after the week of hell

I. Am. Back.

After last week, and the agonizing pain that my back was in, I never thought that things were to get back to how they were. I mean, deep down, I knew I'd at least be at a pace that I was at a few weeks ago. I wasn't too pleased with the past few weeks of running. Pace just seemed really off. I understand that a lot of it had to do with the horrible heat that we had for what seemed like a month. So I was a little weary going into this week, thinking that I was going to be well below par on my running.

That was until I finished my run on Monday. 3.10 miles in 26:42. Granted, it's not the fastest time that I've done this year (26:05 one month ago) but it's still about 2 minutes faster than I was last year. And, after getting injured, I really didn't think that I would be busting out of the gates so well. Then today came. I think it's my fastest 5 mile run that I've ever done. 44:57. I'm just really blown away by the numbers that I put up in just two days. I'm not trying to jinx myself at all. I'm just so freaking pleased with what seems to be brand new legs.

I think taking that week of from running really helped me center myself. Focus. I could definitely tell for a week that I needed it. My mind was just lost. Running is definitely something that I have needed in my life for a very long time and I'm glad that it's back, stronger than ever.

Now I'm really excited for my month and a half of races coming up. First one is September 15th. Surftown Half Marathon in Westerly, RI. My first ever half marathon. I honestly can't wait. Then the next week is Warrior Dash up in Thompson, CT. The week after that is Color Me Rad as well as the Rock 'n' Roll Providence (the medal is a pair of sub woofers!!!). After that, I have the Hartford Half Marathon and the most exciting month and a half of running will be complete. I'm really excited about it. So many races. So many medals. So many miles. And speaking of miles. Six more til I reach 500 for the year. 500!