Testing the back

This has nothing to do with running, but as I was going out my front door to check the mail, I found a lizard in the foyer.  I chased it outside and then crossed the lawn going toward the mailbox.  I walked right passed a Copperhead.  It is mid-December and the temperature is in the mid-50's.  I thought the snakes were hibernating.
      I treated my back with heat today and went out to the park this evening.  I decided to try 2 miles on the park roads.  Depending on movement, it was painful for that first mile.  The question was whether or not it would loosen up after that.  Just as I turned around to run the second mile, Scott, one of the park police officers, pulled up beside me in his patrol car.  I ran and we talked for the last mile.  He even gave me a report on my pace per his speedometer and lit up an oncoming car that was coming on too fast.  During that second mile, I was able to pick up the pace and run without pain.  I wonder if Scott will go down to Galveston on Sunday and pace me for the half marathon.  Joking aside, I do feel better about being able to run the half on Sunday.  The weather is suppose to be nice and most of the course is along the flat Seawall Blvd.