesday: Rest day, weights.
Wednesday: Run (4 miles).
Thursday: Run (8 miles), weights.
Friday: Run (4 miles).
Saturday: Run (16 miles).
Sunday: Rest day!

:)