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!!