My run this morning reminded me of why I started running in the first place. There is nothing like being out early (i mean early, on the road at 4:35am) and watching the night turn into day. I had to get in 10 miles, which I did, although it was a little brisk out (about 22 degrees), I was bundled up nicely to stay warm. My back was bothering me when i got up, but after running 7 miles, it felt pretty loose and painless … I did get a sharp pain there at one point, and thought it was over, but it must’ve been a spasm of some sort because it subsided and I was able to move on. Even as I sit here now, the pain for the most part is gone, so i hope that I am through the worst of it.

Anyway, back to this morning, so I turned around after running 5 miles out and the most beautiful image of the last quarter of the moon, over the dusk of the pending sunrise, with the crisp cool air and silence …. was unbelievable … it was like a post-card. I mean, it was cold, and I was tired and sweaty, but I actually stopped for a minute and took in a breath of fresh air … it was great.

Ok, anyway, out of that zone now. I took a good look at my toes in the past few days, and they look nasty, well, actually the nails look nasty. I’ve got 2 toenails going black, and other ones ready to fall off, its not a good thing, not sure what we’ll do.

I’m starting to get excited as I am getting close to finishing this short-cycle between races. I wish that the weather would finally turn here in the northeast and stop being so cold. I mean, the half marathon is in 2 weeks, and its barely getting into the 50’s by late next week. I think once things break, they will, but getting there is so hard! This week wraps up my last real tough week before starting a semi taper before the 5/6 marathon … I’m proud of myself that I continue to write my meals down, track my training, and put a vision ahead of myself as to where I want to get to. My weight is down (wish I had a good scale somewhere to check it), and I feel lean and powerful. My attitude is a lot better to. This is the stuff that was missing going into the Ocean Drive (btw, I saw my race pictures of that race, and I don’t plan on ordering any!!!).

Believe it or not, its time to get ready for tomorrow already ……. gotta prep for the morning so I can be to the Y by 5:30 to run. its supposed to rain overnight, so we’ll see….