Echuca wobbling

Well a week break from running has been frustrating to say the least! Especially since reading about Go Girly's great lead up run to her 10K PB attempt! I have been struck down with shin-splints again and I thought the best investment would be a full week off running to see them right.

I know a few readers of this blog may not believe this, but it was just pure coincidence that the weekend we went to Echuca for a family mini-break just happened to coincide with Echuca's annual YMCA Sweat V's Steam 13k fun run. I swear it was a co-incidence... really!

The shins had been completely pain free for two days so on Saturday morning I went exploring by way of a 1hr easy run and dropped into the best visitor's centre in the free world to grab an entry form. (highly recommended for both info and accom advice). I ran back to the motel without any problems and had a dip in the pool to shut down any shin swelling and hoped for the best. After slipping into town in the afternoon for an ice-cream with the eldest and submitting an entry form ($15 entry - includes 2 for 1 drink at the pub - and a slap up breakfast - sausage and egg and an orange after the race) I was set for the 13k race against the oldest paddle steamer in Australia.

Bumped into Cool Runner GT near the start and quickly realised he was planning a faster trip than myself. I ran mostly alone and enjoyed the bush trails and looking over my shoulder when the paddlesteamer blew its haunting steam whistle. I ran with the YMCA club president for a couple of kms and she got me through my inevitable tough patch (thanks Chris). At about 4 kms to go I was feeling strong again and I slowly reeled in a few runners that were starting to lag. I finished strongly in 1:02:44 which is about a 4:50 pace!! That is even faster than my recent 10k pub and equates to nearly the pace I need to do to get near the Go Chick's bright and shiny, awesome, new PB of 48:16.

Trouble is my shins are reminding me of their displeasure again and I think I need to go easy for a few days with just super light training runs.

Some more good news! The wobbly dog (Holly) is home again after her 9 week breeding escapades and is desperate to get out the door with me. She will be perfect with my new (as yet un-named) Garmin buddy.

Thanks to everyone who has offered encourageing words of support through the last week or so - it really does help to keep your spirits up (that and buying another running toy anyway)!