Moving forward...one foot in front of the other

I am moving forward - running even! - and although I got off to a rocky start I think I may have turned the corner.

I spent the long weekend in November reading (with envy) all about a running event that I really wanted to do, but couldn't, because of this issue that seems to occur every time I try to run (aka shin splints, plantar fasciitis, etc.). I decided that come hell or high water I was going to get past this, and figure out a way to run this event in November 2013.

So...I did what every wannabe runner does in the event of an emergency......I googled 'running coach Nova Scotia'. And I came up with a lady who is the former Executive Director of Run Nova Scotia. So I jumped on to her LinkedIn profile and tried adding her as a contact. When she graciously accepted me, I promptly messaged her and told her what all this was about.....I need a running coach!

At our first meeting, Nancy told me that I definitely have excessive pronation issues. She referred me to Freeman Churchill at Orthotics East, but I was going to have to wait a week to meet with him. In the meantime Nancy put together a training plan for me for eight weeks, and we dove into it. Of course, I encoutered shin splints in my left leg every time I attempted the "R" word. But I was patient and took it easy, and met with Freeman last Friday. After assessing my gait and  scrutinizing my stance and my feet, he did a cast for custom orthotics, put heel lifts in my shoes, gave me a tip on improving my run so as to reduce the chance of shin splints, and sent me on my way.

I ran Saturday with Nancy and after a LOT of running (for someone who hasn't really run in say, nine months) I finished up with some minor leg soreness that was gone by Sunday. I ran again Wednesday evening this week, and am pleased to report that I only experienced a little bit of a twinge in me left leg and had no problems the next day (other than general muscle soreness from not having run in awhile - but that's okay, different from the shin splints issue).  So I am slated to get back out tomorrow and run, hopefully with success again.

And today is the day I should be booking accomodations for this big event in November...I forgot about the date until I just noticed it, but I think I will see what I can do. I have been having no luck with tickets through aeroplan, but I will keep trying. And if all goes well I will let you in on the destination run I plan to do!!

Hit the Reset Button Please!

It has been a long time my friends.

After finishing the C25k program last fall and running the Island Girl 5k, I had to give my legs a serious break due to the pain I was having. After a few weeks, I started running again, and for two months ran two times a week using intervals of running/walking and generally going easy on my legs. I also ran a lot at the Field House in East Hants, and I think the track was gentler on my legs than the asphalt. This didn't stop the pain from returning, and by early February I went back to Aerobics First and got fitted for a new pair of running shoes. It took two weeks for them to come in because I have big feet, but when they did I loved them. I continued to run twice a week until we went to Jamaica for March Break. Then I stopped to give my legs a rest. I was still having pain and figured time would heal my issues.

I have given it a LOT of time! LOL. It was a great rest. 

I have found all of the weight I lost.

But I have come to realize that I likely need to do some work at strengthening the muscles in my ankles, legs and knees. They still ache at times even though I haven't been using them for any significant reason. And I have made a decision to start running again. Somehow.

I am meeting with a lady on Tuesday who is a certified running coach. I am hoping she can help me get my legs in shape so that I can hit the restart button on this process. I have a dream, ladies and gentlemen, and as long as I get a green light on Tuesday that I can make this work, I will share this dream with you. Heck, you may even want to join me in this challenge.

51 weeks from today, at 1:00, I will be pre-loading my body to prepare for an incredible event. Stay tuned!!!!