Hurts so good

So I ran three miles today, on top of four yesterday, which looks pathetic on paper but is a step in the right direction as far as my current running situation is concerned. Not surprisingly, my legs are rocked and sore as hell from my lack of recent meaningful physical activity. As sad as this may sound, however, it's a welcome discomfort nonetheless. In my own masochistic sort of way, I miss that feeling.

My Achilles itself feels a lot better after a week of not running, but I know I'm not out of the water just yet. I've got to be careful to ease back into things this week and not set myself back any more than I already have. Hmm, that sounds familiar.

In other news, another crazy day at the NCAA Tournament. All the # 1 seeds are done, George Mason is keeping their miracle run alive and my bracket is officially busted. Final Four should be interesting.

Continuing with the basketball theme, CBS aired a feature on "Pistol" Pete Maravich this morning before the day's tourney games got underway. The piece quickly captured my attention, as Maravich is perhaps my favorite basketball player of all time. Back in my high school days, when basketball was the object of my single-minded affection, I would spend hours trying to emulate the Pistol's wizardry with the rock. I watched his Homework Basketball videos as if they were Hollywood thrillers. Maravich was more than just a basketball player, he was a showman who aimed to please those who watched him play. He was a rebel - someone who wasn't afraid to go against the grain and march to the beat of his own drummer. I think that's what made him appeal to me so much. A lot like Pre, in fact. Also like Pre, Maravich died young, so he'll always have that mystique about him. Both true heroes to rebels who like to dream big.

Now for some shameless self promotion. A few things worth checking out:

- Interview with Alan Culpepper has been posted here. Keep your eyes open for one with Meb in the near future.

- Spotlight on one of this blog's loyal readers, Katie G. (or K. Gwyther if you will), can be found in the latest issue of New England Runner. Give it a look if you get the chance.

And due to waiting for the last second yet again, that's gonna do it for this evening. Until tomorrow, take it easy all.

Quote(s) of the day:

I really like the idea of seeing how much the body can stand. My friends back home say that I just like the pain.
- Geoff Smith, British marathon great

Don't wait.
- Good advice from Kemibe