November 11

AM: 7 miles easy

PM: gym

My morning run was unexpectedly quiet. Heading down the Rock Creek Park trails, I noticed frustrated commuters turning around at the Line. I remembered that not only was today a federal holiday (Veteran's Day), but that Beach Drive was also closed, as it is on all federal holidays. I had the roads to myself, save for a few cyclists. I also wore tights and gloves for the second morning in a row; I am loving the cold weather right now.

My legs are starting to feel looser, which is a good thing given that I may be getting roped into an XC race on Saturday. We'll see about that: if I were in the NFL, my status would be "questionable," upgraded from "doubtful." If I do race, I have nothing to really lose, except possibly setting back my marathon recovery more. I guess the real question is, Am I recovered? I don't really know at this point, and I haven't run hard since Marine Corps. Thus, I am day-to-day, and may not make a decision on the race until after I warm up for it (since I was planning to at least watch the race and see the course, which will be the same course as USAXC in February). I am doing a light workout on Wednesday, and that should give me a better idea. I have no idea what to expect: I could be totally rested and fresh from the time off, ready to roll, or I could be absolutely stale and put the "ass" in embarrassment. My guess at this point is somewhere in the middle. I have a love/hate relationship with cross country, which will also come into play.

After work, I got in more work with my retooled gym routine. Something is clearly working here, because I was f***ing tired by the end of it. One thing I've quickly figured out is that I'm still just as awful at bounding splits as I was in college. What's a bounding split? It's kind of hard to explain, but basically you start from a squatting position, jump into the air in an exaggerated running form (front knee high, and back foot butt-kicking), going back and forth. I tried to find a video of this on YouTube, but no such luck. So, if you really want to know, ask me some time, and I'll show you what a really s***ty bounding split looks like.

The past few months have left me desperate for new stimulus, so between the gym, the yoga, and the planned speedwork in the months to come, I should have plenty to keep me busy.

The rib-eyes that I had marinating back in my kitchen made it worth the effort, however. I'm going to make a monthly effort to eat a great steak at some point, both for the iron and for the tasty indulgence in a slab of marbled red meat. I will now wipe the drool from my mouth and chin with my shirtsleeve...thanks.