March, my most important training month for Kentucky, was full of ups and (mostly downs). It started off ok, but a 14 miler ended badly with some right ankle pain forcing me to take a week off. When I got back to it, I slammed through 18 miles with (surprisingly) no ankle problems. However, the following Thursday, my left shin was acting up big time, and I came to the realization that I gave myself some good old shin splints. After about another week off, I gave it another go with just a super tiny run around the block, and now, my right ankle pain is back.

Man, I just can't win, I'm going to have to live with the face that my longest run this season is 18 miles with a 6 week mega taper. I keep hoping for just one good training season and it's not happening. Am I too old for this now? Am I too overweight? Should I change my strategy? Do I need to cross train? Do I need new shoes? Should I quit?

I'm pretty sure I'll be fine for the race even though I'm just riddled with injury. For Alabama my longest run was 16 miles due to sickness and injury. After this, I have another race in October in my sights, and if that doesn't go well I might have to really rethink this whole running thing.