Summerama

I have no excuse as to why I haven't kept up with my exercise log, except for Summer!!  I have a huge case of summerama.  That's my word for not quite being on the ball and letting things go--what is summer for anyway?  It's the BBQ's, the pool party's, going to the beach, the zoo, Sea World, having visitors, going on vacation, eating out, pigging out...it's all good...it's party time...it's summerama!

So, it may seem like I haven't done anything for the past 2 weeks but I actually have been working hard to get my legs back.  Just not in my usual way.  I have been getting a sports massage every monday.  I have gone to physical therapy three times a week for 2 weeks.  I have run easy, speed, and long each week.  So I haven't been a total slacker, but I just haven't been as regimented.  I've skipped a few workouts here and there.  The most important ones (the only ones I can remember):

Speed 6/9-tempo run 8 min pace 5 miles, warm/cool 2 miles. Carrie got me through this one...
Speed 6/14-intervals 1200@7 min pace, 8, 9, for 6 miles (crash and burn!)

Long run 6/11-9 miles on the treadmill 9:15 pace
Long run 6/18-10 miles with group 8:50 pace

During my long run 6/18 I really had to enjoy the breakthrough.  I tried to stay with the 8 min milers and couldn't, but in trying, ran faster than I've ever run a long run.  It is what I needed after such a disastrous beginning of the month.  I was beginning to think my body wasn't responding anymore and that I was going to have to stop training.  My faith in myself was definitely waning.  I guess the PT is working and that I have to step up my effort in recovery.  I can't go a day without stretching morning and night.  I also have to take my sleep and self care seriously.  Self care is a priority at this point.  I keep pushing.  So I also need to nurture a bit more.  I am going to continue the routine that the PT gave me.  I've memorized it after doing it 6 times!  Sometimes I ice my leg and my back.  At times I wear a brace on my leg.  Sure I laugh and think, how pathetic!  What am I doing?  If I have to work this hard at holding my body together maybe it isn't worth it.  But something drives me.  The moments when I feel so free, fast and strong as I am running...give me a high.  To run makes me feel alive.  It makes me feel like I am celebrating life and the beauty of my existence.  I can't help it, but I am hopelessly devoted to running.  I can't wait to break all of my personal records...lol!