Lake path-1, Dave-0

OK, last Saturday I attended my first group run. 100+ people in about 16 different groups based on time. So about 7 or 8 people in each time group, right... wrong. My group had 2 people, I'm one of them. At first I was a bit confused, but later it made sense S. and I just rock so much face that there isn't any awesome left for anyone else in our group. That makes me feel better.

So I learned a little lesson this week and I think it's important to share. No matter how comfy your work shoes are, they aren't designed for athletic purposes. Last week I decided to walk home one day. I didn't have my running shoes, but didn't think I needed them. Well after the 5 mile trek, I was right, I had a great walk and felt good. The next day....OUCH. I don't know if shin splints come in different sizes, but if they do, I just ordered some up in extra large. Since shin splints don't go away, they just hang out until they are bored, I still have them. Stinkin' work shoes (note: the blame is entirely on the shoes and in no way the responsibility of the dude who chose to be an idiot).

Back to my Saturday group run. I thought the shin splints went away and guess what: around mile 1 of 4, I realized they weren't gone and that I not only awoke the beast, but I angered it as well. I didn't deviate from our assigned pace (in fact S. and I killed it by about 2 min/mile) but it sure was not the pleasant experience I imagnined it would be. I'll have to rest up and do some bike riding this week and hopefully appease the god of shin.

This weekends long run is 5 miles. I think as long as I can shake my buddy (the shin splint) I should be able to survive.

Oh, I forgot to mention this earlier. Big props to Bones and the R. family for being the first to donate. Now there is no backing out of this thing. Great.