I've had some good time off work which has seemed to benefit my back/spine. I think nearly two hours a day on a 90 mile commute is a somewhat culpable reason for lengthy recovery time regarding my back & hips since my last two chiropractic appointments have gone so well and I've had four days off from work hence, no commute.

On the plus side I've reached the point where I'm spending all day at work sitting on my big red stability ball and have gotten better at my bridging exercises where I lay on my back and thrust my hips in the air while keeping my core muscles tight. Lately, I've been starting to do a few sets with only one leg on the ground per the advice of my chiropractor.

Eating has become much more stabilized and consist mainly of cereals like Total, Kellogg's Heart Smart and Smart Start, All Bran, non-fat milk, bananas, apples, Turkey Breast sandwiches with that 35 calorie a slice bread, non-fat mayo, salads and raw vegetables.
I'm also making sure I get in carbs & protein with in each meal.

A software glitch at my chiropractor's office prevented a full re-evaluation at this time but some initial scans did show some areas of my back with the color green which indicates mild irritation (much better than the red & black colors) and the stresses on my spine seem to have shifted sides which, according to my chiropractor is a good thing.

I had a small blow out in my lower back last Friday but was only incapacitated for maybe five minutes. It sucked at the time but looking back I realize it's a lot better than having to grab onto the kitchen counter for a half hour trying to figure out a good way to move. :)

Other exercise mainly consist of walks along a very nice walking trail that runs along a new building I was moved to for work. It's a nice way to spend my lunch hour and I'll either take along a book or my camera during the hike.

Only 178 days until the Pikes Peak Ascent and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get in adequate training to tackle that bear and get the sub 6.5 hour time I'll need.

Other current options include a local 5k at the end of March and I've been checking out the Las Vegas half marathon again scheduled for December 7th of this year.

This should be a good recovery week because I only work two days and then have another four days off. :)