Running: My Arrogance Got the Best of Me

Last week, Monday, I got home pretty early from work. I went down my car as soon as I parked it in from of my house. As soon as I got in my house, I changed into my running clothes. I donned my newly claimed Smart SIM singlet just for kicks. The fit was excellent. The fabric was soft and the singlet felt very airy. I love it. It’s what singlets are supposed to be; light, soft, airy, and easy to move in. Went down to put on my shoes. My NB758′s were sidelined because they were still wet from the previous AAV LSD that I did. I had to settle with my supposed to be retired NB 769′s. I shouldn’t be running much in those kicks anymore. They were stability shoes that I didn’t really need because I was an under pronator.

I set out to do a nice easy 10 kilometer run that night but I ended up stopping at around kilometer 3. The run started out pretty good and like how most easy runs are supposed to, easy. There was a slight breeze that kept me cool. The net like fabric of the SIM singlet not only felt light but felt cool as well. The wind blowing away at my face and at my back made me feel like I was as swift as a gazelle running for dear life because a big grizzly saber tooth lion was right at it tail. I was half way into my first kilometer when I saw other runner going around the village. With that added confidence that I was a swift gazelle, I upped my pace so as not be pawned by the other runners. They were pacing quite fast and I didn’t want them to think I was a slouch that was all show with his SIM singlet and hydration belt and no game. That could very well be that cockiest deed I have ever done in my running career. It was just a casual jog, I had nothing to lose but I still wanted to up my pace. I wasn’t in a race where the fast pace was needed. I just wanted to show off my running speed to those casual joggers.

If I had a Garmin, my guesstimated speed of 5:30 minutes per kilometer would not have been far off from the GPS’s reading. It was a pace way beyond my capabilities but I still tried to maintain it. I ran the pace for about 3 kilometers. I ran the 3 kilometers at a fast pace with the wrong shoes. I landed a lot more on the outside part of my feet which was practically wrong. I was running and landing on the outside part of my feet for 3 kilometers at a fast pace that was really beyond my capacity. I was pushing my legs over their limit. I stopped when as soon as I finished kilometer 3.

The outer sides of my feet felt like they were burning because of all the impact they absorbed. Feet aren’t built to land on their sides. My shins felt like they were going to snap. I had to stop. I had to rest.

Ever since Monday, I haven’t been able to run properly. I attempted to run the next day but stopped after 2 kilometers. I attempted to run again on Wednesday but my shin splints were still there. I rested Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I ran yesterday with a slight hint of pain on my shins. The pain was still there but it wasn’t as bad as the previous runs. My legs are getting better but they are still injured. I ran this morning but the pain was still there.

I need to rest. I need to ice my shins. Maybe taping them will help? Any tips? I must get back in to training if I want to finish good in Smart SIM.

  • http://twodeeme.blogspot.com acid

    according to runnersworld.com, you treat shin splints by “[Taking] a few days off from running, and cross-train, ice, and stretch and massage the area. If the pain doesn’t fade after two weeks, see a doctor to make sure it’s not compartment syndrome or a stress fracture.”

    hope your shins recover quickly! :D

  • dimsumandsiomai

    Two weeks rest? my plan is going down hill! good luck to me on finishing Subic!

    Thanks for the tips!

  • http://www.therunningninja.com Sam the Running Ninja

    There’s a shin compression you can wear at night. I forgot the brand but its available in Runnr store and other sports specialty store. Hope it helps.

  • dimsumandsiomai

    compression socks? do they help ease the pain? I think I saw some at Runnr. might check that out!

  • http://www.gingerbreadrunning.com Luis Arcangel

    Haha nice one Gerard. I remember a similar incident when I was just starting out before, I tried to “impress” what looked like an experienced runner wearing a Milo Nationals singlet (which had no meaning to me back then). I ate his dust after like 100 m hahahhaa :) Hope your injury is better, and you could join us for our upcoming Liempo run this Thursday :)

  • http://argonautquest.wordpress.com argonaut

    hey Gerard, take care of your shin… we have a lot of race to cover! hehe!

  • http://www.therunningninja.com Sam the Running Ninja

    Nope, compression shins, not socks. I can give one to you tomorrow since I don’t use it anymore. Used to be shin sufferer when I was just starting out. Pero once you started gaining milages (include more hills training like Luis), your shins will get stronger. Let me know if you want my compression shins tomorrow.