Runners can be stupid. It's true. We get so wrapped up in our running routines that we refuse to acknowledge the minor twinges that hint of an impending injury.

I've known for at least a week that something was going wrong in my lower back. I tried to dismiss the symptoms (I always do) and ran on. I did my long run Saturday knowing full well that I should probably not run 9 miles with my aching back. I reasoned that it would be OK since Sunday was a rest day.

Monday I ran again despite the fact that I wasn't feeling much better. I paid for that one -- walked around half hunched over for the rest of the day.

I cannot, right now, stand fully erect -- something is mighty sore in my lower back and no position is really comfortable -- not sitting, not walking, not laying down (well, laying flat on the floor is kinda nice).

I didn't run this morning, but I laid out my running clothes for tomorrow morning.

You can call me stupid, but I like to think that I'm just an optimist.

By the way -- if you're ever dealing with a mystery running/walking injury, check out www.runnersworld.com and choose what ails you from the drop-down menu in the "What Hurts" promo box on the home page. You'll get a list of articles from Runners World that address your problem area.

As for me....looks like it's probably option A or B.

Whatever it is, I hope it's gone by tomorrow at 5:30 a.m.