We decided to head over to Garden of the Gods for our run - Steve decided to start from home, and I, not able to complete any real distance of late, met him at the main Garden trailhead area.
On the bike path, heading into the Garden
The red rock of Kissing Camels mixed with a little Fall yellow and still lots of green
Tentative but good
Steve savoring the awesome weather
Magnificent Pikes Peak temporarily sans snow
Relishing a good day
Red Rock Canyon
Steve snaking through the juniper trees
It is always picturesque in the Garden
Brown but still lovely
A Happy "Happy Trails" duo
Steve ended the day with a nice 16 miles and I ended up with around 6.5. I was tentatively happy as today was my second run this week where I didn't encounter any crippling pain. I am nervous, though. My doc thinks it is a long time structural issue that is the main culprit behind my ITB pain. And because the irritation and inflammation has been slowly building over the years, it may take some time to ease up. We'll see. It has been 2 months since it really flared and came crashing down and about 3 weeks since we started working on a possible remedy. Fingers crossed that we start seeing some sustained improvement soon. Although I try to keep a positive and sunny outlook on the situation, I have had a few low moments which have prompted a re-evaluation of things I like to do - it might be time to expand our repertoire just in case the trail running thing needs to slow down for awhile (it's pretty slow and minimal as it is - how can it slow down any more???!!!). So some new things (mostly old things re-visited) Happy Trails might engage in for a refreshing change of pace and scenery or out of disgusting necessity:
1. Occasional snowshoe outings
2. Occasional XC ski days - might even give Biathlon a try one day
3. Possibly more biking - unfortunately, right now, my heart is just not there - plus it aggravates the ITB - but who knows.
4. Learn to swim - this one may not be optional - time will soon tell
5. Get the creative juices flowing again and drag out the paints, brushes, and canvas
6. Read more
7. Laugh, have fun and enjoy life, whatever happens, whatever comes our way.
Happy Trails to everyone this week!
Shoes - K Brooks Cascadia
S - Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC
