Houston, We Have a Problem!

Last week started out great, but didn't last that way for long. Monday was a great boot camp class. Seeing some advances in such simple things as the warm up "bank run". It is a 5 minute jog outdoors to a bank and back. Instead of pacing myself, like I usually do, I just took off. I was first out the door and managed a pretty decent pace. As I was heading back to the gym I looked back and I was actually building a lead instead of people catching and passing me. Did a quick recovery run afterwards, painful but it is a must when I push my cardio as far as I do. Tuesday usually is a brick but with being so close to the race and the off-season I just wanted to ride. Did a there and back ride at the swamp and since I was only riding I wanted to really push the pace, just to see what I could do. Also wanted to work on getting in my drop and staying there longer. Shocked once again as I was able to hold an average speed of 18.3 and a top speed of 24.7. Way above what I usually do. Wednesday was an off day to let the body rest before my last long run of 13.1 before the half marathon.

This time I did my long run at the swamp, for a couple of reasons. One was that it had to be a survival run so I would not quit. Two was that I carried my fuel belt and camelback, but this time there was nowhere to refill so I had to manage my hydration better than the 120+ oz that I drank the long run before. The run was not bad through the first half. Was a little more fatigued at the half way point but I was kind of pushing for an under 3 hour finish (told you all that I am slow). At about the 10 mile mark there was quite a breeze that kicked up, and for the first time in a long time, I was cold since I was dripping in sweat. Instantly I was goose bumped, nipples like rocks, and was shivering. Then I noticed some problems. The cold air made my legs lock up. My quads, calves and hamstrings were rocks. So I slowed my pace a little and even stopped twice and stretched. Pushed myself until the 12 mile mark and the legs still wouldn't relax. Fearing injury, I threw in the towel and walked the last mile. Ended up with 3:14:xx and new I could have made it under 3 hours if it wasn't for the cold breeze. Also noticed my biggest problem during the walk, my left big toe was on fire.

Every step it was hurting and I could feel my heartbeat in it. I knew that meant only one thing, ingrown toenail! I have had issues with this foot for a while. Got home and took everything off to see a toe that was roughly twice its normal size. Tried to see if I could do anything with it at home, but had no luck. Called my podiatrist ( MY PODIATRIST - another check in the box of old age) and they can't get me in till after the half marathon is over. My goal race is now in jeopardy of happening and I am not happy about it!

Sunday came and that toe was still tender enough that it hurt in socks and killed in my bike shoes so my group ride was a no go. Still Not very happy about that one! Managed a measly 32 miles last week, never mind the whole toe thing putting my half marathon in jeopardy. More to come when I have more information.