Oh, where do I even begin?I feel like so much has gone on lately, and I haven't had much time to do anything that I actually want to do. I guess the good news is that my grad classes are finished (until summer school starts on June 1), and the school year is almost over, and I will be off for the summer. God bless the fact that teachers get a summer break!
I suppose one interesting thing to note is a lesson I learned—the hard way, of course. (In fact, if anyone finds a way to absorb life lessons in some easy fashion, please share your secrets with the world.) Anyway, for six-and-a-half years, I have run injury-free in Mizuno Inspires. They are seriously the greatest shoes. Ever. So, it made sense that about a month ago I decided to try running in Newtons, right?
Big time wrong.
At first, I loved the Newtons. They made me feel so fast, and I ended up getting my PRs in both the 5K and the half marathon. But the day after that half marathon, I started having this terrible pain the bottom of my foot. I thought it might be plantar faciitis, but I was hoping it was nothing. So, I went on an easy run that day. The rest of the day brought ensuing pain with each step I took. The next day? I thought it would be wise to run again. I mean, if you don't acknowledge an injury, it can't exist, right?
I seem to be establishing a pattern of being an idiot here.
It turned out I had a strained ligament in my foot, thanks to the Newtons. While they work for some people, they are clearly just not for me. As my dad keeps saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." (I promise we are really not a redneck family.)
I had to bike for a little while, but I am back to running now, and I even bought a new pair of Inspires. It's like running on a cloud from heaven. I just hope I haven't been set back a lot by my stupid foot. I guess we will see when I race next weekend.
I definitely learned my lesson—too bad it had to come with a bit of pain and the agony of not being able to run for a few days (yes, I should have stayed off of it longer, but I think we have established my level of wisdom in this area). Just make sure no one ever lets me write an advice column to runners.
After all, while I was watching a basketball game last night, my favorite quote came from Jeff Van Gundy when he said, "So what if you're bleeding?! Blood cleanses the soul! Play on!"
