That's me right after finishing the Chicago Marathon (2:44:18)--what a race! Red-lined the whole thing--special thanks to my running partner for the day, Tim from California. Couldn't have maintained the effort without him.

December '06 Training Runs

• Dec. 17, Sun.: 10K (6.2 mi.) @ 43:58--felt good and strong
• Dec. 18, Mon.: 6.50 mi. @ 47:32 (tried to keep it slow for a recovery run)
• Dec. 19, Tues.: 3.50 mi. on Katy Trail (EZ pace, 7:05, 7:05, 7:02) for a recovery day
• Dec. 20, Wed.: Rainy and cold outside--so I ran with Steve inside the Hearnes Center...did 3 miles warmup; 4 X 1000 (4:02; 4:03; 4:07; 4:02) then a mile cool down = total of 8 miles (my right ITB/knee problem is getting better)
• Dec. 21, Thurs.: 3.50 mi. on Katy Trail (felt tired after yesterday--and right knee area still agitated--but slowly improving)
• Dec. 22, Fri.: 12.0 miles with Steve in 1:31:08 (7:35 pace)--right knee felt sore
• Dec. 23, Sat.: No Running
• Dec. 24, Sun.: 6.25 miles in 44 minutes
• Dec. 25, Mon.: Merry Christmas! Ran 6.25 miles this morning in 43:45; cold & windy
• Dec. 26, Tues.: 8.25 on Katy Trail (cold; high amount of pain in right knee--took it easy but the pain is from the injury that never seems to end...)
• Dec. 27, Wed.: Track Workout: 2 mi. warm up; then 6K in 23:52 (I'm going to call a PT--my right knee is still bothering me)
• Dec. 28, Thurs.: No Running
• Dec. 29, Fri.:

Friday's Run...felt good.

Ran this morning with Matt for about 10k--it was a good run--brisk but not too fast. Felt really good for my leg--nice to feel like I'm slowly coming back. I'll take tomorrow off, then run an easy 10k around my house on Sunday morning.

Slowly Coming Back...

Wow--what a difference a marathon can do! I have a new respect for the distance.

Ever since Chicago--I really messed up my right ITB near my knee. I'd give it a few days off, then run, experience some discomfort or outright pain, take another block of time off, and repeat the process.

I remember walking in Best Buy doing some Christmas shopping with my family--and out of the blue it felt like I got shot with a shotgun on the side of my right leg--incredible pain! I could barely walk to the car.

So here I am, about two months later from that fateful day, October 24th when I ran the Chicago Marathon. I don't think I'll be going back to Chicago anytime soon!

It's been a slow recovery--very humbling and yes, deeply frustrating. I feel like I've fallen off a high mountain, and once again, must make the slow ascent to the top.

I'm praying and hoping to be in good (refurbished) shape by January 1st--I'll guess we'll just wait and see. I ran two days ago on Monday--and then I ran at the track again this morning--about 7 miles--doing some slight speed work (400, 800, 1000, 800, 400) with a recovery lap in between.

It's been a rough time for the last couple of weeks--both of our cars even broke down! I've been sick with a cold, and things have just been, well--let's just say down.

But an injury helps with perspective--my life is complete in my relationship with God--if I can run it's only gravey to what I've already been given. This injury has reminded me to once again draw near to my Source for life--my relationship with Jesus (see Gospel of John chapter 15, verses 1 through 5).

I'll take tomorrow off--and then run again on Friday. Hopefully, I'll start building some momentum, and my leg--which feels still hurt but getting better, will continue to get better.

Peace,
Brian