Pleasure Spiked with Pain
December 27, 2011
Since the SA race my running has been sporadic at best and while I can still run ten miles on any given day my running has become more ‘painful’ as of late.
While I was training for the SA the weather was warm and I was running four times a week (7 – 10 miles each time). Currently it is cooler generally speaking. I may go when it is warm outside but the average temperature for the day is much cooler. The cooler weather affects my muscles making them tighter than usual.
I have found that after four miles or so (or when I break a sweat) my muscles are loose. The key for me to run effectively in the ‘cold’ is to be aware and to stop early on and stretch.
In an effort to get back into race shape for my next race I am going to do shorter runs while stretching before and or after the run.
Early on in December,my goal was to get my weekly runs in addition to a long run of 20 miles. Considering there is only a few days left in December I don’t see it happening. Its okay. I could do 20 miles if I really wanted to but what would that get me? My next race is over a month away and to peak this soon is no good.
I am going to focus on getting back on a running routine this week and then I should be back on track to do what I want to do. I just have to be careful not to push myself too hard and make sure my muscles are loose.
I did 10 miles a week ago so the miles isn’t the problem. I don’t even really have a ‘problem’ its just keeping myself in good condition. So tomorrow I’ll do 4 or 5 miles and Thursday or Friday I’ll go 7 or 10.
