Athletic Afflictions

Sara here... I have a big fear that after I write this, people are going to begin to question whether or not I'm truly dedicated to running this half marathon. So I want to give the disclaimer that I am VERY annoyed by what is happening and no matter how I'm feeling on March 28th-- I WILL be completing that run, even if I have to do it in a wheelchair! Now- not to worry, things are not that bad, but I have a bit of a "calf strain" - whatever that means. This happened a week ago today- last Tuesday, when I was running on the treadmill. After a mere mile, my calf completely tensed up and freaked out. Both of my legs went numb and I had to get off and stretch and figure out if I could return to the treadmill without causing my biggest fear to come true- falling off the treadmill and sliding backwards in the middle of the gym. After a few minutes, I decided I was going to be fine, the feeling returned to my legs, so I started walking and worked up to running- but as soon as I started running again there was this SHOOTING pain in my right calf. Over the next few days I tried to run, but the calf pain has prevailed. It wasn't hurting when I was walking, only when I tried to run. Now, a week later, the pain is there even when I'm walking. SO, I'm a bit concerned. I've been icing it, and I'm going to swim tonight to try and work out the muscle some- but needless to say I have not run for a week and I'm real concerned about what's going to happen. It's not hugely painful- just enough to keep me from running. Okay- that was a really long story, but I just wanted to give an update.

SO this has been holding back Janell- because running without a partner is SO LAME! But today she is going to be back on track- she's going to run and I'm going to swim and we are still going to dominate the Bearathon... meaning we're going to finish before they shut it down : ) It's funny that even after 2 1/2 months of training, I still HATE running. I swear I do it for the ice cream on Mondays. Here's an example exchange between Janell and I today while we were at work:

Janell: Hey are you coming over to watch the After the After the Final Rose Bachelor with me tonight so we can continue to point and laugh and crybaby Jason?

Sara: Yes, of course. I'm going to go swimming- are you going to run tonight or what?

Janell: Yeah I'm gonna run- you have fun swimming!

Sara: Oh I will- you go Janell- RUN YOUR HEART OUT! WE'RE NOT GIVING UP! Maybe we should have Blizzards for our last Bachelor episode?

Janell: Oh yeah, we for sure need Blizzards I'll pick em up- what kind do you want?

Sara: Butterfinger, natch. 

Janell: Too bad we're not as excited about running as we are about Blizzards

I've decided that for any future challenges and trials in my life, I'm going to have to make the reward come from Dairy Queen if I want to have any hope for success. 

So that's the status of your favorite marathonists... we'll keep you posted!

OH- and if you are some sort of athlete or know anyone who knows about injured calves and have any medical advice to share PLEASE feel free to comment! Because as this is my first experience with a sports-related injury, I'm clueless!