Must keep running...

This morning I am looking out a window onto Cazenovia Lake in New York and it is snowing.  In fact I don't think it has stopped snowing in Cazenovia for the past four or five days.  Not surprising for this part of the country and during this time of the year.  For individuals in other parts of the country winter means  running and training on treadmills but not in Central New York.  We run in snow, sleet and in cold temperatures.  You learn how to dress for this weather and you head out the door and you do it.  Within the last seven days I ran in two different races.  The first was last Sunday, February 24th.  I ran in the Lake Effect Half Marathon.  It was 13.1 miles running along the shores of Onondaga Lake and yes it was snowing!

The second event was yesterday and it was the Tipp Hill Shamrock 4 mile run.  This event event kicks off the St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the city and it is one of my favorite events.  It is a tough course but it always fun to see so many friends along the way and of course we celebrate when we are done.  Yesterday was cold and snowy but we all got through it!

Even though I got out and finished both events I struggled a bit during these events due to some recurring injuries.  I have this strange problem with my right foot.  When I run I can tell you exactly when I hit the four mile mark because this foot becomes inflamed and it begins to cramp.  My foot feels like it is on fire.  And if it is hot out it is even worse.  So thank God that it was cold Sunday because it numbed the pain a bit.  I also have some hip problems that I have had for 10 years that can get inflamed and will bother me.  Well during the half marathon both areas on the same leg bothered me a lot.  As a result I think I changed my gate a bit and I did something to my left foot.  I will say that the first 7 miles of this half went really well.  I was making great time on the course and was really excited about that.  However, after mile 7 all went down hill.

After this event was over the past week I spent my time walking, stretching and rolling out my sore muscles.  I had to be ready for yesterday's Tipp Hill Run.  I didn't know how the four mile run would go since I was still sore and my feet were bothering me.  So when the gun went off I didn't start my watch and decided my goal that day was to just run the course and finish.  And I did just that ... I was in pain and I took it slow but I ran the entire course except for the last hill which I have to admit is a Beatch!!  And I survived my week of running!  The goal now is to figure out what is going on with this foot.  I have a lot more runs ahead of me and I can't be sidelined with pain.  I have gone to doctors before with the problem but it is a mystery to all of us since we can't find what is wrong!  This week will be a lot of swimming and biking so we can rest these paws of mine!!

Are we there yet??