Shin splints.

So, pretty much my whole life, I've heard people say they had shin splints and I'm like, good heavens, that's TERRIBLE... because you just know by the tone they're saying it that it is indeed terrible. But in all honesty, I had no idea what they were. Anyway. This Wednesday I found out! And it was weird. My right shin was just twanging with every impact and I was HYPER aware of it, like I shouldn't put weight on it. I finished my run/walk/interval/training thingy, and then Googled the heck out of it.

Apparently, shin splints are classified as pain along or just behind your shins and are the result of extreme impact or pressure activity - like gymnastics. Yeah... I'm not a gymnast. But it's a pretty common running injury - about 10-15 percent of running injuries are shin splints. In the world of all the wild things that can go wrong when running, that's actually a high percentage devoted to one thing!

Anyway. After researching that, I found a great article via Pinterest (oh, Pinterest) about how to prevent shin splints. If you're going to be running on our fitness journey, you should totally read it here: http://www.shape.com/blogs/working-it-out/no-more-shin-splints

Today was my last training interval thingy... "run" (but not really a run yet) of the week. I really, really didn't wanna go. I became a woman today - okay, in sixth grade, but today I was reminded of the fact - and I was feeling large and in charge, and also like someone was setting off fireworks in my uterus. Oh, TMI? Deal with it. :/ Sorry. Basically, does feeling like that doesn't really make me think, "Oh, I want to go hop on a treadmill now." But I went anyway, and I followed all those instructions beforehand to prevent shin spints! Not only do I feel fine, I feel soooo good now. Am I surprised? Majorly.

So I just wanted to say that working out really does make you feel better! Even if your couch and that brownie beg to differ. And. I reached my goal for the week, and followed the first schedule perfectly! That NEVER happens, people. I am hoping I keep this up!

I hope everyone else is kicking trash! First weigh ins, HOLY COW! You guys are so stinking amazing. :) Thanks for inspiring me and being such fabulous examples!