SOREness

I haven't taken a day off since Sunday (my long 8 mile run). This is what happens to me, and I think lots of other runners. Running is actually addictive, it releases endorphins in the brain and has effects similar to opiate drug use. OBVIOUSLY, this is a much healthier alternative, but if you run everyday and don't get any rest, injuries will plague you.
On Tuesday I ran a quick 3. Since Brian was away all week, it was hard balancing working out, working and taking care of both pets! I get home from work around 6 and have to walk Stash for at least a half hour, THEN come home and get changed and run. Sometimes I'll take Stash with me, but dogs (at least mine) don't really understand the concept of pacing. A typical run with Stash involves being dragged around for a mile, followed by dragging him around for the duration of the run. I generally won't bring him on a run lasting more than 3 miles, and usually only bring him if he can run off leash for part or all of it. When I lived on the Cape he and I would run to the beach, then he could be off leash and swimming, chasing birds, or eating dead crabs while I cruised at my own pace down the beach. Unfortunately, city living doesn't really accommodate that, so the short of it is, I don't run with Stash as often as I would like to.
Yesterday I took a half day from work for ANOTHER interview (woot woot!!) and was home by 3. I took Stash to the dog park for an hour and then was able to run on my own for a decent amount of time, 4.5 miles. I was supposed to go to spinning last night, BUT it was the most beautiful day since I've lived in Boston (75, sunny, a little humid). The thought of going into a dark room in the basement of the YMCA to sweat it out seemed pretty silly and depressing, especially considering that over the past couple of days every tree and flower in Boston has bloomed. On my run last night I was so amazed at all of the flowers, LOTS of tulips!! I was able to maintain slightly under 9 minute miles for the 4.5, and was pleased with that. I'm definitely taking tonight off, mostly because I have Spanish class, but also because my left quad and hip flexor are hurting a bit. I will probably do some yoga/stretching tonight though, just to make sure I'm good to run on Friday.