Day 94 (2/8): 5 miles / 47:23

My big plan for today's post, even before my run began, was to vent about further frustrations and setbacks in my training.  And then I saw this...

This photo is not mine and I can't claim credit for the brilliant caption.  I don't know this boy at all... but I certainly wish I did.  Talk about inspiration!

So, while I do feel the need to mention that I haven't run at all in the last few days because of a bout with the stomach flu (and I truly only mention it because this blog was intended to be my own personal running log and I feel I should be keeping track of my training, or lack thereof in this case), I will simply leave it at that.  I'm so glad to get back to my training today and, while I'm again a few days behind, I'm refusing to see something so minor as a setback.  I'm here and ready to roll... bring it on...

And today's run felt amazing.  Maybe those few unplanned days off were just what I needed... my foot is feeling much better and I managed to enjoy every moment of my 5 mile run.  And, even though I spent the majority of my last few blog posts complaining about it, I even alternated between my old running style and the new one trying to get a feel for what would be better for me in the long run.  There's no question the foot is not quite 100% yet, so going back to my old ways for the entire run wasn't exactly an option, and I've read many times that, if someone is looking to change the way they run, it is best to do it over a period of time so as not to cause further injuries from the drastic change.  And even though I can still say that I don't particularly care for the change, I can at least admit that it's getting easier.  There's no question that all of these new muscles getting a workout are adapting to the change, but I still think I have a long way to go before I will say that I enjoy the change. 

Regardless, I'm pleased to report that, in the last 24 hours I've been complimented by friends, motivated by fellow runners and inspired by people I don't even know... all of which made for a very enjoyable run this evening.  All I need to do now is figure out how to bottle all of those good vibes and store them for my not-so-inspired days.  Which, in turn, would also make me one very wealthy woman...