Alleluia -- I finally ran this morning!

A friend joined me at 5:30 a.m. for a shortened (less than 5 miles), slower-pace recovery run, and I felt great. No sign of the back problem that had been plaguing me for over a week. Yeehaw!

I learned alot in this forced week of rest. I have never had a running injury (and, actually, I think this one was a weighlifting injury) that resulted in my not being able to do any form of cross-training or exercise and, mentally, it was tough to accept. But, my back left me no choice.

So, in the past week I have learned:

* Sleeping in is kinda nice sometimes
* I will not gain 5 lbs. (or 10 or even 2) if I don't run for one week
* The best place to catch up on reading is the pool
* A cold pool is really good for a bad back
* Ibuprofen is your friend -- and if that doesn't make you feel better, a cold beer may