This is a story that starts out happy but does not yet have an ending. The final outcome still remains to be seen.

But let’s start at the beginning shall we?

I had the good fortune to spend this past weekend in Florida – 2 days in Orlando and 1 night in Tampa. In my family, a trip to Florida also requires a stop at Epcot at Walt Disney World. (The Cliffs Notes version behind this odd little tradition is this: Mr. rUnladylike is obsessed with Disney; we go twice a year although we are still childless; and drinking around the world is not the same as standing in long lines at the Magic Kingdom. Don’t judge. *wink*)

Between sightings of Disney characters and champagne wedding toasts, I was also able to get in 2 killer workouts at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. (Side note: If you have not been to this hotel, you must go immediately. It was my first time staying there, and I want to move in!)

On our first day there, we did this strength workout outside:

It was a real doozy.

I also got to try out my new Brooks Running Pure Cadence 2s while in Orlando.

I’ve been addicted to the first evolution of Pure Cadence (which I now lovingly refer to as the vintage model), and I was excited to see what I thought of the second evolution. Pure 1s vs. Pure 2s? I’m still trying to determine which I like better. With the Pure 2s, I really like how the tongue is connected (it moves around on the vintage model), and I like that the snug, streamlined fit remains the same. I am not as excited about the harder toe box on the 2s and what feels like less cushioning than the vintage model. I’m looking forward to breaking them in even more because I sure do Run Happy in my Pure Cadence.

We spent the rest of the day on our feet at Epcot enjoying their 20th annual Flower and Garden Festival (which is kind of a mini version of their food and wine festival but with lots of gorgeous plants and topiaries). No official sightings of Mickey, but we did see a few of his pals.

On our second day – which also happened to be my long run day – I needed to get in at least 10 miles. Because the Disney resort areas are not very conducive to long runs on a Saturday morning with the traffic and many sidewalk-less highways, I knew I was going to have to do this on the treadmill. (Cue dramatic music: Dun dun duuuuun.)

I have never run more than 7 or 8 miles on a treadmill at one time. Like all of us, I get bored and mentally drained after too long on the mill. Luckily, I had a beautiful view from my treadmill that kept my mind off the monotony a little, and I was determined to find the inner and mental strength to get this done. My goal was to stay in the 8:30s for the run.

Here’s what the splits looked like: 9:30 (warm up), 8:34, 8:34, 8:34, 8:34, 8:34, 8:27, 8:34, 8:20, 8:10.

I was thrilled with this run. It was officially my LTRE PR: Longest Treadmill Run Ever. I dug deep. I stayed mentally strong. And I could have kept going … except …

I had some major pain on the outer edge of my left foot. I’ve felt this periodically during the last few weeks (running and at boot camp), but I thought it has just been a cramp. But on Saturday, it stayed with me for most of the run and was painful after the run too. The pain only lasted for several hours. There is a slightly tender spot when I touch my foot now, but it does not hurt to walk, bend, stand on my tippy-toes, etc.

I’m going to get it checked out this week, as taking a chance with bones in my feet just to get an extra run in is NOT worth it. I’m going to only cross train (bike, swim, strength) until I can confirm a stress fracture is not a possibility. (God knows self-diagnosing a running injury using Dr. Google is enough to send you over the edge in sheer panic!) I’m going to hope beyond hope that it is just a little sore from all my speed work lately (I don’t run high mileage but every workout is high quality and I’ve been gradually upping the ante the past few weeks) and that a few days of rest, ice and a visit to the chiropractor and massage therapist will help.

So I don’t yet know the ending to this story. Will the end simply have me rejoicing in my LTRE? Or will it be about starting the journey of being injured and dashing my hopes and dreams for my April half marathon? I hope to know by the end of the week. Until then, please send a good thought and a Run Happy vibe my way!

Do you typically travel when you’re on vacation? What is the longest you’ve ever run at one time on a treadmill? How do you handle potential running injuries – do you rest right away and have it checked out, or do you try to run through it?