The Challenge of a Set Back

I put in a lot of mileage this week.  It was frequent and intense.  And now, I'm paying for it.

Both of my shins are on fire.  Inflamed to the nines.

I'm popping ibuprofen like a fiend.  Frozen vegetable bags are my best friend.  I stare at my new shoes wishing that I was in them.  And, to be honest, I just want to cry because my only hope for getting better is to take time off from running.  I've got to heal the muscles and cut my body some slack.

Meanwhile, my mind is racing...what about my training plan?  What about my diligence?  What about "no pain, no gain?"  Unfortunately, with shin splints, you can't push through.  You're only asking for greater injury if you try to be a super athlete and risking the race itself. 

So the scoop is, I have six weeks until the half marathon.  Six weeks to get better, to gradually build back up my mileage and be strong to run 13 miles.  In the interim, thank God for non impact cardio activities like Spinning...we're going to be seeing a lot of each other in the next few days.

Until then, I just have to believe and trust that I'll be okay.  I've come too far.  I will cross a finish line with both legs intact.