Race for the Arts 5k

http://www.raceforthearts.org/

Ran a 5k this morning. I did pretty well. I finished in 21:32 which gives me an average pace of 6:57 per mile. overall I finished 28 out of 241 and I took 3rd in my age group. I get another trophy to add to my collection.

I love doing these races. The people are amazing and the camaraderie is great. The best part was my wife, who is not a runner at all, completed this race. She did such a great job finishing 2 minutes ahead of her goal time. I'm so proud of her for attempting it and completing it. She can do anything if she puts her mind to it.

On a side note, my ankle is feeling better today. It is still a little sore but otherwise seems to be improving a little at a time. Now for some rest because I have my long run tomorrow morning.

Voltaren� Gel

Well, I went back to the doctor this afternoon. I actually didn't see the doctor, I saw his Physician assistant. Anyway, she examined my foot again with the same results as last time. I received another patch on my ankle and also was prescribed a topical anti-inflammatory gel. it's called Voltaren� Gel and it appears to be used mainly for arthritis. I'll put some on tonight and see how it works.

I went for a 6 mile run this evening. The pain was still there during the run however it seemed to be just a little less than usual. So far so good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for so relief.

I must say that the run this evening was pretty brutal. It was really hot and humid and to top it all off the air was perfectly still. No breeze to help cool me off. I hate this time of year in FL. I better get used to it thought since the bulk of my training will be taking place throughout the summer. It's only going to get hotter and the mosquitos will be coming soon too.

Ankle Tendonitis

Ankle Tendonitis

Ok, let's talk tendonitis. Since I'm not ramping up my mileage yet I took the opportunity to have my sore ankle looked at. I went to the doctor this morning and after a quick x-ray and a check by the doctor the diagnosis was ankle tendonitis. The prescribed treatment is a cortisone patch on the ankle. These patches last for 14 hours. I'll get another one on Thursday.

So you might be wondering whether I have to stop running. Well, I was wondering the same thing and made sure that was the first question out of my mouth. The answer is NO!!!! I can maintain my current mileage while this heals. Of course, there is a condition. I must be rechecked next week and if the pain has not gone away or at least subsided a little I'll need an MRI. I'm sure at that point I may have to reduce mileage or stop running all together.

I'm really relieved that it's not something more serious like a stress fracture. With about 5 week before I start my training program for Chicago I hopefully have time to get healed and back to 100%. I'm not giving up Chicago whether I run, walk, or crawl I will make it across the finish line.

Let's Begin

So, I've decided to run the Chicago Marathon this year. Well, it was at the insistence of my wife that the decision was made. In any case it's done. Registration complete, flight booked and hotel reservations made. All that's left now is to train and with any luck complete the marathon (preferably on two feet and still running).

For those that don't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles. Not a small feat in my opinion and I want to join the club of "Marathon Finishers".

I guess the reason for this blog is to document my training. I'll be as honest as my ego will let me and share all the good, bad , and ugly of marathon training. The marathon takes place on October 11 so I don't actually have to start ramping up my mileage until June. Right now I'm just maintaining a good base so my body isn't in complete shock when the increases begin.