I've come to understand that an easy two to six mile run with a half hour of stretching can be MUCH better than a day off.  Lots of snow shoveling this week has brought some discomfort to my lower back.  But my easy workout today made it all better!

This January, I've quite often run on an indoor track, ten laps per mile. A couple of days ago, I observed that there are only two things worse than running indoors:

1. Running indoors on a treadmill. and
2. Not running.

I have run outdoors year round for decades but six years ago took a fall on a unseen patch of Groundhog Day ice.  My left humerus snapped in two.  (which is not as funny as the name would suggest)  I was unable to run for two months. My devoted wife had to care for my broken arm, and her  less than perfectly grateful husband.  (see unable to run above)  Since my recovery, she strongly suggests I modify my all-weather training program to avoid similar algid incidents.  In other words, I brought much of my winter running inside.

My excuses from years past no longer apply.  The typical "No Run" days in my January running log are conspicuously absent.  I find that this January will be my highest mileage in my life.

I need to mention however, there is a second element contributing to my productive training program....Stretching.  No matter the distance, after every run, one-half hour of my life is devoted to this exercise toward sustainability.  I only began to reluctantly practice stretching last summer when my physical therapist suggested that my recent injuries were all related to my lack of flexibility.   It makes sense, but I'd rather be running...and that is the "Catch 22." 

I could blame this on my recently acquired status as a sexagenarian.  (which is not as sexy as the name would suggest)  But in reality, I can see that everything from plantar fasciitis to sciatica has its' roots in the gradual build-up of my body's inflexibility.

It's snowing tonight.  The weatherman suggests we may see a half-foot of snow in the morning, but sixty indoor laps will bring me to my January PR.  I'd better get some sleep!