I really want to run a race this weekend!

Hello, lovelies! I need some advice today. I’m hopefully participating in the Hill Yeah! Half Marathon this weekend. The original plan was to run the full course. Given my injuries, the new plan is to run as part of a relay team.

I’m still very play-by-ear at this point because the last two nights I’ve gone out for a very short run and my right ITB has begun giving me problems. I don’t think it would be wise to race on injured legs and I certainly don’t want a repeat of what’s already happened (ahem, marathon…), or be sidelined for any amount of time longer than necessary. So I’m still very much weighing my options for Sunday’s race.

Having said all that, however, IF I do go ahead with the race, I’m oddly excited about running a relay. I loved running the relays during track season. It was so fun. I was one of the less good runners, however, so that part kind of sucked. But I loved track! So I’d be pretty pumped about running the relay. Yes, I know. I won’t actually be running in a track meet. And I’ll be running much farther than my 800m leg from school. And I may not even participate. BUT! A relay is a relay, and it’s still fun.

Another reason why this race would be so awesome is because I’ll be reunited with Julie and Eugenia! Last spring we spent a good amount of time running and training together, and I’ve been missing them ever since!

Granted we won’t all be running together, but we’ll have the camaraderie of knowing the others are on the course. Plus post-race breakfast. Because honestly, how could you possibly expect me to run and not indulge in a fantastic breakfast afterward?

I’m also really hopeful about getting this:

What am I nervous about? Well, my injury is certainly improving. It seems I have a bit of a compensation injury, however, which is really annoying and an enormous let down. If I do end up racing, I’m nervous one leg, possibly both, will cause a raucous while I’m running which will put a huge damper on the day.

What else am I nervous about? That’s about it really. The whole leg thing. I’ve made peace with my toenails. They may or may not survive, but I’m okay with that. What I’m not okay with is when a doctor threatens to preemptively take them off! I want no part of that.

There are several more amazing races happening later in the summer (hint, hint) that I would like to be strong for so I’m really hoping this is a step in the right direction instead of an unfortunate failure. I feel like I’m ready to run again but who knows if that’s just because I’m antsy or if it’s because I’m bona fide ready to go.

I’m just so torn up about this. I need another day or two to weigh the pros and cons. Plus a trip to the chiropractor to talk things out. Maybe a little ART and Graston on my right leg will fix things. Only time will tell.

If you’re looking for a scenic, challenging half marathon this weekend, you should consider doing the Hill Yeah! Half Marathon. The course is beautiful, particularly this time of year. The medal is superb. And Lake Health Running Series puts on amazing events. Such a great series and very nice courses. I’m looking forward to the remaining races on the calendar!

I hope I’m there. But I guess if I’m not, I’ll make peace with it. Time will tell. And my chiropractor appointment this morning will tell the most.

If you were dealing with a potential compensation injury, would you sit out an upcoming race or suck it up and hope for the best?