It's been awhile...

So I feel like apologies are in order....so I apologize...if there is anywhere out there who follows my blogs or who stumbles upon this bog on accident. It has been quite sometime since I posted anything. After the pitfalls that befell me at the Cleburne run I was discouraged and injured and not very motivated to train. Fortunately, sometime around Christmas something stirred inside me and I was buzzing to run. A few short runs had me realize quickly that my ITB was not quite right still. I did my research (thanks GOOGLE) and convinced my self that my running style absolutely had to be changed. I knew I was a heel-toe runner, and I felt that i could be much more efficient and less injury prone if I became a mid-strike runner. I studied as much of the Pose-Tech and Chi running styles as I could online without spending any money. I taught myself basic technique in front of the computer watching YouTube clips. (note: I do not recommend this...buy the book and learn the right way). Soon after I was in my Apartments fitness room using the treadmill...In no time i felt confident enough to hit the roads. I used my Cascadia's as I felt the Asics I had were simply too much cushioning and I wanted to go the minimalist approach without having to buy a new pair of shoes. By January I was rolling again. The style was becoming natural. The only time I found myself feeling any pain was towards the end of a long run when my form faded. A quick mental assessment usually corrected any pains. I quickly noticed that i no longer had the ITB pain. I also noted that my knees did not bother me at all anymore...before...during...nor after a run. the only pains now were my calves adjusting to the added work and my feet feeling flattened(that's the best i can describe it) after a run. I attribute most of that to running trail shoes on the road though. I missed my chance at the Bandera 100k, but the brothers ran it in 8 degree weather and I was thankful I didn't run it. My mileage was picking up nicely and I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 100miler in Feb. on the 6th. Sitting here now with 4 days until the race I feel as if I am in the best shape of my life. Well the best runner I have ever been at least. I am excited and nervous at the same time to compete in my first hundred miler.

Wish me luck,

Jeremy