2x 1A Cross Country Finals runner-up Rebecca Clark enters her sophomore season at the Villages High School. The switch from Mt. Dora Bible comes with a new classification as she will face off against the best of the best in a loaded 2A. We are excited to have Clark blog for us again this fall and take us on her journey which hasn't come with some early adversity.
Hey everybody, my name is Rebecca Clark and I am a sophomore at the Villages High School this year.
I had the opportunity to train in Colorado for 20 days this summer with Team Prep USA. This summer was definitely my hardest for training. I averaged more miles than ever at faster paces. Unfortunately, my shins started to hurt, which for me was usual. I didn't think much of it because I've had shinsplints before. I kept running for about two and a half weeks after they started hurting and noticed the pain was sharp in my right shin. The pain was getting worse after every run. My brother, Troy, who is majoring in athletic training told me to take a week off and we scheduled a doctor appointment.
This past Wednesday the doctor told me I have tibia fasciitis, which is basically inflammation of the connective leg tissue (fascia) at its insertion into the inside or front aspect of the leg bone (tibia). Tibia fasciitis is an overuse injury most likely caused by my increase in mileage and change in terrain in Colorado. The doctor put me in a boot and told me I cannot run for two to three weeks. However, I am allowed to cross train. I try to get at least 80 minutes of cardio in a day whether it be biking or swimming. The purpose of this is to keep my aerobic endurance up.
Cross training is definitely not as much fun as running but I'm glad I can still train. I head back to the doctor on the 16th and will hopefully get cleared to run. I hope everyone had a fun summer training and stayed healthy.
Also, I would like to thank Todd for giving me the opportunity to blog this season. I look forward to sharing my journey.
