Hurdle the Dead, Trample the Weak

12:10 pm: 6 miles

Ran for 45 min today and then finished out the last mile to reach 6 miles today. Averaged a 7:41 mile. Felt great throughout the run, however my left calf was still tight. Other than that I was feeling great. It was pretty warm when I started and was able to finish as it started to snow, so I had some great running weather. Did 100 calf rasies in the shower to help avoid shin splints.

7:00 pm: 4 miles + elliptical

Hopped on the treadmill at UVU after class and started to run. Kept the pace low because my calf was still hurting a bit. After a couple of miles I noticed my shin was beginning to hurt as well so I called it after 4 miles and hopped on an elliptical for 20 min (2.61 miles) to lessen the load on my shin. Averaged an 8:55 mile on the treadmill. Didn't have a ton of time because I had a paper due. Lots of rolling and stretching when I got home. Hopefully tomorrow it will feel a bit better.

What's a better substitute for running when injured or trying to avoid an injury by taking off some load like I wanted to today: an elliptical or a stationary bike?

2:00 pm: 60 min spin cycle + 20 min elliptical

Decided to take the load off my legs today and do a mixture of cycle and elliptical. Was on the spin cycle for 60 min (16.7 miles) and then finished off with 20 min on the elliptical (3.44 miles). Wasn't really sure how to convert that all into running so I just logged 4 miles. On the bike I stayed above 100 rpm on a decently good setting so that there was still a burn throughout the entire workout, making the walk over to the elliptical more of a waddle. Used the elliptical to cool down and break up the lactic acid in my thighs.

Afterwards in the shower I did another 100 calf raises. Gotta keep those shins happy

4:08 pm: 4 miles + 30 min spin cycle

Gave myself a light impact day. Started off with 4 miles very easy on the treadmill and then finished out with a 30 min ride. Averaged a 8:44 mile. My shin and calf felt way better today, just a couple of aches here and there, but I'm glad I'm taking some impact off. On the bike I didn't go under 100 rpm on a decent resistance and rode for 9.1 miles. Not a bad workout today.

7:54 pm: 4 miles + 30 spin cycle

Decided to do another low impact day. Shins felt great on the treadmill. Averaged a 8:02 mile and set the incline to 1.5% the entire time. No serious pains, only small aches. After the treadmill I rode the cycle for 30 min, biking 7.4 miles. Legs were a lot more tired today and I really felt that in the bike today. The last 10 min of the bike was mentally tough. 100 calf raises in the shower again and lost of stretching and rolling.