The Reward

Week of July 29, 2012:

Friday: Off

Saturday: Cross-training on the elliptical machine (20 min. at moderate intensity, plus 3 min. cooldown) + Biking for errands

Total minutes run this week: 85.

Week of August 5, 2012:

Sunday: Long run (45 minutes)

I know you are all eagerly awaiting an update on my butt, so here it is: we’re fine.  I’m treating the “injury” conservatively, so that means on Saturday, I was on the elliptical in my little apartment gym rather than running on the streets.  I hadn’t been on an elliptical in a long, long time, and it was kinda fun.  This morning, I was able to complete my long run with no problems—no pain or soreness from the problem area, and now, about six hours after I finished running, I only feel pain if I try to lean back and sit right on my tailbone.  (As an example, trying to sit in boat pose is a bad idea for me.)

I didn’t increase my mileage last week, and I probably won’t this week either, just to play it safe with my bones.  I did, however, get out and run three days last week, and this morning, my long run felt great, almost effortless.  That’s definitely a sign that my running fitness is returning, and I could not be happier.  I think all those weekday morning runs are starting to add up!

Along with a great Sunday run, I was rewarded with a fresh plum on my morning oatmeal.  I love love LOVE stone fruits, especially peaches and plums.  It’s tough to pick out perfect ones.  Much like dating, you simply have to keep picking different fruits, testing your luck, giving each one a taste.  And much like dating, when a fruit is mediocre, it’s crushing, but when it’s excellent, it’s nothing short of bliss.

Lately, and most fortunately, the stone fruits in my life have been better than the men in my life.

(Mmm, perfect plums.)