This past Saturday started out as a lovely day. One week after my longest run of the year and a 10K race in successive days, a bit of muscle soreness the first few days of the week, I ran a decent hilly 8 miler on Saturday morning.

So at 10 a.m. I was excited to bring my boys to the Los Angeles Zoo and have some fun. 'Twas a beautiful day to be outdoors.

But my 4 year old was being a brat.  He was goofing around inside the minivan and just would NOT get into his seat. The little guy was messing with me. So I finally lost my patience and bent over to pick up him, when ....ZOWWWWW....an electric shock went off in my lower back.

IMMEDIATELY I knew as was done for. This was exactly the same painful sensation I first encountered in my froggy encounter on August 7, 2009. Deja vu. So as I winced in pain, I wondered if I could even make it to the zoo when I couldn't even stand up straight.

But as pissed off and sore as I was, I was determined to go to the zoo with my kids. So I found one of my back braces and we enjoyed the rest of the day. Of course, I had to walk like an old man and not bend over, but I got through the day.

Sunday and Monday training was shot. Advil temporarily helped but what I really needed was to start the chiropractic work right away. So I did. I felt it working right away.  I've been through this several times now and know the drill.

This morning it was still sore but I was able to sloooowwwwwly jog 30 minutes with a back brace on. Felt good to get out there again. Tomorrow I'll be back at the chiro's office.

Taking things in stride. But I do have to figure out how to eliminate this back spasm issue as it ain't fun.