Resolution Revised

My New Year's Resolution must be revised. I do not consider it broken (okay, I obviously feel a little guilty about it).

Today is the Get in Gear run in the Twin Cities and I am not participating. I never signed up because one of the factors that I didn't not consider is registration fees. I already have 2-3 $35 t-shirts in my closet and I have decided that that is a bit too expensive for T-shirts! The registration costs add up quickly.

How have I revised my resolution? Well, I have joined the Lifetime Fitness Run Club. They meet Tues, Thurs, and Sat, but I have found that I only have time to run with them a few times a month. The group is a fantastic group of fun people who love to run. They typically run much faster and farther than I am used to, but they use pace coaches spread out amongst the group to make sure that everyone is okay. Now comes the distance issue. My typical run by myself is about 3 miles and i haven't really progressed beyond that. With the group, I have completed close to 6 miles and this week I did a little over 5 miles, but I think I need to stay there for a while.

Running is a mental game and I should be able to do a longer distance just by slowing down, but I am also dealing with some muscle issues. My calves are not cooperating. They are stiff and knotted and no matter how much I stretch, I cannot get them loose. Hopefully, my physical therapist can help me out and fit me with new custom orthotics and we can get this figured out. I know that hydration is an issue, but even when I feel like I am swimming in water and electrolyte solution, I am still cramping. I wake up in the middle of the night with my feet and toes in contorted positions from the muscles spasms in my calves. It is not a pretty sight and it is painful. I want to get resolution to this issue so that I can keep up with my revised resolution!