Should've stayed in bed!

Well, yesterday was one of those days when I should have just stayed in bed. My hamstring issue had been acting up but because it wasn't caused from running, I decided it was okay to run and it wouldn't get worse! Wrong. I went to the reservoir and decided to run 8 to 10 miles. I started out on the single trail loop which is a 2 mile section that I've come to really enjoy as the start of my run, until yesterday that is. No more. About 1 1/2 miles into the run I noticed what I thought was a large stick lying across the trail and was even tempted to kick it out of the way. Fortunately I did not as it was the biggest snake I have ever seen. I think I had jumped over it before I actually realized it was a snake but I did notice the perfect markings on it's back of diamonds. I was freaked out and ran as fast as I could to get back to the parking lot. I was really shook up and almost went home but decided I'd run around the lake which is well traveled and cool. My butt was a little sore but not too bad. I continued on and then ventured off on another trail (not a single trail) that I'd been on a couple of times and it lead to a paved road that goes around another lake. I felt safe as far as seeing any more snakes. Anyway, my butt continued to get worse and worse and by the time I was heading back with about a mile to go, I had to walk and even that was painful. I ended up "running" 8 but it was painful and probably not the best thing. Anyway, I'll be taking some time off as my surgery is Monday and a forced rest will hopefully help. I plan to see my chiropractor as soon as I'm able after my surgery as he fixed me up before Umstead so I'm sure I'll be fine as soon as he works his magic! I now believe that it's not caused by my running or spinning but by the squat machine that I use at the gym. I've been lifting weights at the gym on Tuesday following a 4 mile run and spin class. I finally made the connection and am pretty sure that that is the culprit so I will stop using that and find another way to work the glutes. (after they're better!) Too bad it took so long to make the connection!
When I got home from my run I was telling Frank about the snake, as he often runs that same section of trail and that was when it hit me! I had seen a Diamondback Rattlesnake! OH MY GOD!!!! I hadn't made the connection until I mentioned that the snake had diamond shapes on it's back. I went on line to find out if in fact they live in this part of the state and they do. So I have vowed to never run that loop again and I pray that they only habitat that section. If I ever see another one, it may end my running trails. It's just too stressful for me. I'll try staying on the "trail more traveled" and stay away from the more remote sections.
Today is a rainy dreary day which is perfect for us today. We'll probably go out for lunch and do a little shopping but other than that we will probably just relax and putz around. What a perfect Mother's Day!