25:1 (x2) -- 2nd run in 11 days

Went to the physiotherapist after work (another appointment on Thursday). The left calf got a bit stiff after the run on Saturday. Was reminded of the importance of stretching after the run. Today, I ran 25:1 (x2) and could "feel" the calf but no pain, fortunately. Physiotherapist said running the Mississauga Marathon will depend on my current runs. So far, so good. Had 11 days of rest. YTD = 530.65 K

update + 25:1 (x2)

Have taken 1.5 weeks off from running to let the Calf Strain injury heal. Have seen the physiotherapist 3 times, with 2 more scheduled next week Tuesday and Thursday. Getting a little worried since I've already used $220 and at the end of next week, will be up to $350 (close to half the amount my work insurance pays for). Here's a photo I got from http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/backlowerleg/calfstrain.htm which shows the "trigger point" of the pain:

The physiotherapist does a sports message at the "trigger point", then ultrasound for 5 minutes, and finally applies a heat pack. He's also given me exercises to strengthen the stiffness:


Also, I am to stand upright and then use the big toe to help "push up" myself (both legs and then left leg). Does this make sense?

Got in my first run this morning and kept looking at my Garmin. Totally surprised that the run was painless :-) The physiotherapist said the left leg would be stiff at the beginning and to listen to my body -- the stiffness should loosen within 10 to 15 minutes; else, stop running. Right from the start, it felt great. I did run slowly and carefully for 25:1 (x2) -- 6.33 K. I'm thrilled!! But looking at the calendar, the full marathon is 28 days away...

Hope to have another run on Tuesday and Thursday next week after seeing the physio.

YTD = 524.1 K

Calf Strain Injury

Saw the Phyiotherapist after work and he diagnosed me with Calf Strain -- from the 30 K ATB run. He stretched it and gave me 2 exercises to do twice a day. I have appointments next week Tuesday and Thursday for more stretching. He told me to take the weekend off and then run next week after I see him. Mississauga Marathon is still in order -- just I wonder if the 4:00 mark will be feasible :-| At least it's not a stress fracture.

Tuesday's Run

6.45 K slowly after work. Pain remained in the left foot and didn't get better. Made an appointment with physiotherapist Thursday. Next posting will describe it.

YTD = 517.77 K

Boston "Joke"; New York City Marathon Start-Line

Been reading the posts on www.runningmania.com and came up with some good stuff:

http://mybaa.org/BostonMarathon/2011.html
April Fool's Day joke about Boston qualifying times going down; not funny as the race's lawyer wrote to them.

Wow! Start at the New York City Marathon:

30K LSD

Opted for rest days Thursday to Saturday this week as the left leg has been extremely "stiff" -- not sure if it's shin splints but that's supposed to hurt. Went on my LSD this morning and fortunately nothing serious (relief). Really have no idea what it's been as I've gotten in my 30 K and afterwards walked the dog. Beautiful weather -- sunny and cool. Ran on the Martin Goodman Trail south on Cherry Street then continued east into Ash Bridges Bay (i.e., the Midsummer Night's 30 K route) -- very nice scenery! Lots of runners and dogs out there! Tempted to wear my new running shorts but didn't since it was a bit cool. YTD = 511.32 K (yeah -- reached the 500 K mark!!).

Just placed an order for an 8x10 photo taken at ATB 30K:

1st run since ATB; 8000 Hits; Mississauga Medals Revealed

Yesterday after work, chose to have my first run since ATB 30 K. The left leg was stiff and sore from battling 30 K on Sunday :-| I SLOWLY ran 6.34 K using 25:1 (x2). The weather was great as I wore a tech shirt and no jacket. Today's weather is supposed to get up to 21C and Good Friday 25C with 30C (after humidity). Summer is definitely around the corner!!

I noticed that my blog has reached 8000 hits :-)

The Mississauga Marathon finisher's medal has been revealed. Last year's was plain but I treasure it since it's my first marathon as a runner. Always will be special. Unfortunately, I cannot save the photo of the medal, but here's the link http://www.mississaugamarathon.com/default.shtml

Plan is to run on Saturaday (beautiful day of 25C and with humidity 30C, like Good Friday). YTD = 481.32 K