Ouch!

Back pain is no joy. I've been under its spell for over a week now and I am ready to either cry "Uncle," just cry, or ignore it and just run.

Since last Tuesday, I've been on the treadmill twice and not for speed work mind you; just to stretch the legs and remind them what their primary mission is.

Yesterday, I finally decided to test the Vicodin, ice and stretching and hopped on the treadmill with fear and trepidation.

Flattening out the treadmill to its absolute flattest setting, I gingerly began walking with a significantly shortened stride. Whew! That worked. Of course, me, being me, I had to take it up to a jog after 20 minutes. Less than 5 minutes of that and I was quickly reminded that backs do not heal overnight, not even in a week. Good news is, the pain the came back was just achy, not a pull or tear. Bad news is my significant other yelled at me. Well ~ what can I say? I have a serious case of the "got to run nows!"

Afterwards, I went to work and voila! No pain sitting or getting up. I am feeling fairly cocky this morning and believe I will try it out on the Santa Fe. Either I will have a decent run and feel great, or I will be hobbling around like Grandma Moses for another week. Wish me luck!