Out on the Hunt

Last Tuesday I took the day off from work and ventured to the Antietam Battlefield with a friend. It was a perfect fall day. As we hiked along Antietam creek, just up river from the famous Burnside Bridge, a member of my party spied what looked like a goat on the edge of a cornfield. Alas, it twas no goat, but a rare albino deer. Yes, a mostly white...white tailed deer. I took this quick picture and then ventured my way closer to take another...a better snapshot for the likes of National Geographic. I would return from Antietam a millionaire. However, as I snaked my way along the cornstalks and chiggers the deer snook away into the dense wood. I picked up my pace to a canter but, the deer had disappeared. He was gone. I returned home penniless...just as I had left.

The taper continues. Last week I rested up and got in a few decent runs but decided against a workout per my ongoing stomach issues. I seem to be on the mend but am still cautious. I have something, says the doctor. I will know more in the coming days. The hip is still brutal. Saturday was the worse day yet. On Sunday I ran 15 and the hip felt fine until I hit the hills half way through the run. The injury will have to wait one more week. Then it's rest. I still believe I am in the best shape of my life. I need only to prove it.