Title: I'm getting there. I walked and ran 2 miles yesterday afternoon in the heat, and dear Sandy was so excited to be out there. I was testing my ankle while giving her a bit of exercise and did better than I thought I'd do. I alternated running and walking, trying different situations (uphill, downhill, flat, uneven, etc.). I first put my serious brace on, walked around the house, and took it off. It hurt me in some places, but I realize that I really need to suck it up and wear it for support. I wound up leaving the house in one of those little compression ankle thingies, but it was too tight (I think I have ankle and foot claustrophobia). Half way through I took it off, put my shoe back on, and was fine the rest of the way. I was very careful to step the right way, but concentrated on not favoring it. It was a tiny bit more sore and puffy last night and this morning, so I didn't do my regular run this morning, but hope to go walking/running again this afternoon with Sandy. I've got to get used to running in that brace for a couple of week, I'm afraid, but better that than not at all. I had a doctor friend look at it last night, she said it was coming along nicely, but still not completely back yet. She said a couple of weeks more, without re-injuring it, I should be good to go. I'm getting back in the saddle slowly this week, and will either walk or run the 7.5 this Saturday, so I'll see you guys out there. I can't wait to see you all. I've missed being with you -- I'm a bit worried about the Saturday after the marathon. The whole group will probably be in the funk I've been in just for missing 3 weeks (even though the first two were when I was in the mountains). It makes that MS Blues Marathon sound really good just to have something to train for between October and when MM starts up again (you bet your #$% I'd do this again!!!). See you all Saturday!!