"I don't want R.I.C.E."

So the official 10-week training program starts Monday. Although I've been running on my own and somewhat following this program to keep my body ready, it does start hardcore tomorrow.

Only one problem right now is my right knee. Its been bothering me some and I noticed some swelling yesterday. So my lovely husband told me, "You need R.I.C.E." So I've been resting, icing, compressing, and elevating so that I can start my training.

We're thinking this is a direct result of trying to run on the tredmill (can't run natural and its a hard surface) and too many hills...maybe some concrete running. Its hard to not run hills here because...well...there's a lot of them. When I run outside at my house, its hill city and sidewalks (concrete= bad). Mom's neighborhood (Beverly Heights...named for the hills) is just as bad. The snow doesn't allow Green Hill (flat, soft ground) because I'm sure they don't plow the gravel or grass. So, if anyone has suggestions for a place to run, I'd appreciate them.

So the countdown is on. 10 weeks to go till the 13.1 mile race in Chesapeake, VA. Yes, I'm nervous, but I'm strong-willed and I know I can do it...as long as my knee doesn't give out before then.