Thursday is tempo day

Thursday I went on a tempo run.  I can safely say that I didn't find a good tempo out there.  I went out way too fast to start and then slogged the remaining two miles with some walk breaks.  On the plus side my neck swelling has gone down enough that I was able to look straight ahead.  On my first run I spent a good bit gazing down but not today.  That felt great.  I haven't needed to ice my neck at night and I haven't needed pain medication to help with sleeping the last two nights.  I still look at bit like Frankenstein but a less self conscious Frankenstein.  The other day we were getting ready to go to the beach and Jen said  we needed to wait so she could shave her legs and I teased her that since I was going to the beach as Frankenstein the least she could do is go as a werewolf.  I don't believe that she found this as humorous as I did.
To be honest I was feeling down after the run I hate to think my running has slipped so much and I haven't started any treatments.  My long runs have gone from 13 miles to 9 and then 0 after my biopsy and then 4 this past Saturday.  I am not sure what I want to aim for on Saturday.  I would like to get back to 8. I don't want to turn my running into something that makes me sad or worried about where I am physically.  I still want it to be fun. I have recovered some while sitting here writing and I'm not as glum about it at the moment.  So off to eat and get this day started with the kids.
On a brighter note though yesterday we had confirmation that the fax was received and my records were on the way to my oncologist. I also confirmed my appointment with Duke Med so I am at this point free from worrying about appointments until I get back from vacation.

August 18