this week in athletics

So I decided yesterday to go running and take a gamble with the shin splints. If I got them, I would have to play catcher today during softball since running for a ball would be out of the question. I started my run with a slight stretch, and then took off at a light jog and ran out 1.1 miles. I swung around and decided to kick it up a notch. On the way back I ran hard for a half mile and then walked (twice) and ended up running 2.2 miles. To my surprise I didn't feel too bad meaning my knees, shins, calves and ankles felt good. I figured it would catch up to me later. This morning I woke up and to my shock, I felt great! So... who knew?! New shoes are the difference! And to think - I've been running for nearly 20 years and had no idea shoes were the key! I'm actually looking forward to getting back out and running, something I can honestly say I've been avoiding for 5 years because of shin splints.

So at 6pm I had a softball game. Our team is mediocre at best, and before today are lucky to have won one game. Today however was different. I batted second in the order and reached base after running out an infield grounder - advancing the lead off man to second. From there, the dam broke. 18 runs later and 3 plate appearances by yours truly the first inning came to a close. We ended up 10 running them and the game ended 20-9. Man, what a difference when you actually having fun playing!