Time off

Admittedly it's been a while since I've written.  My plan was to write weekly with updates.  It's been about 5 weeks since my last post...largely this has been due to some unexpected, and unwanted time off from training.  I've been nursing a hip flexor strain and have only been able to run a handful of times in the past month.  Every time I run, my hip pain just comes back.  It is certainly something I can run through but it only gets worse with more activity and I don't get anything out of being in great shape in February.  I need to be able to train throughout the spring and summer and be strong into the fall.  Overtraining now will only get me time off when I really need to train.  So here I am in the midst of a 3 week break (at least for now).  Since I haven't been running and regularly training, I've decided to give myself some mental reprieve as well.  I don't have the same love for swimming or biking (nor the easy access) as I do with running so I'm taking it easy on those two disciplines as well for now.  To train at high volumes with biking or swimming requires a little too much mental energy than I can muster at the moment.  I have been still working out daily, but certainly modified from what I am used to.  Have been getting a little stir crazy with that.

The day before Christmas I did move from my beloved Lakeview apt to the UIC area.  This means my bike to work is now 5 or 8 miles one-way versus the 1/2mile to 3 miles.  I've actually really enjoy the bike ride.  Since I haven't been running, it gives me a little time to clear my mind, but certainly has been made much easier by the recent string of beautiful weather.  I've gotten my mountain bike in shape for a commuting bike and enjoy he scenery of the city (at least when the weather cooperates.  When I started the farther commute I never thought my biggest problem would be having to avoid spitters.  Today was the best commuting day...that is until a lady was looking into the wind, turned her head to the side and spit without looking.  I could do nothing to avoid the spray.

My favorite mode of transportation, with lights, fenders, and tire kit (wish I had that last

week when I got a flat on the way to clinic).  My next bike will be the light bike on the motorola? commercial. 

Last week I was riding home from work, was yelled at by two 18 year old-ish kids smoking pot while driving their mom's mini-van.  At the stop light after catching up to them, one rolled down the window (a hand-crank I presume) and looked back at me and spit out the side saying "Oops, my bad."  Fortunately I stopped short because I didn't know what to expect with them.  My only reply was how tough I thought they looked in their mom's blue minivan, then drove off to enjoy the rest of my ride home.