My back is slowly improving, and I worked today on fine-tuning my training schedule when I can return to running. Actually, whats more exciting is I just walked through the gym here at work and got all pumped up to work out, I really miss running but I know I have to wait! Anyway, I modified my training plan for the OD marathon down to 14 weeks, which gives me two more weeks to rest my back before hard training starts. Its basically Pfitz’s 12 week plan, with 2 recovery weeks in there as well, and it is going to be a little aggressive, but I think we can do it. I have just under 19 miles scheduled for next week, not sure if I’ll hit that or not.

I do expect to start crosstraining on Saturday morning, with a bike ride and maybe some other cardio work besides running. Depending on how that goes, I may jog a mile or two on Sunday, just to test how the back feels. I can then cross-train again Monday if I feel up to it, or rest. The reason I chose the 14 week plan, is that it gives me an opportunity to fall behind if I’m not feeling great. I expect to be back and better than ever by the time I start the training, but you never know! I sat on the bike in the gym and peddled it for a second just to ensure I had no pain, and I had NO pain! Cool!

So the start date for my training is 12/18/06, I hope I can get healed up and ready to rock n roll by then …