I was fortunate enough to get another 7 miler in this morning as my hip/back seems to be feeling slightly better. I didn’t feel any pain while running although it did start to tighten up towards the end. Since then its felt pretty good although i’m not going to jinx myself by saying its totally better (because I don’t feel it is). I’m not sure what triggered this, but hopefully the worst is over now … I think the overall reduced mileage during tapering will help it out, so we’ll have to see.

I managed to get to National Running Center yesterday to get new shoes, which I think helped precipitate the hip issue … this is the same thing that happened last time I had hip/back problems. They worked like a charm this morning as the old ones were TOTALLY worn out, I mean worn out beyond worn out (and now in the garbage). I also picked up fuel for the marathon, and a side pack for my shorts to carry stuff in (not an actual belt though). I don’t want to carry that fuel belt for 26 miles as its unneeded with the water stops, but I don’t want to wear my grey shorts that have pockets, so this gives me the freedom to hold stuff during the race.

I’m debating what to do tomorrow, I might head out for 2-4 miles depending on how my back/hip feel. Today is my last day here at my current job, so I have 3 days to sleep in and catch up on my sleep as they say. I walk into a difficult environment on Monday and will be working hard, so hopefully it won’t impact training too bad, but we’ll have to wait and see.

I don’t think I mentioned the fact that I entered a contest on NEPARunner.com that offers an entry to the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct 28th. My chances of winning are low, but it was worth a shot (since I am free that weekend), and the drawing is on Oct 1st. I had to answer some questions, which I easily did .. and now just wait to hear. I’m still disappointed that I can’t do the NYC marathon, so this will try to make up for it … imagine 3 marathons in 6 weeks … wow, that’ll be rough. Well, its a nice way to end the season I guess (again, if I win, which i’m not holding my breath on).

So other than that, nothing else exciting is going on ….