The Strip

Some of you may have wondered where I have been the past few days. DH had a conference in Las Vegas and I was lucky enough to join him for a few days without the kiddos.

Huge thanks to my best girl for taking our little ones under her wing for 3 days/3 nights! You are truly a kind-hearted, remarkable woman and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you!

Early on Tuesday morning the kiddos and I took the bike & trailer to the store for a few things... my mom loves Dr.Pepper and I promised there would be some on hand. The original intention was that my mom was going to come over on Thursday morning to relieve my girlfriend but a snowstorm came through and it was mutually agreed that she stay in the valley. Thus, this little quest was unnecessary but it did allow me to log 2 miles for running mileage.

Wednesday morning, I enjoyed a great breakfast with DH and the other conference participants. Thereafter, as they sat in a conference room and discussed medical supply needs and patient safety, I laced up my running shoes and headed down the strip. Conveniently, we were staying at the Mandalay Bay so my intention was to run to the Sahara and back. Runners World stated this route was 7.3 miles. I thereby added a few side streets and extended the run a little past the Mandalay Bay to cover a solid 9 (I brought along the Garmin to make sure - even if the Garmin is a little off, I will at least be consistent throughout my training).

I enjoyed the run and was actually surprised by how many runners were actually out enjoying themselves like me. With the exception of an organized race, I am just not accustomed to seeing so many runners in one place. As I ran past past the MGM, three young men came out onto the strip and I overheard one remark to the other, "Is this like f***ing runner's paradise or what?" I guess I wasn't the only one a little surprised.

I averaged a 10 min mile pace - I suppose I enjoyed taking in the sights a little too much. I did have to stop at several intersections though and I neglected to stop my watch so I suppose my average pace would have otherwise been a little different.
When I got back to the room, I did a little stretching and then basically spent a few hours reading. I walked down to the conference area for lunch wearing a pair of flip flops with a 1" heel. Around 2 p.m., DH and I spent some time swimming in the lazy river - very fun! We then returned to our room and took a little siesta. That evening, I donned my flip flops again and we returned to the conference area for dinner. It is quite a walk from our room to the conference area... too bad the Garmin doesn't work indoors. Next year (if we go), I am definitely going to have to bring along a pedometer!

That evening we went to the Cirque du Soleil show, Zumanity! I saw O a few years ago and DH saw Ka in 2005.... this one was very, very different. Not that they can be compared to one another anyway... but Zumanity was certainly unusual. Very cabaret... Moulin Rouge-ish. It was interesting. In the end, I would see O again and again though I wouldn't pay to see Zumanity again.

It was difficult to stay focused on the show, however. I couldn't get comfortable. My legs were screaming. I knew earlier that evening that muscle soreness was setting in... but I never imagined it to be this agonizing. I actually felt more soreness than I did after the CIM!

By Thursday morning, it was difficult to walk. I thereby opted NOT to run again on Thursday. I always err on the safe side... despite the fact that my training may not progress as I originally hoped... that I may end up not achieving the BQ goal I've set for myself. The way I see it, though, I want to be a runner for life. Not a runner for just these next few months. I don't want to burn out. I don't want to end up regretting that I pushed too hard. I have a lifetime to try to qualify... until then I am just going to enjoy the journey.

Instead, I took it easy. I walked down to the Bellagio to see the gardens (my favorite thing in all of Vegas) and despite my appearance, I wore my running shoes (or no shoes at all) for the remainder of our stay. Thursday afternoon, DH and I spent another hour or so floating/swimming in the lazy river. We also soaked for some time in the hot tub - I took advantage of a the jets to give myself a little aquatic massage.

By Friday, I was able to walk relatively well but I still ached, particularly my left leg. It was a sharp pain on the outer side of my leg from my knee down to my ankle. Not shin splints. Not a pulled calf muscle. My lower left back also ached. After talking it over with my mom - an avid wearer of high heels, I have deduced that it must be a result of my shoes! I wear heels periodically and never before have had a problem - but the distance and the concrete floors must have done me in.

Friday afternoon when we returned home, I considered doing a few miles on the treadmill but the kiddos wanted to snuggle. I had to admit that is what I truly wanted to do as well so I tossed the running bit out the window.

I did cover 8 miles though today (treadmill) and though I was still a little sore on the left side, by the first mile, I was feeling good. When I finished, the soreness was less aggravating so I'm very pleased that I pushed through and didn't talk myself out of it again. I think a few days rest was what I needed. I should be good to go again tomorrow. Let's hope!