A weeks worth of an update

So after my last run in Florida, I did a race the day after I returned. I struggled like you wouldn't believe and have rested since then. I was so inspired while in Florida. I swore I would stick to my training schedule. However, even after ensuring I had a car to get me around, I failed to find the nearest Bally's fitness club. I know of the one in Orlando/Kissimee but I failed to look one up in south Florida. :( So I did 2 runs and that was it. Boo to me.

I came back to NY and the next day I had a 4 mile run. Not to bad right?!?! Wrong! I think it was the worst run I have done to date. Okay maybe there was one or two bad runs during half marathon training in the wonderful heat but I felt so uncomfortable, sluggish...ugh! I had very little motivation and it didn't help that I knew of no one else running that day. I had to come up with many ways to keep myself in it. One mantra I kept repeating to myself...."I'm as light as a feather". After not sticking to my training and eating not so healthily. I truly did suffer during the run and was glad it was over...check out my face here:

Oh yeah I was struggling. Look at me here trying to convince you and myself I was a-OK! NOT!

I was so not a-OK. Well after this I went home to soak in Epsom salt thinking I would be great the next day. I so wasn't for the next week. I had a stiff neck and upper back for a whole week. Tiger balm, 2-3 deep massages, more soaking...and nothing. It drove me nuts! I even exercised by dancing my booty off with a Xbox Dance Central game and it helped very little. I was at a loss. Somehow and eventually the pain and most stiffness went away. I still have a little stiffness over my left shoulder.

This week I have made attempts to go running. Monday night I wanted to run but it didn't work out. I just didn't want to run alone so I was trying to work it out with Goober but it just didn't pan out. Yesterday I attempted again and this time it worked out. It was raining for most of the day so I expected to run in the rain. However, to our luck it was dry the whole time we ran. We ran through the park. I hadn't run through this park ever and I'm glad I did. It is quiet, lonely and a bit spooky on a raining night so I'm glad I wasn't alone. I am glad someone guided me on a new running path and mostly I was glad I didn't do it alone. My forerunner didn't register the first quarter to half mile but overall I was proud of Goober for keeping up despite having run in the morning. It was slow for me but I didn't mind being that I felt so out of shape. It was a great warm up for me so tomorrow I am definitely doing a 4 miler. I have to ready for a 7 miler on Sat or Sun. I can do it!!! I just cannot wait to get this 15 K over with and then be able to do some fun and easy running. I need a break before I get back to half marathon and eventually marathon training.

Oh and speaking of marathon training...I officially qualify for ING 2012 NYC Marathon! I was suppose to qualify after the 15K but I forgot to email NYRR about that and so I am done with my 9+1 guarantee in track! Yay!!!!