Twenty -two was my favorite number in junior high

I suppose toning down my training the past week helped me out. I ran 22 today without "as much" discomfort. In other words, it was easier than the 20 a couple of weeks ago. I also added an extra "gag me" GU and some Aleve midway through the run.

I'm trying to avoid injuries ... feet, hamstrings, hips ... I'm hoping the weight training program I'm on will continue to make me stronger in the legs and butt muscles. Gotta keep stretching, too. And using my miracle foam roller. Oh, and the "Stick." The stick is another deep massage tool. Works well on the hamstrings and calf muscles.

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So, I've learned some interesting and not-so-interesting things during this training journey.

1. Clothing really does matter. Basketball shorts are not ... I repeat NOT ... meant for running. Neither is anything made of cotton.

2. Always run in black shorts or black pants. No need to explain further.

3. It's amazing how long something will stay in the middle of a street before it becomes a part of the pavement. Weeks. At least that's how long those undies on Hawthorne Street took.

4. Music matters.

5. GU is the nastiest stuff I've ever tasted. But I've already said that.

6. Sleep is good. Sleep is so, so, so good.

7. No matter how many miles I run, I now know I'll never be completely happy with "my" runner's legs. Sucks, huh?

8. Dogs are annoyances while running ... the unleashed ones.

9. Taping my ankles gives me good memories of high school and playing basketball.

10. I had no idea how many people text while driving until I started running. They certainly keep me on my toes and on the lookout!

11. I have to keep track of my 3-mile loops back to my water station on my long runs; otherwise, I can't remember. I lose track of how much I've run. So, I write tick marks on the porch bench!! Colorful. Think I'll use a different colored Sharpie every week.

That's all I can remember for now. Here's to an injury-free week!