Archive for February 15th, 2011

Better yet, get the shocks out and get this body going again. My running recovery was coming along so nicely until Friday came along.

Then BAM!

I’ve had some sicknesses stop me from running for a while, but it’s been a long, long time in which I’ve had something absolutely put me back to what feels like square one. I know I’m not really starting over — but with a fully empty stomach, having to hydrate myself as if I’ve never had water, and pretty much taking a week off running, it feels like I’m restarting.

But you know what? This is a good thing. The spinning wheels in my head have slowed way down. I had pretty much decided not to run the Shamrock Half Marathon this year, but the decision to pull out was very tough. That was until I found out recently I could defer my entry fee to next year. Then after getting sick, I didn’t have to think about the decision. It’s what I’m doing.

The Shamrock Half, to me, is not about just finishing. It’s a tradition for me to want to go out and prove something. This year wouldn’t prove anything to increase my mileage over the next five weeks to go out there and risk hurting myself. I’ve come too far already to take that chance right now. It’s not a DNS … it’s a true deferment with very little money lost since I signed up on race weekend last year.

I’m instead going to put my focus on some things in April and then I’ll wait until then to focus on things later this year. Recovering from my ITB injury (uh, result) has changed my frame of mind for now and I have no issues with continuing this way for a while.

So as bad as getting horribly sick was, it’s like it was my body’s way to tell me to completely stop. I always listen to my body and it’s always right. I hope, though, that my body will be ready to keep running 4 miles at a time with no problems very soon.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For anyone out there still contemplating a late winter/early spring marathon, I have the opportunity of a lifetime — a chance to run in the L.A. Marathon on March 20 thanks to Salonpas, a sponsor of #runchat in November 2010.

Please only enter if you are sure you can commit to this race! Here’s how to do it: Go like Salonpas on Facebook right now! Then come back here leaving a comment saying you “like” them. That counts as one entry. To have a second entry, leave a comment here telling me one must-have product you can’t live without when it comes to running. That will count as one entry.

Please note the two ways to have an entry — if they’re left in one comment, it will count only as one entry.

What is Salonpas you ask? Their Pain Relief Patch is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter pain relieving patch on the market. They last up to 12 hours. Muscle pain? Arthritis pain? Back pain? … just have some pain somewhere? Try one of these out. I’ve tested a couple of the patches out on my lower back and it’s pretty cool … or hot … or something. It works, that’s for sure. The only drawback I found was an awkward smell, kind of like mints. Nothing all that bad.

For more information on the patches, find out much more on their Facebook page. They’re also currently hosting a sponsorship program where groups can apply to receive workout backpaacks, water bottles, T-shirts and samples for every member on the team. If you’re interesting in getting a free sample, just click on the “Try Me” tab on their Facebook page, then click on the “Free Sample” button and fill out the form.

For the marathon giveaway, all comments must be received by 8 p.m. ET (that’s 5 p.m. on the West Coast). A winner will be chosen using Random.org — entries are based on the first comment received being No. 1, the second comment received No. 2, etc. Please leave a valid email address so I can contact you sometime this weekend regarding the free entry free.

Good luck!!