Day 5: Rest and Kinesio Tape

Hey gang.  After how bad my shins felt yesterday and the fact that I am working 9 hours at the busiest store in the district today I decided today would be a relax day.

I taped up both of my legs yesterday and used A LOT OF ice.

For those of you not familiar with KT Tape, I have enclosed two videos.  One is an overview of what the tape is and what it does and one is specifically for shin splints. 

They used this tape on my shoulder when I was having issues with it and they also used it during my PT for shin splints this past Sept/Oct.

I am a HUGE fan of the tape.   It helps me heal while not interfering in my day to day life. It can also retrain muscles too.

The videos are courtesy of Mueller Rx.
KT Tape Overview
Taping for Shin Splints

That's what my legs look like now!

Day 4: Hitting the gym

Instead of pounding pavement, today I went for the gym.  After a half a mile on the treadmill my shins were killing me, so I went for the stationary bike and did 6 miles.  My legs feel that, but in a good way.

Now I am showered and sitting with ice packs on my shins getting caught up on American Horror Story.  I love this show.

I still feel like I may be over-reaching by going for a full marathon, it may not happen, but hopefully I won't give up.

I've been doing some research and thought I would share with you.

For those of you dealing with shin splints like myself: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/7-Tips-to-Beat-Shin-Splints.htm

Also, for those of you in colder climates, there are benefits for running outside vs. a treadmill when the conditions are not dangerous http://www.active.com/running/articles/5-reasons-to-run-outdoors-this-winter.htm

Also, I found a training schedule for a half marathon, that I will work on once my shin splints go away again.  Sucks having to start over.  I should have never stopped to begin with though.  So I have no one to blame but me.

I found a race next July in Chicago http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/chicago/register. Feel like joining me?

Day 3: No Running today

Ok, no running for Rachel today.  My calves are killing me. 

When I got home from work at about 1am, I just covered my legs in ice packs.  My shins no longer hurt, which is good.  My calves, are a completely different story.

I am off tomorrow, so training will resume.  Today will be a yoga day.  Nothing but stretching and then icing my muscles.

As temperatures drop in the south (and how they already have up north) there are some things to keep in mind for your training.  I found a great article that you should read if you're not already well versed.

http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Cold_Weather_Training_and_Your_Body.htm?cmp=17-2-1727

Day 2: OUCH

Well today went as expected.  It hurt.  My legs are SCREAMING at me.  My shins are three times as loud.

When I hooked my phone up to my PC, it did something funky and all my music got re-added to my phone.  So I have every album twice.  That meant I heard every song back to back.  Now unlike many of you, I happen to really like Christmas music, so it's on  my phone.  I laughed pretty hard when I heard "Baby It's Cold Outside" back to back when I'm sweating my ass off running in 65 degree weather.  Love the irony.

So now it's time for lots of water.  Then a meal.  I'm thinking Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal and some toast with a glass of milk.  Then a shower.  Then perhaps an ice bath.  Then off to work til midnight.

Have I mentioned how much I love working retail at Christmas?  I love it, but the hours are getting to me.  I will attempt to stay strong though!

Let me know what you think!

Here's todays link to my run: http://runkeeper.com/user/rporter82/activity/62797217

Running and shin splints OH MY!

I have been dealing with shin splints since May.  They have quit literately been a pain in my legs.  They cost me quite a bit of money too.  I went to the doctor after they didn't go away for a 8 weeks. 
He did a bone scan and that cost me roughly $400 after my insurance.  Then I did physical therapy 3 times a week for about 6 weeks at $14 a pop which is about $250 after insurance.  Oi vey!

I bought new shoes from Run In, an AWESOME store in Greenville, SC.  The shoes helped a lot.  They are the Ravenna S2 by Brooks.  I LOVE THEM.

Well I've been doing a lot of treadmill running to get back into shape.  I ran outside today and it was horrible.  The treadmill has given me a false sense of accomplishment.  It made me think I was doing good.  Well as it gets colder it will be easier to run outside.  Provided we don't get any ice or snow. 

Work has been killing me and making me tired.  I am going to try to not let it affect me as much. 

So blogging world lets see if you can help encourage me.  I will post everything through Run Keeper.  Even on the treadmill so you can see I've run.

My goal is 5 to 6 times per week.  So lets see if the encouragement helps.

http://runkeeper.com/user/rporter82/activity/62709199 That's todays link.  

I'd love to be able to run a full marathon next summer.  I've got a lot of work ahead of me.