Shot Down in a Blaze of Glory

Barton Creek Green Belt - 14 miles/2:31:03 (1:20:16 out/ 1:10:46 back) August 30, 2006

My early plans had included a 10 mile trail run before work this morning. But some rain and cooler temperatures called for a little more. I’d make it 14. And with temps around 70, I felt like I was packed in ice.

Things did not start well. My 5AM started got delayed until 5:30. Not good for someone who needed to hit the gym for a shower and still make it to work by 9. And plans to pick up the pace to make up a little of that time were not working out. I felt I was moving faster, but the watch was telling a different story. Still I felt good.

The rain started around the 4.5 mile point. Unfortunately, it ended around the 4.7 mile point. I love running through the woods in the rain. I felt teased. But I was enjoying the cool weather too much. The heck with work, I’d push on to the 7 mile point and just hope I could still make it on time.

On the trip back, it was finally light enough to put away the flashlight. And the energy level just never seemed to drop. I was moving easier than I have in a long time. The back wasn't hurting at all. The watch was telling me a new story now. I was going to make it to work on time. I don't remember ever covering this trail as fast. The trip back was going to be about 10 minutes faster than the trip out. And the energy level was just begging me to turn around and do it again. I was flying as I passed the .25 mile marker with only a few hundred yards to go when it struck. A rock reached up and grabbed me. Blood and sand make interesting mud. I took some good cuts/scrapes to the hand, elbow, and knee. But the worst of it was that I twisted my back in a weird way.

So the mostly painless run left me with more back pain than any run in the past few weeks. I’m not sure how much progress I’ve undone, but 12 hours later I’m still in a bit of pain. Also, hopes of making it to work on time were shot as I had to clean sand out of my cuts.

I may have to replan my runs the rest of the week. I'd rather be sure of my back than log the miles. Tomorrow is weights only so I have a little more time to see what the impact may be.