Sometimes you've got it... Sometimes you don't!

Waking up this morning, I felt stiff and stodgy but I was determined to get out for my long run. I wasn't as anxious as I normally feel but I think that had more to do with the fact that I had little expectation rather than being confident in my preparations.

I've been struggling with a sore lower back over the past 2 weeks which has really slowed my pace and frustrated me. Last Sunday, I completed my 10-miler without any major pain but I had to employ some Topical pain cream and Advil  to get there. This past Monday after my trip to the chiropractor, I did a 4.5 mile recovery run but decided after that I needed some rest. The chiro also suggested that I suspend my #plankaday efforts temporarily and mandated that I make an effort to get to yoga to ensure I was properly stretching.

Contrary to my instincts, I followed the rules. I intended not to, and even had a plan to run 5 miles on Friday after another chiro appointment. After that appointment, where the doctor explained that my weak hip flexor and my sciatic nerve were the source of my woes, I agreed to rest through Saturday so I would be able to do my planned 8 on Sunday.

Since I hadn't run since Monday, I was at peace with whatever the outcome there was this morning. I had been stretching, I'd attended 2 yoga classes at the new gym and I had also done 2 strength training workouts so I certainly did not feel like a slacker. It was more that I had accepted that I was a slave to this injury and it would let me push myself only do far.

If only it was as easy as adding oil to my joints

I did the stretches the chiropractor had recommended before I headed out and felt less like The Tin Man in desperate need of oil after the first mile. I felt relatively good and strong until right before I hit mile 4. After that I actually felt every stride from my left leg. It didn't hurt, it just felt mechanical. It was almost like I had to concentrate to get my left leg to work properly.

I felt great when I snapped this photo...

The most memorable moment of my run was nearing the 7 mile mark. A girl in her early 20's who looked to me as if she had just started out on her run, passed me as I had started to lag. My hip was sore from both exertion and the roughing up from the stretches and adjustment at the chiropractor. I was feeling frustrated with myself and my body. This poor girl, in my mind was the culmination of all of that as she passed me. She was a good 6 inches taller than I am and was of a much more significant stature AND she had passed me smiling. I was mad! REALLY MAD! It was exactly what I needed to push me. I love passing people. I pick them off while I race. I immediately picked up my pace, used everything left in me to pass her and stay out in front. I was hoping she would chase me for a bit so I could continue to fuel my motivation by the refusal to be passed. Sadly, she did not want to play my game. She turned back about 3 minutes after I passed her and walked. I felt guilty about my prideful behavior after I got home but at the time it didn't register as anything other than motivation.

It was definitely a sweaty run!

We spent the rest of the afternoon running errands and grocery shopping and then returned home so I could lay on the floor and whine about all the things I should be doing. This evening we are attending a work event in Buffalo at a Buffalo Bisons game. The very best part is that they are playing the Pawtucket Red Sox and we get to sport our Boston gear. It's not often we get to go out in matching outfits and have our favorite team in town. I know the boys and I will enjoy ourselves.

This might be how I spent the 45 minutes after my run

QUESTIONS: What drives you to finish a tough run? What was most memorable about your long run this week? What did you do this weekend??