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.