So my legs are hurt and I need to work them back up without re-injuring myself. Because of this my idea of doing a full marathon in April are about gone. However, I can get in shape for a half marathon in April and a full marathon by September. So that is the new plan, get to a half and then do a full.

To get me up to speed and back in shape slowly I'm going to do the Couch to 5k running plan and then doing a transition to a half marathon schedule. I'm also looking at the Pose method of running since it's supposed to be better on your legs and cause less injuries. I started the c25k training today with a 2.35 mile run/walk and I have no pain in my legs. I'm also icing my legs and doing a lot of stretches too. Hopefully all of this will allow me to stay injury free and meet my goals without having to adjust them again.

Looks like I need to step back and rethink a few things. I've been dealing with a small case of shin splints since before deciding to start this blog and figured that taking it slow at first would give them time to heal. It looks like my best course of action right now is to take another week or so away from running and work on some exercises for my legs and trying to heal the shin splints. Hopefully this time next week I will be able to jump back in and get this thing going as I can't afford to lose a week in such a tight training schedule.

Ran 3 miles on a mixed concrete and dirt track today. Still having a good deal of pain in my left ankle and both shins but it's better than it has been. I did the run in my new Nike Run Avant+ shoes which feel great. Tomorrow is another 1.5 mile run and more kettlebell exercises.

Ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill today. Had some heel and leg pain afterwards but I think I will be alright.

Today I did a quick kettlebell workout during lunch using two 10lb kettlebells.

• swings - 1 10lb kettlebell in each hand for 3 reps of 20
• military press - 1 10lb kettlebell in each hand for 3 reps of 20

The way I do this is with 20 swings ending with a clean and go straight into 20 military press with both arms at the same time. After 1 rep of 20 each I take a 10 second break and do it again for a total of 3 reps each. I will be adding more to this as I go but for right now it's kicking my ass pretty good.

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - 1.5 mile run

Wednesday - 3 mile run

Thursday - 1.5 mile run

Friday - Rest

Saturday - 3 mile run

Sunday - 30 minute walk

I've decided to run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 25th, 2010. This gives me 30 weeks to train, which matches up perfectly with Hal Higdon's Novice Supreme 30 Week Marathon Training Schedule. I will keep track of my training and the status of my body here. It's a major challenge and it will take a lot of hard work on my part to stick with it. Let's hope I'm up to the task.