So that's it. I did it.
It wasn't really even that bad. Hydration every four minutes, which proved ideal. Took in about 1.5 servings of Vitamin C3, which naturally went directly to the legs. Statistics will become available as I perform the analysis.
Impossible is nothing.

So today, was my first run in 7 days. Two miles, and I know precisely the ailment.
I pulled my vastus lateralis, the outer-most muscle on the quadricep. I have had ultra-sounds daily, seen three sports therapists (two of them trainers), had an x-ray, seen an ER physician, and sat through an hour of deep tissue massage.
The range of motion has fully returned, and nearly 100% flexibility. I am not taking any more presecription painkillers/muscle relaxants, as I become too dopey. By in large the run, was not at full intensity, nor at full capability, but nevertheless, I ran.
On the ride home from the meet, a member of the team said that I looked "happier". I smiled and replied "I ran today" Witness re-confirmation.
Tomorrow, I attempt the longest bike ride I have ever endeavored. The equivalent of an 18-miler. 185 Minutes of cycling in Zones 1 and 2. I am quite complacent now, and have several strategies in mind.
I will return. So help me.

I took nine days off from running, in hopes of racing on Saturday. (9.16.06)
I raced on Saturday, had 40 minutes in hell, of pain and agony, and finished dead last on the 8k collegiate cross country course. It was a home meet, but I finished.
So I went to the trainer, the ER, and had an x-ray.
There is no skeletal damage, and no muscles are torn, but I have strained my vastus lateralis, the outer-most muscle on the quadricep.
I'm doing alot better now, as the rehab exercises along with cycling and aqua-running have maintained my fitness, though I dearly miss running.
They have prescribed Vicodin and Soma, a painkiller and muscle relaxant.
Today I am seeing a sports injury specialist, in hopes of some therapeutic work and some more detailed prognoses.
I openly admit my imprudence, and am not racing this upcoming Saturday.
Are there any isolated exercises that you may know, which help relieve pain in the quadricep? Dietary supplements?

Today the bike was received.
I mounted it, with only the most modest of expectations.
I came, I rode, I climbed, I was aero, and all without the slightest of discomfort.
I am progressing in my healing.
"Rapid motion through space elates one"

I apologize for not posting more often. I am depressed.
Last Sunday, I strained my hip flexor. So I have been on the elliptical alot, as my bike is in my car, which is having an engine transplant. Don't get me going on that story.
So I tried running a few times since then, and the hip still aches. Moreover, from limping so long, my tendon behind my left knee has compensated for the pain.
This was tolerable. Today was the XC team's first meet. I watched and recorded splits.

Hell hath no fury like an injured runner at a cross-country meet.

So, today my coach said a complete rest day. Witness Anthony's boiling point.
I feel so crappy. Like a sloth. But our home meet, is a week from today, and that is my prize for this misery.
In the interim, here are some pictures from pre-season. Which make me happy :-)