Following my last big running race last December (CIM in Sacramento), I fell off the wagon hardcore. Most of it was due to awaiting the arrival of my firstborn and taking care of him after his birth. I had a couple races, but wasn't regularly running and definitely wasn't hitting the gym. So it wasn't a surprise to me when I discovered that my running speed, endurance, and strength had all tanked.
Over the last month, though, I've been bit by the bug again. I've got a half marathon in less than a month, and I just signed up for the Redding Marathon in January next year. Might also run another half marathon in Bend with friends in November. I'm still inconsistent with my weight training, but I've been running more regularly for the past month and I'm finally starting to feel like my old self again. It definitely helps having some events to look forward to so that I stay consistently active and motivated.
Sorry to hear about your back forcing you to the sidelines, gmiller. That definitely sucks...