Enter Fall?

Good morning readers,

This morning I had my first run in approximately 9 days. As previously noted in an early post, I was forced to take the time off due to a flared up bout of Achilles tendonitis. After a purchase of a new pair of slick black, yellow and white Wave Riders and a couple more days off, I was ready to give running a shot this morning.

I was particularly bitter about missing my runs this weekend since the temperature sat in the cool mid 50's range. Fall weather is my favorite. Luckily, this morning matched the weekend's temperature, so I got my shot.

About 3 minutes into my run, I noticed a familiar, heavy feeling in my chest as I struggled to breathe. It couldn't be that I'd decreased my fitness level that significantly in just a little over a week, could it? No. The feeling was unmistakeable, even in the (actually) very chilly weather: humidity. I had noticed on my weather.com that the humidity was 87% when i was checking the temperature, but it didn't really matter since it was so cool. Well, with the combination of the first run in a while, plus some residual stiffness in my ankle, the humidity pushed it over the edge. My breathing was quite labored for the entire run. Granted, I probably was running a bit quicker than I have been lately -- but none the less, it was not enjoyable.

All in all, I'll take the run as a positive step. My Achilles itself felt fine. My posterior tib, on the other hand, was definitely tight and uncomfortable. I'm hoping it's just something that will work itself out. I'll take it as a good first run back.

In other news, I still haven't had my first PSL of the fall since they've been "out" of them the past two times I've gone. And Maxwell, with the entrance of fall and the annual season of failed romances for Big Ant, you'd be happy to know that I have a girlfriend.

Ant.