My Doctorate Finally Paid Off

As I sit and sweat over my computer keyboard, I think, "My Doctorate finally paid off."... but then I quickly realize it had very little to do with my doctorate.  More like my stubbornness.  I did however "play doctor" on my own instead of going to a "real doctor".

As you know, I have been whining about my calf for a long while now... since February.  It has been a significant struggle.  Just when I would think it was healed, I would go out and have another problem.  Then I would allow it to "heal" and then yet another problem.  So, utilizing my doctorate, lol, I decided to do nothing about it -- other than ignore it.  I decided to diagnose myself with tendonitis and simply push through the pain and make believe that I was not injuring myself further.  And the truth is, it kind of worked -- for a while.  My last race in Salt Lake, I really did not have any calf problems.  So, this month I figured I would have 6 or so weeks to train and I would be in good shape.
I got a little derailed as I got sick with the stomach flu, the cruise debacle AND a sinus/upper respiratory something.  What a terrible two weeks.  So, then I began to feel a bit better and decided to go run.  At mile ONE, I hurt my calf.  WHAT?!?!?  UGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I went out and bought a new pair of shoes in hopes that would help and I ran with them yesterday. (I also got a massage, thanks Pamela!)  I ran almost three miles.  Just after mile one, my calf started to hurt, so I walked a bit.  Then started running again.  Then before mile two it started hurting again, so I walked a bit.  Then I ran the rest of the way home and felt pretty good... even considered another couple of miles, but decided to not push my luck.  Wuss!

So, I foam rolled and stretched and ignored it.  Using my doctorate again (tongue in cheek), I decided that it would be fine and I would go running again this morning.  Some  minor soreness in both tight calves, but no pain.  No need to walk, or slow or rest.  I ran 3.5 miles @ 8:28 avg/mile.  And I could have gone more.

My next race is in Duluth, MN in two weeks, so I am going to ease into this in hopes that I will stay healthy and have a strong race.  I am pretty excited that I was able to run two days in a row and I was able to run without pain.  Now I need to work on my cardio and distance.  I've got two weeks.

Just in case anyone is confused, I am aware that although my doctorate has paid off many times over in my life and career, it did not help me in any way here.  -- only the Grace of God!!  He is good.  All the time.  And all the time, He is good!

Also, I want to thank all of you who donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!  I was able to reach my goal and raised a significant amount of money to benefit these kids.  It will be an honor to run for them in two weeks!  Thank you for your support!!