The early sunset this time of year really messes with my running schedule. Luckily, now that I have Sven I am able to still get my run in, even if it’s dark when I get home from work. I started having some issues with my shins again at the end of this week (starting Thursday evening). I have grappled with shin pain on and off pretty much since I started running, and in high school while playing field hockey and soccer as well. I have been stretching and icing, and may take a lower mileage week to let them rest a bit.
 
Monday- Rest day. I woke up feeling really tired and achy all over, and never felt any better as the day went on. Luckily I think the extra rest worked because I woke up feeling a bit better on Tuesday.

Tuesday- 5 mile run with Sven. I am probably going to be doing a lot of miles on the treadmill during the week this winter, since it is dark by the time I get home from work. I started out with a half mile warm-up and then ran the rest of the run as a progression run. My first mile was 10:17 and my last mile was 8:48, with an overall average pace of 9:28/mile for the run. Oh and I still have the chip on my shoe from the marathon. When does it become socially unacceptable to still have that on there? Not that I’m going to take it off, but just so that I know.

Wednesday- It was uncharacteristically 60 degrees outside and I had big plans for an easy run on the roads around our house after work. Things were looking good until the afternoon, when things took a turn for the worse at work and I wound up getting home in the dark again. So back to the treadmill I went for an easy 4 mile run. I mixed it up and watched the Thanksgiving episode of Biggest Loser from last week while I ran (I listened to music on Tuesday).

Thursday- Again it was uncharacteristically warm for December, with a high in the upper 60’s. I managed to get home with just enough time to squeak in a 3 mile run outside before sunset. It was dusky when I headed out, so I wore my reflective Army belt to make myself more visible. The vehicles I encountered on the road actually seemed a bit more cautious when driving by. Maybe I’ll start wearing it all the time when I run on the road.

When I got home I debated on doing a few more miles on the treadmill, but instead decided to have a freeze pop. It was nearly 70 degrees outside after all (don’t worry, we had high’s in the 30’s and freezing rain over the weekend).

Friday- Rest day. Although I did some cleaning around the house (because the rule is you have to clean before you put up Christmas decorations!), so we can count that as some light cross training.

Saturday- 7 mile trail run at Pandapas Pond with Barry. This was my first time running at Pandapas, and although I found it challenging I also had a really good time. We crossed the creek 8 different times during the run, and the 34 degree weather made running with wet socks/shoes extra cold!

Sunday- Rest day. I had visions of sugar plums an easy 3 mile run, but my shins were still very bothersome, especially when walking down stairs, so I opted for a rest day. I spent the morning decorating the house (more on that later this week) and then Barry and I did a bunch of errands during the afternoon- almost done Christmas shopping!

Total Miles: 19 miles

In addition to running, I have been keeping up with the 30 Day Plank Challenge since December 1st. I heard about this challenge from Stephanie over at Now I Run. She chose a handful of challenges to do throughout the month of December, as a way to fill the void of marathon training. I’m right with you on the planks, Stephanie! This week’s planking was as follows, from Monday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 8: 20 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, rest, 45 seconds, 45 seconds. I’m really bad at writing them down in my running log, but I printed the plank calendar so I remember to do my daily plank and then cross it off! 

Have you ever done any sort of fitness challenge?

P.S. Hokies are going to the Sun Bowl on December 31 to play UCLA. This will be our 21st consecutive bowl game. Go Tech Go!