Sitting the Bench

During my scheduled day off yesterday, I bought a new pair of running shoes and some insoles to help with the shin splints. I don't really know if they are going to help or not, because I couldn't even finish my workout today due to the pain in my lower legs. And believe me, I know I am a wimp so I pushed myself through the pain for a while. But when they started to feel numbly painful, I had to stop.

I talked to the general manager at the gym, and he told me several interesting things:

1. Sitting all day keeps your muscles in the same (non-running) position and that's bad.
2. Stretching is really important for running.
3. You can buy expensive stuff (equipment, etc.) to help your gait if your feet roll in or out.
4. There is nothing you can do for shin splints but rest.

So for now I'm kind of sitting the bench, which really sucks because I'm finally motivated and committed to doing something. But... I'm suspecting that this is not the last of the injuries that I will face in this mission, so I will be happy with a prescription of rest. "Rest" doesn't mean sit on my butt (unfortunately), but no more running for now, which isn't good for my training. I can bike, and apparently the elliptical trainer is ok, depending on how your legs feel. This whole thing is really frustrating because (under the excess) my legs are pretty strong--I need endurance.

I'd like to find a place to swim, not with a team but just for training, but I already pay for the gym and I really don't want to pay for another. But we'll see. I'm really missing it lately and it would be great for the endurance...