This was supposed to be a 16 mile Saturday, but because I really want to run the local 10 mile race in August, I rearranged things and made this a step down week to prepare for the increased mileage over the next couple weekends. So today was only 12 miles and should have been relatively easy, but I was starting to panic when the first two miles welcomed me with the now too familiar shin pain. I gritted my teeth, picked up my running partner, and ran one more mile to the track where the black, spongy relief soothed my legs and calmed my nerves. Sarah took off to run something other than dizzying, monotonous circles and I just plugged on waiting for her return while rocking out to my kick-ass playlist (I am so ready for Lollapalooza). I managed to run 6 miles on the track and the 3 mile, asphalt jaunt home didn’t kill me. I think it’s just a matter of working out the soreness during the first 4-5 miles, because after that it’s smooth sailing. I promptly stretched and iced when I got home, which should get me through the rest of the day without limping. If that doesn’t work, some motrin washed down with a few glasses of red wine will do the trick. It is the weekend…