Squishable, moldable comfort

I started trying something new yesterday on the advice of a PT friend of mine - heat.  Twice a day now I am putting heat on my poor afflicted shin in the hopes of maximizing the advantage of the healing powers of increased blood circulation.  So far I can't tell if it is working - it's too soon for that - but I have to say that applying heat to my legs in winter is proving to be just cozy comfy anyway.  I could get used to this.  Of course, the downside is that it makes me feel like an old lady.  All I can think of while I am doing it is the heating pads I remember seeing at my grandparents' house as a kid.

I don't even own a heating pad, so it was suggested I use a sock filled with rice microwaved until warm.  However, before I could even give much thought as to which type (white, brown, Basmati, etc.), Andy reminded me that my souvenir Lakefront Marathon cold pack actually goes both ways - cold and heat pack.  So, I set that puppy out on the counter to thaw and then proceeded to microwave it to get warm.  Soon it was bringing its squishable, moldable comfort to my shin.  Again, probably the best "happy" you could get in a marathon goody bag.  It's a nice reminder of the race I ran, even as I can't help thinking that particular race is probably also the reason for the shin injury in the first place.  Ah well.

So, I heat my leg and think about all the races I have thought of doing in 2012, including the two marathons I have already bought and paid for.  I also think about the great running-related gifts I got for Christmas - a running skirt and top, arm warmers, and gift certificate for new shoes (yes, I cleaned up!) - and when/if I will be able to use them.  Soon, I hope.  In the meantime, I am enjoying another running gift, reading Amby Burfoot's collection of essays The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life.  It's a nice reminder at this time that running, like life, is a series of ups and downs and to keep my mind on the fact that I hope to be in this for the long haul.  Patience here is key.

Speaking of running-related gifts, here is a picture of one I made my husband - a medal holder.

Yes, you read that right.  I made it.  I am quite proud of that.  My actual intention was to buy one, but when the online store I was perusing sold out of its stock, rather than scrap the idea I decided to go the scrap wood route.  I went to Home Depot, got a free piece of scrap wood and then proceeded to buy over $30 in supplies to make something that would have cost me $29 plus shipping to buy.   Anyway, I think Andy actually liked the gift, especially the fact that the kids and I made it ourselves.  (My little helper elves painted the base coats.)  And, I have a new respect for products that look simple to make.  They aren't.  This project was more involved and took more time than I could have imagined.  In any case, regardless of how amateurish it might look, I am hoping that getting the medals on there will beat the pile on the shelf that we previously had.  Maybe not.  We'll see.