ART=P.A.I.N.

So, in my world ART stands for ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES.
What is it exactly? Well, I googled it and here is the definition:

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.




The key words for me in that description are OVERUSED MUSCLES.
I have those. Plenty.

I have been having heel pain and toe pain.
Sure it is probally due to the miles that I am running, but I need some answers besides "stop running".
ART is going to be my answer.
But the thing with ART massage is that it hurts. Today during my session, I just grit my teeth.
I can take it. Its worth it. This is good for me. At least that is what I kept telling myself.

After the therapy, my Doc taped my foot and toe with Kenesio tape. Well, if it works, GREAT! If it does not work, at least the tape is a pretty SPRTY hot pink color.

After my 20 miler this past Saturday, I am officially on taper mode. That means my mileage will decrease over the next 19 days until The Boston Marathon 2009.

What a great ride it has been, pain and all!

GATE RIVER

Yesterday was the Gate River Run 15k.
This 15k is a big deal in Jacksonville.
15,000 people run and it seems to get bigger every year.

I ran it for the first time 5 years ago.
It was the longest distance I had ever run.
I remember signing up for it as a way to get back in shape after having Aidan.
I clearly remember when I crossed the finish line that day 5 years ago thinking to myself, " I am going to run a marathon!"

This April will be my third year running the Boston marathon.
It will be "lucky number 13" for my marathon total.

Even though I was a minute slower this year at Gate finishing in 1:11, I felt good the entire course and feel like I gave it a good effort. I sure would have loved a PR though.. Oh well, there was cold beer and hot dogs at the finish! Maybe that is why I am slowing down?


Below is a picture of me with Todd Williams. He is the American record holder in the 15k with a time of 42:22.
That equates to 4:20 miles! I am twice as slow!! Ha!
I warned him I was going to post the picture on FACEBOOK!

TEAM HTFU GETS MUDDY

The Mud Run 10k was this past weekend.
My God! It was one dirty race.

We had our coed team of 5. Poperly named TEAM HTFU.
If you don't know what it stands for, don't ask.
Lets just say some bad words are involved.
Besides running, there were some butt kicking obstacles.
Wall climbing, rope swinging, log crossing, mud diving, etc.
In this case, pictures probally tell the story better than I can.

Overall, the race raised over $75,000 for the MS Society.