Day 34

Had a great 17.1 mile bike ride this morning - trying to add two miles every time I go out and work my way up to 50. Thinking about doing a minimum of 15 during the week, and the long rides on the weekends.

Going to try a short run sometime tomorrow to try out the shins. They've been feeling better while walking, but still a little sore to the touch. Still taking the anti-inflamatory and doing the stretches/exercises, but actually running is what will determine where I really am in the healing process.

The Ironman competition is being held here in Louisville tomorrow, and I'm thinking about getting up early to go watch the start and at least the first transition from the swim to the bike. After that, it'll probably be at least 3-4 hours before the athletes are back in town to transition for the run. Kinda excited about seeing this since my tri (albeit MUCH smaller than an Ironman) is in two short weeks!

Day 31

Went to the physical therapist yesterday and the shin feels better already. Slapped on some hydrocordizone and rubbed it in with an ultrasound wand. Then did some stretches and some massage (which hurt like heck), but hey - if it works... Also picked up my prescribed anti-inflammatory.

The therapist says I need to come twice a week for the next four weeks (less if I feel better), and that I can even try a short run on Sunday (4 days from now) to see how it feels. I have to do the massage at least once a day (which honestly, I think helps the most), and some stretches along with some exercises to build my hip muscles. Also told I need to go to a specialty store to get fitted for proper running shoes just to make sure.

I'm stoked, because she also told me that running in the Chicago marathon is "not impossible." Of course, taking some time off when I'm supposed to be building my miles isn't ideal. I'm happy with the news though, and am doing everything I can to make it happen. Who knows, maybe I won't have to walk the tri and half-marathon after all.

Did a 13.2 mile bike ride yesterday. Still struggling up the hills for some reason, no matter which gear I'm in. My riding partner still kicks my butt on those. Feeling good and strong, can't wait for the pool to open back up. Overall, feeling great and actually can't believe the shin is feeling better after just one visit with the PT. Next appointment is five days from now.

Day 30

Went to my PCP yesterday, and it's definitely shin splints. Gave me an anti-inflammatory, told me to apply heat and/or ice, and then gave a referral to a physical therapist whom I have an appointment with this morning. I am praying that they will be able to do something for me so that I can get back on my feet (literally) and train and complete Chicago.

I've resigned to the fact that I may have to walk the 3k in the triathlon, and even maybe the half marathon in Dayton. I'm fine with this, as long as I'm able to compete in Chicago - this is my only hope at this point. It's a little over a month and a half away, so we'll see....

Did 11 miles on the bike last night in 48 minutes. Had a nice ride, the weather was great, and I went out by myself - I actually found it very relaxing to ride by myself. Gives me a lot of time to think about things and just enjoy my surroundings. Hoping to pump up the biking to maybe 20 miles during the week, and longer on the weekends. May have to invest in a new saddle though. Toosh doesn't hurt so much while riding, but after yesterday's 11 I know it'll be painful to get back on today (ouch!).

Even though I may have to walk the "running" portion, I'm feeling good about the biking, and even the swimming, even though I haven't been in the pool for almost a month. It opens again in about 2 weeks, which will give me a week to get in and continue to train before the tri. Man, I'm getting pretty pumped!

Day 27

Did a fifteen and a half mile bike ride this morning and feeling good about it. Went to the bike shop afterwards and loaded up on some gear - a rearview mirror, computer to track my mileage, light for the back, and a couple of water cages and bottles. Also found out that my tires were apparently way low - supposed to have 120 (pounds of pressure?) but only had about 80. O0ps. Still need to get a bike pump, which I went off and forgot.

Shin still buggin' me, and the rest of the running group (marathon/half runners - no triathletes) are doing well in their training. Just wish I could join them. Pool still closed for two more weeks, but at least I can cross train with the biking and get SOME cardio in. Weather is supposed to be great this week, and I am hoping my motivation is better than the past few days!

Day 26

Ugh - haven't worked out or trained in 4 days. I feel like such a bum, but haven't had the motivation all week long. Looking forward to a long run tomorrow morning with Alicia - maybe a 12 miler or so.

My shin is still giving me fits, and I am really hoping that by next weekend it's better because I can't afford to skip too many more days as far as the running goes. Triathlon in approximately 3 weeks, the half-marathon a week after that. It's just so darn debilitating - and I was on a roll with my 12 and then 9 miler. We'll see what happens in the next 5-6 days.

Day 22

Attempted to run this morning, but didn't get halfway down the block before I was in pain - not only discomfort, but pain - in my left leg. Got frustrated, turned back, and ended up with a short 6.5 mile bike ride instead before work. Still not sure if it is merely a shin splint, or something more. May end up going to the doctor next week if this keeps up, and may end up bowing out of this Saturday's run and hope that it heals quickly enough for me to be okay for the triathlon and USAF Half-Marathon.

Ride felt great - some jerk told me to get on the sidewalk. People really should be more accepting of those of us looking to improve our health and lifestyle through athletics. Oh well - it's now the end of my day and I feel great that I accomplished something besides just work. Today was the first day that I worked out before working my 10-6 shift - think I'm going to enjoy being able to get my training/working out out of the way before heading to the job. I'm so tired at the end of the day otherwise - no motivation to do anything.

Day 21

Was slated for a 14 mile run yesterday, but ended up with just over 9. Thought I might've had a shin splint in my left leg, but now I'm not so sure - could be something more. Either way, I'm really hoping that it doesn't hamper my training for Chicago.

I'm feeling good about Dayton, and am thinking that with this cross training for the triathlon I'll make pretty good time - maybe even a PR.

The run yesterday was actually pretty good, and I felt great in all other areas - cardio, breathing, mentally - except for the leg. Still bothering me some today, a little sore and I should probably take some Ibuprofen and ice it, but I'm a slacker when it comes to that stuff - we'll see.

Would love to get on the bike today, and still might, but I'm on-call for work and can never truly relax and enjoy myself since I tend to get anxious about getting a call. Maybe later this evening - haven't been on it for five days.

Day 18

Feeling really worn out tonight. Body is a little sore from the swim/bike last night, and my left shin is STILL killin' me. The route for Saturday's 14 miler came out today, and I'm not sure I can complete even FOUR miles, let alone 14. Slept horribly last night, even after popping a Simply Sleep. Still wondering if that's from the evening workouts or stress.

Went to my 10-6 shift today, so hopefully I can work out in the morning and that will help with the sleeping problems at night. Sure hope so. The pool is going to be closed for three weeks though - of course, right in the middle of my training! Oh well, I still have the outdoor pool and my bike and running shoes. Feeling really good about this triathlon.

Day 17

First day of working out/training since my 12 mile run on Saturday. Did a 45 minute swim at the pool, and timed my 400m which came out to just over 13 minutes - a whole minute less than the last time I timed myself. Also did an hour bike ride which was about 6 1/2 miles or so. First time out on the road bike and although I do love it, it's still a struggle to get up the hills - even in the lowest gears. Just like my 12 mile run though, I feel exhausted this evening and feel great about the workout.

This Saturday's run, which is only 3 days away, is supposed to be a 14 miler but I'm a little leary. The area just to the right of my left shin is killin me. Very sore while walking and also to the touch. I've been trying to stretch it out, but don't think it's the muscle. Possibly a shin splint? Not sure, but I was actually looking forward to the 14 mile run - which will be the longest I have EVER run, race or no race. I have a few more days to see how it feels and will probably decide for sure on Friday evening if I'll run or not.

Still feeling good about my training. I need to get some accessories for my bike, but other than that the gear I've been using for my runs is good, as well as swim (sans swim cap). Sent in my registration for the triathlon so there is no looking back now. Also booked the hotel in Dayton for the USAF Half-Marathon which is the weekend after my tri. Looking so forward to both of these events, and with my 12 miler coming in just at 2 hours, feel that I might have a PR on my hands in Dayton!

Day 16

Rain for the past two days and haven't done much training - indoor, or out. Shins are really bothering me from Saturday's 12-miler, but just sent out an email to Nikki (new running partner) about doing a 14-miler this Saturday. Plan on possibly going to the pool and biking sometime over the next two days (hopefully both). Feeling pretty good, kinda tired lately, but overall felt great about the 12-miler which was done in 2 hours - a record pace for a half/marathon. Hoping I can keep that up and get a PR in Dayton for the USAF HalfMarathon in September.

Day 14

Legs are definitely stiff and sore today, but I've felt worse. Trying to get up and move around as much as possible, but it's also a sweltering 95 degrees outside so I'm trying to spend as much time indoors too. Way too hot to do anything of any physical value. If I get the urge, may get on a treadmill for a walk later just to loosen up a bit. Need to mow the lawn, but no way I'm doing it in this heat!

Day 13

Had planned on a 10 miler this morning, but ended up being almost a 12 - feeling pretty good. Found a running partner who is my speed, and also enjoys the interval running, so this may work out well. Chicago will also be her first Marathon, so all the better! Now off to a lake party where I can hopefully get in some meters and experience an open-water swim. Usually wouldn't do this much in one day, but knowing that I'm on-call tomorrow and won't be doing much of anything is pretty good motivation. Looking forward to a possible bike ride with Alicia on Monday - weather pending!

Day 12

Picked up my bike today and I absolutely love it! Can't wait to accessorize it - computer, clipless pedals/shoes, gloves, repair kit, etc. It is so light, I can't believe it! Alicia and I are planning to ride on Monday if it doesn't rain - looking so forward to it.

Confirmed with my (hopefully) new running partner that we're meeting at 6 a.m. tomorrow for a 10-miler. Never really look forward to running, and even less to early mornings, but I know I need to do this in order to actually finish the Chicago Marathon. Apparently, she is just as slow as I am so this will be good :) Hopefully I'll have enough energy for a swim in the lake tomorrow as well - been over a week since I've done any laps.

Mailing off my registration for the triathlon tomorrow - no turning back after that! Not that I would even want to. Will post tomorrow after my run.

Day 11

Didn't get to sleep until well after 1:00 a.m. which seems to be a common theme lately. Planned on riding and swimming today, but am really tired and my shins are still somewhat sore. Getting the bike tomorrow and figure there is no way I can NOT ride after getting it, so since I know I will be getting a ride in I don't feel so bad taking the day off.

Need to call my hopefully-new running partner to set up a definite plan for us getting together and running this weekend. The plan is to do a 10-mile run, and then fit in at least a 400m swim at an annual lake party that I always attend. We'll see how this goes. Regardless, I'm so excited to be getting my new bike tomorrow and can't wait to try it out!

Day 10

On my third day in a row working out, and feeling pretty good. I was out sick from work yesterday with a fever, but after spending all day lying around I was going stir crazy from not doing ANYTHING and figured I would jump on the treadmill at the end of the day since 1) my fever broke and I was feeling somewhat better, and 2) sitting on the couch alternating between the computer, reading, and watching TV can only last so long.

I planned on merely walking since I didn't want to push myself, and ended up doing another 3-miler at a slightly slower pace than Monday. Felt pretty good afterwards, but today my shins are a little sore. I NEED to start stretching more, but it's boring and I lose interest easy so I usually forgo it.

Today I rode the bike to have dinner with friends. It was only 6 1/2 miles round trip, but it was still a form of excercise and I always feel great after a ride. Still, legs are a little sore, but I can visibly see that they're getting more toned which is good. Plan on riding again tomorrow - probably at least 10 or so, and doing 800m at the pool. Feeling great about this training, and have even printed out a schedule to follow. I'm a geek when it comes to creating spreadsheets, and if I have a box that I can check off with the amount of miles/meters that I cover in training, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

The bad thing about these workouts after getting home in the early evening, is that I'm having so much trouble falling asleep lately. For instance, I got home around 8:45 p.m. from the bike ride this evening, read for a bit and then turned off the light at 10:00. It's now 12:18 a.m. and I'm STILL up and not tired a lick. Hoping this all changes next week when I begin my 10-6 shift and can work out before going in. This should help. Hopefully.

Day 8

Ran 3 mile this morning and feeling pretty good about it. Hoping to do the same tomorrow.

A running group founder is trying to hook me and another member up to train for Chicago together since we both run about the same pace and are on the same training schedule. Here's hoping it works out, as I have been slacking in the marathon-training department lately.

Put a deposit down on a road bike two days ago, and am picking it up in 4. Got a Trek 2.1 WSD which rides great! I absolutely love it and am looking forward to riding soon!

Training going good so far, don't feel like I'm slacking overall. Need to pick up the running and swimming this week.

Day 6

After a 3 day haitus from working out, I'm back into the swing of things today. I ran a five miler this morning (although was scheduled for a 13, and hoped for a 10). Sleep was my enemy and by the time I got outside at 9:00 a.m. it was hella-hot and didn't do much for my motivation.

Going again today to look at/price/test drive different bikes with Alicia (tri-partner). Only 6 more days 'til purchase time! After that, I plan to take a short (shorter than I'd hoped, or expected) bike ride to the pool for some laps.

Good news is - before heading out for a run this morning (and while my boyfriend was coming in from his own 17-mile run), he made the comment that I'm "looking more toned." I hadn't thought so, but obviously somethings gotta be happening to my body if I'm doing all of this working out which I had never done before.

Feeling just okay about my run this morning. I KNOW I need to get up earlier and just do it (run itself, and run more MILES), but my mindset at this point is more focused on getting my swim form down as well as building up my legs for the bike ride. Good thing though is that with the five miler came a heck of a whole lot more calories burned than I would ever get biking or swimming. I guess it does have it's perks after all.