Back to the Races

Well, since my blog hasn't received much attention lately, those of you who read it may or may not know that it has been 3 weeks today since my last run. Somewhere between my last run and what would have been my next run, I injured my back by sleeping wrong (yes, I know, pathetic). And just when I thought I was about ready to return to action, I did it AGAIN, only worse, leaving myself unable to sit on the couch without a pillow at my back! Seriously, am I 29 or 92? So, my only workout in those 3 weeks has been a 7.5 mile walk to the lake with my TOPS buds, on a good day. Insanely fun day, btw. However, that was also the day the wheel fell off my stroller. We got it back on and got the last half-mile or so finished, but since then, I don't really trust my equipment! (Go figure.) Anyway, my RP called yesterday wanting to know if I was doing the 5K today in Salem, and my response was, "What 5K?" Really, Salem race organizers need to publicize their events better! Ordinarily, that short a notice would have resulted in me not being able to go. And I've still never scored a t-shirt, lol! However, Jon said he'd watch the Mouse, and Mom kept the other 3, and off I went on my apple-cinnamon oatmeal (w/ craisins, yum) and 4 hours of sleep! I haven't been fueling or hydrating properly here lately (less reason when one isn't running), and that coupled with the lack of exercise kinda showed. Still, overall I was pleased with my time. I shaved a little time off of my last run of this same course (the Relay for Life 5K). Still got whipped by a little white-haired speed walker. . . Oh, well! What I'm not telling you is that it was 15-20 degrees cooler out there today than the last time! Lol. I could tell I'd lost some cardiovascular fitness out there, mostly b/c my heart rate was running higher than usual. I walked some (when don't I, so far, at the 5K distance), but not more than I consider reasonable for a hilly course, and a comeback at that, and I finished strong. Lol. Dug deep in those last few meters trying to catch Janis and finish with her. . . and what does she do? Starts running again when I've almost caught her, and stays a few steps ahead of me to the end! Rotfl!!! It was her first 5K. She hasn't made it past Week 4 or C25K yet, and is starting to get a little discouraged by it. Told her keep trying; it'll come! She still beat me, and I've technically graduated! I have until August to get my 3 miles strong so I can start my HM training. Wow. Not as much time left for that as I'd like, after spending 3 weeks off. May have to start seeing Amanda and Marca's chiro, so this doesn't happen again! Today, Advil was my friend, if only for a confidence booster, lol.