Peaks and Valleys

 Monday started promising enough, with a solid speed workout during a beautiful early morning run.  The rest of the week was laid out ahead of me and with some time off from work Tuesday and Friday, I was prepared to put some miles on the new bike, balancing it with the week's scheduled runs.

Tuesday started with a little extra sleep since my planned bike ride was in the afternoon.  The afternoon ride was great fun as I put the first long ride on the wheels.  Cruising around the neighborhood and beyond on two wheels made for a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon.

After having dinner with friends that night, something peculiar happened -- my lower back tightened up.  What's that all about?  I figured it would go away and I would be ready to go again on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, I literally rolled out of bed Wednesday in pain. Then the pain had the audacity hung on all week and has prevented me from putting any additional miles this week.  I've been doing everything I can think of to recover quickly (ice, heat, stretching, exercises).  I  realize time heals all wounds, I just hope that this wound can heal with less time.

I don't know if I am getting smarter or more mature, but in the past I would have tried to push through the pain setting back the recovery.  This time, I am attempting to be patient until I am well into recovery when I start running again.  The waiting isn't easy.  I am targeting Monday for my first return run.  This too shall pass and I will peaking again soon!