Great Run - Not - Limping to the finish line?

I'm truly not saying any of this for dramatic flair - as we are at day 109 - but not a great run yesterday and not a better start this morning.

I actually had all kinds of clever ways I was going to start todays post - they included:

I've heard the term "fresh legs" used in sports - I don't have them!
As a big "Rocky" fan (and not afraid to admit it), I always like to feel like I've got that Eye of the Tiger - this morning I did not!
I woke up this morning feeling a way that I don't particularly like to - like a 47 year old guy that's run for 108 days straight without a break..

You get the point. Plain and simple, this morning I wimped out from my long run. Yesterday, after our Teens Run Yonkers session, I went for one of the - if not the - worst run - I've had in months. My legs felt like they had sandbags in them and I could barely push myself towards three miles. Joints ached, knees stung. Basically all the stuff I've heard other runners says but always considered myself lucky not to have experienced yet. Well, now I was experiencing it. Even as I sit here now, I can feel a slight irritation where my shin starts. Hate it...

Nevertheless, I woke up this morning mentally ready to run 16 miles. In fact, I was looking at it as a bit of a reward. Over the last few weeks, I've been working probably more than I ever have. Even though my day gets chopped up in little bits - admin, grants, training with the teens, etc. - after a bit of a rest in the late afternoon, I usually do another two or thee hours at night. So all in, lots of 10, 11, 12 hour days. So my little reward was going to be taking this morning off and doing my run then a bit of relaxation. Got up, did all my usual stuff - prepped the iPod, picked the good shorts, got the gu and was out the door...

And then I felt a drizzle - and the beginnings of the excuse. I usually have a ton of discipline and have run in the pouring rain. But the potential to pass on the run with even the lamest of excuses was too great. I felt slightly better because by the time I dropped my wife off at the train, went to Dunkin Donuts to get my coffee and got home, it was at least a borderline rain. Enough to get the street wet enough to shine as I look at it from the comfort of my window. Enough that I see a few cars using the wipers. Hey, it's raining and I can't risk slipping!!

So, am I done. No. Bottom line, I'm going to do an easy brick workout today - light run on the treadmill of no more than 20 minutes (enough to be respectable) and a light stationary bike ride. That will be day 109 and I'll post on it.

But tomorrow - Day 110 - we'll go out with a bang and a strong 16 mile run. Wait, I have to check the weather first....

Speaking of finish lines, what's is the name of Seinfeld's Arch Rival that challenges him to a rematch? And what the name of the gym teacher that starts (or sort of starts them off). And speaking of limping to the finish line, what are some of the obstacles Kramer faces while trying to complete the Aids Walk? See you at Day 110