Hope dawned gradually with the new day. I ran with Wayne, Larry, and Jolene this morning. Larry and Jolene cut back a little earlier, and Wayne and I pushed the last few miles together. Well, I pushed and he stayed back with me. He's in much better condition than I am. I ended up running 6 miles @ 10:45/mi. Larry and I have been slogging along 3.5 miles @ 11:30 pace in our old out-of-shape bodies, so this is a step in the right direction for me. I went to chiropractor Dr. Jerry Clark at the Alpine Spinal Rehab Center on Friday. They had an offer for a new patient exam for $17. They did a review of my health history, a bunch of range of motion and strength tests, electrical stimulation, and took x-rays. I go back on Monday to review the results of the tests and x-rays. It was a very positive experience. They treated me like a VIP. One of the reasons I pushed hard today despite some back pain is that I'm going back on Monday. If the engine is going to sputter, I want it sputtering when I visit the mechanic. The best thing to come out of all my running impediments is that two weeks ago Karen and I started walking together on M,W,F after I drop my daughters off at school. It's a tight window to get it in and get to work on time, but I've been thoroughly enjoying it. We walk at a pretty good pace. I work up a sweat. I definitely believe it's helping with my overall fitness. I know it's helping my happiness and my relationship with Karen. With 6 children, 5 still at home, it's rare for us to find 45 minutes to just be alone and talk to each other. It's been great. | 