Houston, we do NOT have a problem!

Since last Friday I've emerged from the swimming pool to gradually incorporate some running miles, being vigilant for any slight twinges of discomfort which would signal that I need additional time to recover from my stress reaction. Fortunately, this process has gone much better than I'd hoped, successfully running longer and faster than I'd initially intended: 9 miles on Friday, 12 on Monday, 6 on Tuesday, 9 Wednesday and 10 today.

Yesterday's and today's Memorial Park run was extremely encouraging, as I easily ran with a negative split near my goal Houston Marathon pace of 8:00 - with absolutely no twinges of discomfort.  This was doubly reassuring it proved that my recovery is complete and that my pool running over the previous weeks had done its job of avoiding any further impact trauma while simultaneously maintaining my cardiovascular fitness.  For these reasons I thank my coach Sean Wade for pointing me to the pool, and specifically pool running, as a cautionary recommendation when I'd first developed the leg problem.

The above photo depicts the ultra-cool Houston medal which will be handed out this year - and which I'm very much looking forward to proudly placing around my neck upon crossing the finish line!