PT update -- I went to physical therapy the other day and apparently my back is messing with my right leg.  It seems that when I run, I over rotate my upper body to the left (counter clockwise) so one side of my back is a bit stronger than the other -- no need for hunch back jokes.  Anyways, long story short...I now have back exercises to help my leg.  I'll be doing PT for a little while...and I'm still running (thankfully).
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After my PT session today (second one), I ran for 5 miles on the treadmill.  At first, it didn't feel all that good but then realizing I needed to rotate clockwise, I decided to change my gaze to the right.  I found that by looking at 2 o'clock, my leg didn't seem to hurt as much.  Is it psychological?  Is it physical?  both?  I don't know but i figure I'll keep doing these exercises and keep looking towards 2 o'clock.  Weather permitting, I might shoot for a 14miler this wknd.

I've been trying my best to keep at this running thing, despite some travel and lack of motivation.  When I was in Hawaii, I was able to run (about 3-5 miles) about 5 times.  I was surprised at how hilly and windy it was where we stayed.  Anyway, since getting back to Seattle in mid-Feb, I've been out on some longer runs -- 8, 12, and 12.  Unfortunately, my right leg has been bugging me as of late.  I got a new pair of shoes (New Balance 768s) after years of Brooks GTS.'  I made the switch in part because my leg has been bugging me.  Anyway, I ran in my new kicks, and while it was better...my leg still bothered me.  Anyway, I now have a meeting with a physical therapist (first ever).  Let's hope for the best.  I'll let you know how it goes.

In reading through my feeds the other day I saw this running tour site.  They don't have one in Seattle, but for all I run here it wouldn't matter.  This sounds similar to the bike tour of NYC I took a few years ago with my brothers and Laura.  Knowing how much my brothers love the city and history, it seemed like a unique way of helping them explore the city in a different light.

 

Indeed, running, walking, biking or the like are all great ways of seeing parts of a city that you would never see when in a car or some other mode of transport.  When I was in China, it was great to run across the pedestrian walkways and see people getting ready to go to work.  I think folks must have thought I was nuts to be out that early and to be running.  Running in Barcelona and seeing the street cleaners hosing down the streets from the night before, or running in Hawaii and seeing the grounds crew get ready for work.  All parts of life that one would not otherwise see.

 

Anyway, next time I go to NYC, I may have to explore this possibility...