What layoff?!

Today's Run: Linear Trail: 45 degrees. 3 miles; Splits: 9:05; 8:47; 8:50; 26:42;
8:54 per mile average pace. (Thank-you (Garmin) Rachael for keeping my stats)

Welcome to my newest stalker/follower "Thomas."

As I sit here icing my previously injured area (Talk about blue ones), I'm happier than happy. After a 29 day layoff from running, I toughed out a 3 miler and ran a heck of a lot quicker and easier than I expected to. It was an expect the worst and hope for the best run. I was expecting to feel sluggish (only the last mile), some slight pain (nope), and 9:30 to 10 minute per mile pace (nope again). I wasn't going to push myself, and I didn't push myself. I just wanted to have a nice, comfortable, feet and groin don't fail me run. I did. The last mile wasn't as easy as I would have liked, but my stubbornness prevailed and I finished well. Overall, I averaged an 8:54 per mile pace. My per mile pace hasn't suffered on the short runs. It will be interesting to see how well my body handles the increase in mileage the next 18 days. "Only" ten more miles needed per run, and I'll be at half marathon distance. Only 18 days to accomplish this. I'm guessing the hare will soon be running like the tortoise. That's alright, since my only goals for the New York City Half Marathon are to finish injury free and with a smile on my face. By the way, I've learned my lesson. I stretched before and after my run. Now I'll just need an occasional friendly reminder from all of you to keep doing that. Thanks to Lisa, Lindsay, and EZEthan for already nagging/reminding me to stretch.