Running in the New Year

So, folks, it’s been nearly 6 weeks since my last race — and my “injury.”  I say it that way because I don’t really believe it’s a true injury.  Dr. Dave who carved me up some semi-custom orthotics calls it neuritis, but I can’t believe that running could cause me any real problems the way soccer or basketball or gymnastics ever could.   

During Big Sur, as I mentioned, it felt like I had a severely cramped up middle toe on my right foot.  Turns out that that pain only progressed further every time I tried to go for a run after that, and after seeing the World’s Best Podiatrist (right here in Terra Linda, no less, and $330 later…) I had a name for it.  With these new running shoe inserts I should be able to run past the 6-mile mark and not have the excruciating pain radiating down the bottom of my foot and up my ankle.  

Problem is, it’s been The Holidays and I’ve had loads of excuses not to go running. Gotta go shopping, wrap presents, prepare for holiday parties, and now I’m feeling a little under the weather, of course… This is exactly what happened after the Honolulu marathon for me last December.  Stuck in a rut. 

It’s time for some inspiration.  For starters, I will reminisce about how awesome 2008 was for me & running.  In celebration, here’s the larger version of the finisher’s picture of Trish and me at Big Sur: (I can’t figure out how to not make it sideways, sorry)

 

Second, I need to get a run on the calendar, otherwise I’m never gonna put my fancy orthotics to use.  

Here are some races that look interesting to me; mainly full marathons, but some of these may have half options…so many to choose from!

* Napa Valley – 3/1/09, Calistoga, CA

* Richmond E-Venti – 3/1/09, Richmond, British Columbia

* Catalina Island – 3/8/09, Catalina Island, CA

* Suntrust National – 3/21/09, Washington, DC

* Moab – 3/29/09, Moab, Utah

* Nature/s Path Whidbey Island – 3/29/09, Oak Harbor, Washington

* Golden Gate Headlands – 4/4/09, Sausalito

* Muir Woods – 4/5/09, Stinson Beach

* Flora London – 4/26/09, London

* Avia OC – 5/3/09, Newport Beach

* Eugene – 5/3/09, Eugene, OR

 

Yeah?? Anybody in?

Anyway, what a fantastic year of hitting the road with my bunioned, stinky, fabulous feet.  I think I ran more races than in any other year, got faster, stronger, and had more fun.  I have a good feeling about 2009!