Injury Update and Different Goals

I ran 5 flat miles today in 47:13 at 9:27 per mile. The leg didn't hurt during the day but I could feel the dull pain all the way and it got worse toward the end. Much more mileage and I would be right back at the start with this injury. I feel I'm going to have to take about 10 days off for this to heal and maybe set my racing goals at a 10k in Camden at the end of April and a 12k in Orangeburg the next weekend. I really feel good physically and have lost about 8 pounds. The break won't hurt my training except for the marathon and will give me a chance to really tune up with more speed work. In the past I would have tried some way to run through this and do the marathon. But I'm not into running masochism anymore and I really don't have too much respect for runners who are. I want to be running in my 70's if I make it there, and I can't risk compounding an injury and do more serious damage just to say "I did it!" I've done 23 marathons and have nothing to prove. I like running, I like the experience of it and the peace of mind it gives me. I was into running for years before I did my first marathon. And I like the races, it's fun just to be in the crowd get caught up in the thrill of the event. All of the money goes to good causes and there's usually good food and fellowship at the end. And, more importantly, it's a good way to renew the joy of running.

Oh, and I almost forgot! I had the distinct displeasure of running into Psychodog Number 1! He was in the same yards running wild again but, this time, he barked and came out to the road but didn't go into full tilt slavering psycho mode. He must be getting used to me. It's good to know that I'm becoming more acceptable to the psychotic elements on this side of Columbia.

toadshade