AM - I feel so stupid - I haven't been very diligent recently about stretching, and today it came back and bit me in the butt. Started off with the first mile in 8:00, then decided I wanted to do some MP effort, second mile in 6:55. Third mile in 6:35. I could tell it was a little too fast. Fourth mile started off good, but at about the .33 mark, my right calf cramped up. It didn't pop, so I don't think I strained it, but it sure didn't feel all that good. Stopped and stretched it out, then finished out the fourth mile at a very easy pace. Walked the last mile home and am icing my leg as I write this entry. I am kind of upset, given all the preparations I have made so far for this being my best SGM ever. Luckily for me, I still have 3 months left - plenty of time - and for the next few weeks, I am going to keep it easy, and shouldn't have to worry too much about losing any aerobic fitness. Depending on how my leg feels, I may or may not run the rest of this week - if I do, it will be at a very easy pace. And yes, I have learned my lesson and will make sure to stretch after I run. I am not like Sasha - I need to stretch to avoid injury. Thus why I feel stupid . . . well, sometimes we need to have lessons we have already learned reinforced. | 