R-I-C-E

RICE.

Rest, ice, compression, elevation.


That's where I am today. I ran 16 miles Sunday (great run!), and went out for 9 miles on Monday. Monday's run took a turn for the worse after about 7 miles, when I started feeling a pain in my left arch. I ended up running about 8.3. I took yesterday off (as planned), but decided not to run today either. I hope to run tomorrow night. I have 9 miles on my training schedule, but I'll take 5-6 if that's what my foot can handle.



I don't think it's plantar fasciatis. I would guess it's a strained arch, but I don't really know. Today I've been keeping the foot elevated as much as possible and icing it off and on. I've also got it taped (compression), and that seems to have helped. We will see how it feels tomorrow.


It is exactly two months until my marathon! I really don't need an injury at this point. I think one of the biggest challenges of running is figuring out when to back off and when to run through pain. It's risky to run through pain--obviously you could hurt yourself and be out much longer. However, it's also risky to skip days on your training plan. You want to be ready for the race. So, it's a balancing act. And it's one that I have historically not been good at.


I've typically made the mistake of pushing through when I shouldn't, so this time I will play it more conservatively. And hope for the best.