Ice, Rest, Run, Repeat

Yesterday was a big day with many monumental moments.

I scheduled myself to run 16 miles on the Boston Course with my charity, but my plans changed and I only wanted to run 10 miles because of my shin splints. I ended up running with the Hopkinton running club. It was a beautiful running route and the company was very nice. The club members are a little younger than the GFRC members. I had heard this rumor once before, but it's the truth! I ran mostly with Jessica, a woman from Hopkinton, 4 year vet of the club, 2 time Boston runner, and employee of Genzyme. I had invited along my other GFRC Bottom Line charity runner, Linda York and she also ran with us. Linda and I didn't really have much of a clue of the course though, and Jessica was nice enough to stop and wait whenever we didn't keep up. For instance, yesterday was my first woods pee break. Other runners do it all the time, but I haven't since I was five on a car trip with my family. All went well, and I enjoyed the rest of the run besides the fact that my hand was bleeding. I climbed up a mountain to be away from the street. Then I fell down the mountain and grabbed branches on my way down. My hand has been patched up, but it was a hoot of an experience.

I have learned that my body must be judged the day after a long run to determine its level of comfort. I slept in today, but my shins are a little sore, but not PAINFUL like last weekend. Ice, Rest, Run, and Repeat may or may not be my life until April 20th with a few small fundraisers in the middle.

A few runners have suggested buying dixie cups, freezing them and then rolling them over my shins. I bought the sleeve of cups. I can distinctly remember the last time I bought dixie cups. My college roommate Heather Alexsa and I received a lovely Christmas tree from Joe Piedrafite- HoHoJoe -and Andy Cook- Handy Andy- one year. To properly celebrate the season and our gift, Heather and I hosted a Holiday party. We served little red and green jellO delights in the small dixie cups. Wow! How my life has changed? Now, I'm freezing water in the cups and staying far away from those other red and green things.

After my morning run, I rested with ice, stretched, and almost fell back to sleep but prepared an evite instead! Please stop by Owen O'Leary's on Wednesday, March 4th Evite for Owen O'Leary's Bring everyone!

Two other big important marathon logistics were taken care of this weekend. I joined Joe Pi for a trip to the Natick Collection yesterday. I picked up a running hat from North Face. It's breathable, salmon pink and perfect for the event. Carolyn Cross also offered her braiding skills. My personal braiding friend, Michele Gaulin recently moved to Texas so Carolyn has really stepped in during a time of need.

I also watched Spirit of the Marathon yesterday while I prepared tickets for the Boston Point Fundraiser. Wow, it's a good movie! As they say, when you cross the finish line it changes your life forever! I might watch the movie eight more times before the marathon!