My Superfood Collagen Protein Smoothie

I know, bad presentation. Just couldn't wait to drink it.

Funniest thing I have read in a long time

Hoka Skinnay Skinnay

As part of my ongoing quest for gear that will help me run with less acute pain, I ordered me some Hoka Vanquish road shoes from REI garage last week. Got them yesterday, and have to say, they are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever put on. I so wanted them to fit, because they just felt that good. But, unfortunately, the toe box feels like it was cast for a Smurf. I don't think my foot is even that wide, yet I was straining the uppers, and making them bulge out over that huge sole like a mushroom. As comfy as they are, I know that the slightest bit of foot swelling is going to make me want to start cutting holes in them, so unfortunately, I will be taking advantage of REI's generous return policy today. I did briefly consider having my two smallest toes removed from each foot so that I could keep them, but my wife talked me out of it.

What a fantastic day! What a miserable day!

So, I have been battling shin splints and knee pain in my right leg since January. Since forever, really- it comes and goes. Take two weeks off, good for a day. Pain the next run. Two more weeks off. Good for a day, excruciating the next run. Six weeks of Physical Therapy. Acupuncture. Turmeric capsules three times a day. Rolling, stretching, massaging. Ice, elevation, heat, compression.

Last week, I finally felt good. Really good. Like three runs in a row, 28 mile week good. I took off the neoprene sleeve and patellar band, and hit the treadmill. Six miles on Tuesday, five on Thursday, still good. No pain, no altered gait...

Welcome!

I am a mid to back-of-the-packer who loves to run, even though I don't look like it. I have battled anxiety and panic attacks for over fifteen years, and at one point would not run a 5k with my wife, as it was "too far" from my safe zone. I now run 5 and 10k races, half-marathons, and am training for the California International Marathon and the Across The Years 48-hour endurance run, both of which are in December 2017.

I'd like to document my journey, for my own benefit. If it happens to help someone who suffers from anxiety and panic, then all the better.

I'm not a running expert, nor ultra-marathoner (even though I am obsessed with them), and I am not fast. My training methods, nutrition, gear and shoe choices, etc. are all my own, and I encourage you to find your own preferences. Constructive comments and open discussion are welcome. Malicious comments, cyber-bullying, or anything resembling a comment from a YouTube channel will be deleted immediately.