The verdict is in...

It is tendonitis. Not shin splints. Not a stress fracture. Tendonitis. I suppose that is the good news.

I have to take this big giant horse pill that is an anti-inflammatory twice a day, and I will need to start PT, going 3x/week for 3 weeks.

I must not run for 4 weeks, until I can be seen by the doctor again. That will make a total of about 8 weeks off. Sounds like I will need to start the C25K all over again. It is okay. I know what I'm in for this time, and I will be certain that I won't die before I get to the end.

The good thing is that the doctor is happy that I am concerned about doing some exercises to keep myself healthy. It would be great to drop another 10lbs before I go back to see him.

On a side note, I started swimming at the Y today and I absolutely LOVE it! I had a blast. And I got a good work out on top of it. Next week...cycling. :)

Whoda thunk it?

Never in a million years would I believe I'd be sitting here, with it being 12 degrees outside, wanting so badly to bundle myself up and run. I mean...come ON, that's frostbite weather for Pete's sake! Yet...I have this overwhelming urge to just go out and do it. I wouldn't have thought that I'd miss running so much, particularly when I have to force myself to do it some times.

My cousin summed it up properly by saying it was the "Runner's High" that kept him going. That wonderful, exhausted feeling of accomplishment and pride that is felt when the run is complete. That is the feeling I remember when I'm dong running. And that is the feeling that I'm missing right now.

I can't wait to get to the doctor to find out what's wrong with this leg. Hopefully I was just doing too much too soon and I'll need to throttle back a bit. Hell, at this point, I wouldn't even be upset if he told me I had to start from the beginning again. That actually might make me a stronger runner, who knows.

For now, I will sit and think about that feeling and wait patiently for the time when I can get out there again. Until then, Im going to become very well acquainted with the local Y.

Paging Dr. Bombay, Paging Dr. Bombay

I'm afraid I have to make another trip to the doctor. After taking the doctor prescribed week of rest and starting back slowly, my distances have become increasingly shorter over the past 2 weeks due to returned shin pain. After only 1/2 mile of running yesterday I had to stop because the pain was too much to push through. So, I will call the doctor and I will do whatever it takes to get over this injury.

In the mean time I have decided to join the Y. The Y has a pool, and swimming is something that I really enjoy doing, and will be a completey non-load bearing form of exercise for me. I will also be able to do some strength training and perhaps some yoga or pilates. So, until I can see the doctor, that is my plan of action. I will certainly keep you all informed.

Also, if any of you have had a similar injury, please share your thoughts, and any helpful tips you may have!