Stress is a four letter word


OK, stress isn't a four letter word, but it is not one of my favorite words right now either. However, My life right now could have a little less of it right now.

Work is really stressful right now as I have a big project that I have been working on for months that is due on Monday. I am a Application Developer and my life has been wrapped up in this current application while trying to learn a new technology to complete it. Needless to say this has caused a lot of delays, and stress. I have been working most nights, in addition to all day every day, including some weekends over the past couple weeks. This weekend will be one of those weekends that will require work as well.

Now enter race weekend. I am not sure how things work out the way they do sometimes, and why everything has to hit at the same time, but I guess it is to make us stronger. I had a very good run this past Sunday, and was feeling really good about this coming Saturday's race. Tuesday I went out for my 4 miler, and things seemed to go OK, but the first mile my ankle was bothering me a little bit. Not bad like last time, and it didn't bother me at all the rest of the run. However, it is feeling a bit weak still this morning. I am stretching and icing, and it doesn't feel horrible, but I am concerned.... and yes stressed on how it will hold up this Saturday.

Yes, I am fairly confident that this ankle pain is a result of me not replacing my shoes yet. I know I have too many miles on my shoes (based on recommendations) but I didn't have the extra $ back a month ago when I realized this, and by the time I got the $ it was too close to race day to try and switch to new shoes. I think I am paying for that now, when in fact I should have literally paid for them back a month ago. I know there is nothing I can do about this now, but I know what I will be doing once I get through the race this Saturday. So, now I am wondering..... do I run my last 4 miles on Thursday, or do I let my ankle rest till race time....... Hmmmmm, not sure what I should do.

Yes, I am getting the pre-race jitters. Everything is not going bad, but the stress at work with this new stress of my ankle acting up has got my head spinning. On a brighter note, the forecast has again changed and shows the rain holding off until Sunday. I think we are close enough now that this will probably not change too much, so I am happy about that. The forecast is calling for cloudy and 63 with 20% chance of precipitation. I don't think it could be much better than that. So what is the ankle forecast? I won't know till race day... :(

**Edit** I wanted to edit this post and include a picture of my shoes. I am not sure what they looked like when they were new, but they look like they are slanting to the outside. Based on the wear on the bottom of the shoes that is where the wear is also. I am sure this means they are way overdue for replacement, I just didn't realize they were this bad. I have probably close to 450 miles on them. I have logged 325 miles, and I trained for and ran a 5k and 10k before I started logging. I am sure based on how they look that they are the reason for my ankle problems and probably all the other little aches and pains I have been having recently. If only I would have done what I knew I should have done a month ago. :(

6 comments:

  1. If it was me I would rest the ankle and keep it fresh for race day. I almost guarantee you won't have/feel any pain from your ankle on race day. So close now.

    Really looking forward to reading your race report :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with sub6, just rest. You've got plenty of miles in. Just warm up good prior to your race. As far as the shoes go... it is what it is. There's nothing you can do about it now so, don't worry about it. One more race in them and then celebrate with... a new pair of shoes!

    Sorry bout the stress of work and everything culminating around your race. That's the way things usually seem to go for most of us I think. Hang in there!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Tim!! This is so typical of race week nerves. Stress, worry, stress, phantom injury, more worry, more stress. It happens to me every time I get really excited for a race. It's normal, I promise!

    I also ran a half in September in worn out shoes. I was really nervous about it, swore I had severe knee pain the entire week beforehand, but with all the excitement and adrenaline, I barely noticed anything. And then I bought myself congratulatory new shoes!!

    Rest up from now until the race. Don't worry about those last 4 miles. You're going to do GREAT. I can't wait to hear all about it.

    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  4. You've done all your work, now try to relax the rest of the week (sorry about the work stress).

    Retire your shoes afterwards by either donating them, or a Viking Funeral!

    I left mine in Phoenix after the Rock n Roll, at least they are somewhere warm!!!

    Best wishes for your race....have a great time!

    Laurel (Lily)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks all for the encouragement! I really needed that today!

    My ankle is feeling OK right now, but I am going to take all of your advice and rest and keep my ankle strong till Saturday Morning.

    I am really pumped about Saturday! It can't get here soon enough!

    I guess that is one good thing about the stress at work.... it is helping me keep my mind off all the worries of the race. I said HELPING, not completely keeping my mind off of it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks all for the encouragement! I really needed that today!

    My ankle is feeling OK right now, but I am going to take all of your advice and rest and keep my ankle strong till Saturday Morning.

    I am really pumped about Saturday! It can't get here soon enough!

    I guess that is one good thing about the stress at work.... it is helping me keep my mind off all the worries of the race. I said HELPING, not completely keeping my mind off of it. :)

    ReplyDelete