One solid week off. It is the most time I have taken completely off in a couple years I think. And, I needed it. St. George did quite the number on my legs. I had an almost 2 hour massage on Saturday from a super knowledgeable thereapist from whom I think I will get some regular maintenance as part of my winter plan.
Plan right now is to enjoy the fall weather. I love running this time of year. I will spend the next little while recovering completely. It has been 3 weeks since the rib injury and they are still bothering me a little. Likely will be another 3 weeks before they are healed. My calves will take time as well. I did more than just wear them out, they need to heal.
I don't want to make any excuse for slowing down at St. George, but I am willing and want to name a cause even if it is only part of it. So, here is the latest theory after a week of pondering and chatting with a couple docs and sports massage therapists.
The ribs did not really hurt while racing, but they are likely the cause, or at least a contributing factor, of the cramping in my calves and the overall discomfort earlier than expected. I ran for 2 weeks with my ribs hurting every step during the taper. During those two weeks, I greatly favored my left side. I flexed muscles on the left to try and damper the impact and lessen the overall bounce of everything on my left side ranging from my arm and shoulder, through my pectoral muscle, which is right above where the injury was. The easy runs during those 2 weeks left me feeling off. My calves seemed to be tighter than normal, but I figured it would go away by raceday, which it did. Then, I likely repeated the "favoring" during the race. Even if it was subconsciously, because I was wanting to avoid any pain from the ribs. This was enough to cause an imbalance and a change in my stride. This would account for my left calf spasm during mile 16. Once that side started to go, the force moved to the right and caused the damage to my right calf.
Anyone want to concur with that analysis?
Either way, happy fall y'all.
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