Countdown: 14 Days

We are two weeks away from the New Year, and going vegan.  Tonight we feast on BBQ chicken.  We also had a nice breakfast, which my wife will miss dearly after we start our vegan diet - fried eggs, hashbrowns, and english muffins covered with melted muenster cheese. 

I ran today for the first time since Thanksgiving - a little over three weeks ago.  It was a cloudy 44 degrees out during my run.  I warmed up pretty quickly, but still had that cold weather burning/itching sensation in my legs.  I felt okay during the run - not real good, but not bad either - and a little slow.  The extra 15 - 20 pounds I put on during football season doesn't help.

Here's the link to my run:   Saturday - 12/18/10 - 5K Jog

I tried some new gear today during my run as well.  I've had tightening when I run in my upper calf and lower hamstring in my left leg ever since I ran the Locomotive Half-Marathon back in September.  I just had a "nice" (hurt like hell) deep tissue massage last week, but thought I get some calf sleeves to help keep the lactic acid from building up in my muscles.  I really wanted to get the 2XU Calf Guards (pictured below @ $55), but due to being economically challenged, I instead looked for alternatives. 

2XU Calf Guards

I found Under Armour's Slasher Heat Gear MPZ Calf Sleeves on ebay for less than half the price of the 2XU's.  To my surprise, the UA calf sleeves are meant for sports such as football or soccer.  They have a small pad built in to the shin area and looked a bit ridiculous just to run in... so I cut the out. 

Under Armour Slasher Heat Gear MPZ Calf Sleeves

They look fine now, and felt great on my run, just a little itchy at first.  I think that had a lot to do with the cold weather.