MICHIGAN: 4 Mile Run (AA)

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Took a run with Sheri out in the drizzle, wind and brisk fall air. It was refreshing as any run, taking a nice easy pace on a little loop course. Just the thing after four days off. Rehab seems to be working. I'm hoping just another week or so of this bullcrap and then get back on some good 20-30 mile weeks.

The fall is absolutely amazing. I now must agree with all the Angelinos who wax sentimental about "the seasons." Indeed, with a bite in the air, vivid autumn colors on every other tree and leaves blowing around as you round the corner there's a deeply calm feeling created that is hard to dismiss. It's fundamental to those from here, a simple acknowledgement of the pleasure a human being can take in our ability to weather change and adapt to our surroundings. Trouble is coming with the winter. The environment will become hostile, impossible to survive in. But from the safety of a modest jacket or hooded sweatshirt, we retain warmth and keep going. It's the kind of easy example that your brain relates to grand concepts like success, durability or even immortality.

But beyond all this. Better than the sweatshirt, the colors, football, October baseball or any other nicety of this season in Michigan is the cinnamon and sugar doughnut with a cup of hot cider served by a silver-haired old bitty in a wood plank shack stocked with shelves of pumpkin butter, Halloween-themed nylon flags and apples of every size and variety. And that smell of a smoky wood-fueled stove rocks.

Off to eat some pizza Paul and Sheri whipped up and then enjoy Game 2 of the Magical Season WS. Let's go, Tigs!

5K Speedwork Treadmill (A) **163**

TRIFIT, Calif. -- Still working on rehabing the heel. Given that I'll be missing the 5K this weekend as I'll be in Motown, there's no point in risking it. Being conservative.

Still, pushed it a bit given the short distance (and I think running slower actually causes more jarring on the foot) and sped up and slowed down. Slowest was 7:30, fastest was 6:10ish. Slowed and recovered and sped up. About 3.75 or so total, but only the 5K counts.

Nice also was the guy next one over. Felt compelled to smash him, felt bad about it, then overheard a "I was chasing skirt all weekend in Vegas" between him and his pal. Running.

So...it's a shorty from the treadmill:

5K: 22:04

7 Mile Run (H) ***164***

SANTA MONICA -- I don't remember much of what just happened and would prefer it stay that way. Horrible from nearly start to finish. Big time stitch formed early and caused this weird reaction in my mind, making my brain think I was whipped when I was not.

No solution. Just dove in and swam. Got through it. Even did a few little speed deals. It's over. Moving on...

5 Miles Treadmill (A+) **165**

TRIFIT, Calif. -- Pretty amazing.

At about 5:15p or so, I was convinced I wouldn't be running today. Heel is sore and not appearing to heal up. So another day on the shelf was what Dr. Hudson had ordered.

But at 6p, I started the fastest 5K, 4 and 5 miles of my life.

From the treadmill:

5K: 22:54 (7:23)
4M: 29:24 (7:27)
5M: 36:51 (7:22)

How in the world I pulled nearly 2 mins off my Run Hit Remix time, I don't know. Especially given the heel and other pain-related nonsense. So run fast and the heel feels fine. It's mostly in my head.

Thank goodness the idea of sitting around the office for two hours was enough to get my tush over to the gym.

6 Mile Treadmill (A)

TRIFIT, Calif. -- Right heel has kept me down for a couple days, so put it out on the treadmill for a few to rehab a bit. Expected to do 10 miles as the Tigs were on the tube against the Yanks in Game 3 or the ALDS, but only put 6 in because the tweak stopped in the heel and started travelling up the Achilles. Thought I'd do a bike and watch the game, but the girls in the bike room switched the TV to one of those concerts they show on DirecTV.

Oh man.

5 Miles Trail (A) --164--

LOS FELIZ -- After some 30 months of living here, I finally got up and just ran to the park. Lotsa hills, lotsa trails. Lots more to explore. Kind of glad I saved it.

Very challenging trails on this course today. Hard to tell the distance but should be over 5m according to Google map thingy. Legs are really shot. Hope that pays off in the coming weeks.

4 Mile Run (BA) --165.5--

LOS FELIZ -- Just a little recovery run on the same path of the speedwork yesterday. Legs are trashed, completely trashed. It's a good feeling though because these are the days I would normally rest them on principle.

Heel was tweaked, but loosens as legs warm up. Other pain drowned it out.