All good things must come to an end though. I was able to get in all of my runs the week I returned.

The past few weeks have proven to be quite entertaining. First, I spent February 16-20 in Florence, Italy. Due to my hectic schedule on those days, I was only able to squeeze in one run, but it was an amazing one. I woke up and was out the door before 5am. It was possibly one of the most beautiful and peaceful runs that I've ever had. The streets were completely dollar rent a car coupons weekly empty and dark. I ran from my hotel, the Albani, which was located dollar rent a car coupons weekly one block from the train station, down to the Arno river. The river was lined with sidewalks and paved paths on either side, and has numerous bridges, the most famous of which is the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio was lit up, and the river was lined with street lamps on both sides, which gave the entire section a glowing presence. Being able to run in such a beautiful city, known for flourishing during the Renaissance period, was amazing. All of the history, the monuments, the architecture, the sounds...I didn't once think "ah, I went to bed at 3am, and got up and was out the door at 5 am to run, geesh!". I never considered running with music, and frankly, didn't feel like I was running at all. I was so engaged in the city and what was taking place, I couldn't think of anything else. I wish I could have more runs like that.
All good things must come to an end though. I was able to get in all of my runs the week I returned. Last Sunday, I was out on my 20 mile long run, when about 15 miles in, I took a step and my left shin started to hurt quite badly. I didn't have much of a choice but to continue since I had no other way home. I managed to do a 7/1 run/walk dollar rent a car coupons weekly ratio to make it home. The pain grew to be pretty intense. I didn't run for the next three days at all, and iced my shin as much as possible. Today, Thursday, I was able to get in an easy three mile run. While I can't say I was pain free, it definitely was better. I wouldn't even say there was pain, rather a little discomfort. It has felt good for most of today, so tomorrow, as long as it doesn't hurt, I'll try to get in 5-6 before school in the morning. I hope that I can get in my regularly scheduled 15 on Saturday dollar rent a car coupons weekly before my school's first track meet.
It's definitely been an interesting month. With all of the travel, being sick, and being injured, I hope February didn't hurt my marathon chances. I've had several setbacks, and I can't say that it's been the best month. I really hope that I have a good March, and that I'm able to compete in the Carmel Marathon.