pReping fOr my Next hAlf

Preparing for a race has never been a real easy task for me. I would either under train for it like my previous half and get cramps all over the place or overtrain and get some disturbing aches on my shins. I felt this one since last week, just when I was doing VR#6 LSD. I think it was part of the reason why I failed to complete my training session that day. So it leads me to the question

What are shin splints?

Shin splints is the general name given to pain at the front of the lower leg. Shin splints is not a diagnosis in itself but a description of symptoms of which there could be a number of causes. The most common cause is inflammation of the periostium of the tibia (sheath surrounding the bone). Traction forces occur from the muscles of the lower leg on the periostium.

taken from : http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net

I knew I had them, and when I met an elite runner bud he did confirm that it was shin splints.
He also said that I was doing one of the following:

1. breaking the 10% mileage increase rule
2. using the wrong shush (i hope so, nice excuse for a new one)
3. running on poor form

I just hope I can get enough rest this week along with ice therapy and some Chinese smelling oil helps me recup fast enough for my half marathon this coming weekend. Im getting worries.... I really want to do a flat out 21km run specially on this race. The reason.... My mom will be watching from the sidelines that's why I wanted to do a good race. She has been one of the reasons why I took up running. Back in her days, she used to top the womens 100m/200m and 400 relay during the SCUAA meets.

Right now, I'm currently stuck on my bike doing intervals around Macapagal Ave just to keep up with my cardio needs. I have a training session tonight with my fellow h@ppyFeet members around Makati, I just hope the rain would stop for our training. I might do some stretches I just learned and some light running only.

Good thing there's still 80 days to go till Singapore Marathon. Looks like I may have to slow my pace down a notch in training.