Old Home Week

Last night, Dan and I went to Kildaire's in King of Prussia for our Summer TNT Reunion. We got to catch up with our teammates and coaches from San Diego, as well as those team members that went to Anchorage, AK, for the Mayor's Midnight Run Marathon on June 23.

Hearing about the Alaska trip was great! Evidently, there was a moose hanging out by the side of the race course at mile 3. A real moose! That must have been so neat! Our teammate Lucretia also said that the daylight was hard to get used to. Since it's summer, the sun doesn't set. There is a "dusk" at around 1:30am, but it only lasts for an hour or so. She said the good part about the hotel was that the curtains were really thick, so when they were closed it was pitch black in the room.

We are preparing for our Recruitment Meetings for the Winter Season. As mentors, we will attend 2 meetings along with coaches and admin. staff. The big season kickoff party is in the beginning of August. Then, on August 11, we have our first group practice, and start our training all over again!

I think I mentioned this before, but I am going to try to do a walk/run training program this time. I would walk for 4 mins. and run for 2 mins. (for example) for the entire 13 miles. This will increase my speed, and hopefully allow me to keep a faster pace. I told Jerry about my plans, and he gave me a sort of incredulous look. I was a little bit mad at him-- where's the faith, Jer? I am going to go out and kick some mouse-butt in January!

I really feel like I would have had a stronger finish time if it hadn't been for the hip pain I had during the race. I have an appointment at the chiropractor next week, to see if they can help me. I have been sort of scared to start training again. I went out once a few days after the marathon, and as soon as I picked up any sort of speed, I had the same pinch. Then, I have the pain at random times (and not even every day): when I am walking to the train from work, when I am standing at work. At one point, I went to sit at my desk at work, and I thought my whole leg was going to go out from under me. It was so painful, my eyes watered.

I went to The Running Place-- a quick shout out to Joan, Pattie, and all our friends over there who evidently read this blog and POST IT ON A BULLETIN BOARD (I'm a little embarrassed, but a little flattered at the same time!)-- and got a different type of sneakers. The new ones are more stable, so hopefully that will help overall. I really notice a difference already, with the light walking that I do. The old shoes, I realize now, sort of let my feet slide around more--it's kind of hard to explain. But so far, so good with the new ones. The real test will be when I start actual training again, and when I learn how to run without having to call 9-1-1!

I have stopped using the inserts for my shoes. I was afraid that, even though the foot pain went away, that they caused the hip pain. I have called the podiatrist's office four times, and have not gotten a response. I guess I could make an appointment, but under principle, I refuse to pay a copay to someone who won't even return a stupid phone call. I'll be able to discuss the whole thing with the chiropractor next week, and I am hoping he can help me across the finish line, one adjustment at a time (heehee).

I plan to keep posting as we get into our new season, so I hope that you'll continue to read about my adventures! Thanks for checking in!

~Sara