Haven't thrown the towel in

I'm still in recovery mode but my spirit isn't broken yet. My coach, Amy, has prescribe insoles for me, more resting of my foot, massage, and worst of all no running. That being said I am to swim, bike, and train on the elliptical trainer to keep me in shape and keep my heart rate up. I should be back on track for the 8 mile recovery run a week from Sunday. I guess I'm a true runner now because I actually miss running! Never would have guessed it! It's frustrating right now but better to correct the problem than further damage my foot.

Swift like the Wind has been gallivanting around Europe and trying to fit runs in when she can. She emailed the other day and said she feels a bit off kilter because it is difficult to run when she has been on her feet sight seeing all day. Not to mention her biological clock is all skewed because she is eating and sleeping at completely different times than when they are state side.

On a different note I'm in the home stretch for my fundraising. It is a nerveracking process because donations take a few days to get processed and posted on the web. This is especially true for donations that are mailed in. I'm very nervous that I'm not going to hit the required goal of $1700.00 let alone my personal goal of $2000.00. I am so grateful for everyone who has donated thus far! It is amazing to know that not only do those who have donated support me as a runner but also believe in the cause enough to support me on behalf of the Whitman-Walker AIDS Clinic. THANK YOU!

If you have not yet had an opportunity to donate please click on the link in the left side bar that says "Make a Donation." Donations should be made before August 1, 2006. Please email me if you have any questions.

Time to recuperate

Today's run was 14 miles!! It's so awesome to realize that the 10 mile run or even the 12 mile run is now "easy" and we just breeze past that point on the trail. Fourteen was no tip toe through the tulips but it did go very well. I was nervous about this distance because of it's sheer length and because I only got one maintenance run this week and it was a short one at that. But 14 felt pretty darn good, better than I expected. I was the only runner in our group today but another runner who has been recuperating from injury and trying to figure out where he needs to be in terms of pace, ran with me. We finished the distance in just over 3 hours.

The down side of this is that it appears I am developing "Planters Fasciitis" which is a tenderness in the foot. It generally causes heel and bone spurs. I am experiencing pain on the outside of my left foot. It hurts after long runs but I don't notice it on a daily basis. So for the next week I'll rest, ice, stretch and work out the pain in my foot by rolling it over a tennis ball. I should be able to nip this in the bud and be recuperated for the 16 mile run. But I'm playing it safe so that I can continue training and run the marathon.

Swift like the wind had a difficult time with her 14 miles today. I was kidding her that she would now be "Runs with a Limp." She is still vacationing in Maine and had to deal with the hills around time. Today also happened to be the hottest day yet! She said she was doing well until about mile 10 when she was just aching in her knees, lower back, and feet. Her husband was driving behind her ready and waiting to refill her water bottles and snap a few photos. She managed to finish the distance but it took her a greater time mainly due to the inclines.

The only other thing to report out is regarding Clif Shot Recovery powder. I found this stuff at a local outdoors store back home. It was French Vanilla flavor! The mix has all sorts of good stuff to help you eliminate the lactic acid in your muscles, replenish electrolytes, etc. It doesn't smell great but the taste isn't too shabby! A packet makes an 8 oz. drink so it is quick to drink. I honestly don't feel like my legs are as tight as normal so maybe it was worth it!

Until next time,

Two Braids

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Aids Marathon and the Whitman-Walker Clinic. I couldn't do this with out your support! The money you have contributed will go to those who desperately need medical attention to fight HIV/AIDS. Although I may hurt or be sore after a run the people in and around the DC area living with this disease are in greater pain. Due to your generosity they can receive the treatments and medications they need have a better quality of life!

If you have not yet had the opportunity to make a donation you can still do so! Simply click on the link to the left entitled "Make a Donation" or you can email me for more information.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

A different kind of cheering section

This past weekend I breezed through a short 6 mile recovery run. Now that we are at the 1/2 way mark we will alternate weeks between long runs and shorter recovery runs. It made the 6 miles seem like nothing but I am nervous about the upcoming 14 miles this weekend.

As I ran I enjoyed all the cool North Carolina morning had to offer. Soft sun rays gearing up to full power, the sight of dew rising off the tall grass and hay fields, the smell of something sweet in the air. Also propelling me around the loop by my in-laws house was a cheering section of sorts. The rooster trying to coax others out of bed, donkeys in the neighboring pasture, a rabbit quietly hopping through the grass, numerous dogs barking with each passing bend, a flock of birds which I seemed to startle as the morning broke, and a few horses running along side me in their pasture, curious as to what I was doing.

I would welcome this special cheering section more often if I had the chance. I will have to make sure the sights, sounds, and smells of this run keep vigil in my mind as I set out to run 14 miles this weekend and in the weeks to come.