running for my mind

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.

5 - 8:03 avg - 157 HR avg

5 easy on the parkway. Didn't look at my watch at all. That is the plan for a while during this "off" time. I actually wore my HR monitor, which I have not done in a long time. I think I am going to wear it on these easy runs just for fun. I don't know if it is overly helpful though. I tend to always be in the high 150's when running. That is where it was today. When I wore it for my repeats at the track, I would get up into the 170s and quickly drop back down into the 140s. Could be interesting to monitor for a month and see the trends.

Left calf had zero pain. I am pleased with that. Right calf was still sore and tight.

PM - hot tub - stretching/PT 

5 - 8:09 - 154

Robin - "Holy wynd, Batman!"
Batman - "Yes, it was wIndy. Why do you insist on using a 'y?' It is childish"
Robyn - "It is unique. That is why I changed my name to 'Robyn.'"
Batman - "You are an 'almost superhero,' isn't that unique enough?"
Robyn - "Don't patronize me."

to be continued...

Sleep!?! Where are you?

If it was my birthday soon, I would ask for one night of uninterrupted sleep. Well...if it is only hypothetical, I would probably ask for two nights.

4 - 7ish avg - 161
4 - 8sih avg - 154

Ran 2 sets of 4 miles this morning. During the first set, I ran 2 at marathon pace in the middle. I had not planned on it, just got out there and wanted a couple faster miles for fun. They were hard. 6:36 and 6:17 (I think. I didn't upload my splits yet and I am at work). Calves got tight, as expected. Just wanted to feel a little wind for a bit. 

The second set of 4 was with a couple of guys in the neighborhood. There is a decent group that runs a few times a week. They average right around 8:00, so I might tag along here and there for some company this winter. 

12 - 7:32 - 161

12 solo on the parkway.