It has been three weeks since my last post, but at last I am seeing some improvement in my training. It seems that the older I become the easier it is to have a "setback" - a check in progress, a step backward. First I acquired some kind of vague stomach bug the week before last. And then last week I managed to inexplicably and mysteriously pull something in my lower back. This despite daily stretching and strengthening that has included, since May 1, a daily regimen of 66 pushups spread out over the day (three sets of 22, usually) in honor and defiance of my age this year.
But last week I had a great run up Big Bearpen, my old friend in adversity, despite a still-stiff back. And the past two Saturdays I had great, strong, ten- and nine-mile runs. I even ran some 400-meter intervals last week. And today I literally stepped up again, running to the summit of Big Bearpen and back down twice, entering with satisfaction in my running log, "Bearpen X 2." I am not the only one who is crazy about Bearpen. Derek says he has been running it regularly and is surprised at how much easier it seems every time. Vicki is a regular, too. And today Jonathan accompanied me up Chestnut Street and then left me in the dust on his own ascent (my second). The miracle of hill running is that it builds strength despite everything.
And so we continue to climb.
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