Shin Splint This! Where the Sun Don't Shine!

One of two things are happening with the incessant injuries I have accumulated...

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1) It is possible that God is testing my very short limits. He knows that there is plenty of DVR'd reruns and Lifetime movies for me to watch, but thought that he would instill this crazy idea that running and training for a marathon would be the best thing for me to do during my summer!
OR

2) My Body is allowing every possible flippin' injury known to mankind happen to me- ON PURPOSE! The only injuries left to make my experience complete would be a stab wound and a concussion. I may be close to both. My body is apparently trying to show me how good I had it, before I started training for a Marathon. I believe it is safe to say that my body is laughing in my face right now.

Seriously ENOUGH already with the injuries!

Oh so in case you couldn't tell by the title of this lovely entry...I believe I now have a shin splint on my left leg. If you have never experienced one of these lovely delights - let me just tell ya! They hurt with every step or pound you make. I may have to result to crawling...

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So I've done a little research on shin splints (such a dirty duo that name is). Basically, they suck and apparently I was supposed to be preventing all along and should have known that they were coming. This is going to sound really dumb but, I always thought a shin splint was like a "bone spur" i guess...splint - spur...see the similarities. I KNOW, Right?? But in smart people terms or wikipedia:

Although the term shin splints is often used to describe a variety of lower leg
problems, it actually refers specifically to a condition called Medial Tibial
Stress Syndrome (MTSS). To better understand shin splints, or
MTSS, Specifically, the pain associated with shin splints is a result of
fatigue and trauma to the muscle's tendons where they attach themselves to the
tibia. In an effort to keep the foot, ankle and lower leg stable, the muscles
exert a great force on the tibia. This excessive force can result in the tendons
being partially torn away from the bone

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Neat Huh? So my muscle is pulling away! From the Bone!

So apparently since I didn't PREVENT my injury, cause i check out my disengaged muscles at least once a week...i need to pop Ibuprofen - Check, Ice the injury - Check, Rest and elevate, Check! hopefully it will be good once again! Probably some time next year but hey least I have goals!
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On to other news...I think I may have figured out a solution to my ever increased thirst during my long runs. And since there really aren't any trails that provide water throughout our routes I have taken it upon myself to figure something out for the greater good. If you are a family member or friend of mine, I am sure you have been Hawkeye Tailgating once in your lifetime. I saw the coolest thing last year as I weaved in and out of a sea of black & gold - A MOTORIZED COOLER!... Yes folks, i would like to get a motorized cooler to follow me on my long runs...well maybe it should be ahead of me so i have a reason to keep running! Now how cool would that be? And they have comfortable seats that you can purchase and a special bar so you can pop a wheelie...see pictures below:

Look at this thing! Who wants to be my driver??!!! this is total genius! In fact I may hold auditions because I know quite a few people who would be sooooo willing to drive this for me! :)

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So anyways enough kidding around! I start officially on my 16 week training program this Monday, June 8. 16 weeks will take me to the Marathon...That sounds so little an amount of time...I am very nervous because I will be running with the DM group and don't feel as if I am up to par...My injuries have kept me from doing my best, but this should only make me try harder, right? So on forward I go...This will be the first week with my new shoes too...I'll have to get back to ya on that subject to let you know if Running Wild fixed my problem or not!

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Signing off....RFTK

Cheri