Running Empty

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 21:43

Tonight was just about getting a run in at all costs. It was a rather jam-packed weekend: my nephew's birthday was Friday and a friend's wedding on Saturday, then today we visited my in-laws and I played a couple hours' worth of basketball. By the time we got home I was exhausted, yet I knew I had to run since I wasn't able to yesterday. Plus, I hadn't played basketball in a year, and so I had already practically depleted my energy. My lower back was feeling stiff and achy, too. So, needless to say, I didn't feel at all like going on a 2 mile run. And yet, thankfully, my mental will took over and demanded that I go.

I kept the pace slow out of necessity. As I said, my back wasn't feeling too great, so I had to really rely on my legs to get me through this run. If it wasn't for my aching body I probably could have logged a pretty good time tonight. My breathing was very calm and relaxed for almost the whole run -- no wheezing, no gasping for air. I was even able to muster a kick at the end. But I simply couldn't maintain a strong pace without feeling it in my back.

Tomorrow morning my plan is to swim laps in hopes that it will help the stiffness and tightness in my body. I won't have another day off from running until Thursday, so I have to find ways to get through these next few runs without injury.