So... I set out on a 12 mile training run this afternoon along the lovely Minuteman bike path, but my shins decided they didn't want to cooperate. I was feeling pretty good about my run. The weather was unseasonably warm, but not too hot. I was ready to run! I parked at my friend Alison's house since she lives near the start of the bike path. I walked a bit to warm up and began my run.
Like I said, I was feeling pretty good about my run... Until about 1/2 a mile in when my shins began to feel achy. I usually get some sort of shin pain that tends to work itself out about two miles into the run, but this pain felt a bit different. I stopped to stretch and had to do this every tenth of a mile or so. I knew this wasn't my usual pain. I tried running through it because I was hoping it would work itself out as I ran. I continued running until my right knee began to ache and then my leg went slightly numb. I've not had that feeling before, so I decided to listen to my body and stop running. I hobbled walked back to Alison's and went home a disappointed girl.
It's the WRONG time for pain like this - I am running my first marathon in three weeks and this is the last thing I need! It was supposed to be my final long run before I begin to taper. I headed home to ice my knee and shins. But before getting home, I needed to make a pitstop critical to my injury. I had to pick up some of this deliciousness...
HARPOON UFO PUMPKIN!
(It took me two different tries to like this one but now it's a keeper!)

And with a delicious cinnamon-sugar rim...
As I write this post I am icing and guzzling enjoying a pumpkin brew. I already feel better - Then again, it could be the beer! :) Is there a better way to reward myself for completing 12 miles knowing when to stop if you're feeling pain during a run?
Here's to another attempt tomorrow - And hopefully a successful, pain free run! Prost!
Labels: beer, pumpkin, training