That's right...

...it's been a week. My knee was killing me after 16, so I rested and did cross-training, which actually proved to be a little dangerous since I fell off the eliptical machine at the gym. Yes, I'm that coordinated.

I decided to start back full force with 18 miles today. Actually, I ran a bit last night in hopes of avoiding the shock of running on my lazy butt..... So, how did it go you ask? Better than expected.

After 5 miles, my right knee cap felt like it was going to fall off. This made me mad, so I basically started sprinting as to avoid screaming the F word down the Monon. People in Carmel don't like the f-bomb.

Anyway, I kept pushin' on, even though I was pretty sure I was going to pass out, and the pain spread. This was actually a good thing. Both of my legs hurting constantly was a lot more tolerable than my one knee hurting each time I pounded the pavement. With about 2.5 left, my left knee started in and hasn't quit hurting yet.

This is really becoming a test of wills... Ade and I are basically angry every time we run because it's so tedious and frustrating. I mean, she essentially drove from Chicago just to run today. And I'm going up there in two weeks to run 20. I'm learning that when you do this, it has to be all you do because it's so physically demanding and takes up all of your time. And, of course, everyone wants to hang out on the weekend, but that's nearly impossible since I have to go to bed at like 9 on Friday night and then Saturday night I'm nauseous and can hardly walk (which makes me really popular at parties).

I can honestly say, at least right now, that the only good thing I'm getting out of this is mandatory time with Ade. [It's a little bittersweet though, cuz it makes me realize how much I really miss her.] My weight has actually gone up since I'm trying to build muscles in order to avoid injury. I'm more stressed out because of the time crunch and the pain...and running used to be my stress reliever.

All this and I can still say "I'll keep running."

Distance: 18 miles
Time: 3:17:12
Song I listened to 3 times in a row: Shake -- Ying Yang Twins ft. Pitbull (That's right, bitches!)