After the Rock 'n' Roll Half-marathon, I took the week completely off. While I was happy with the run, the fact that my knee did flare up towards the end left me thinking that rest was the best option if I still want to run Cherry Blossom.
I went to a Relaxed Flow Vinyasa class om Wednesday and it was incredible. It was exactly what I need to work out all of the lingering soreness from the race.
Saturday, I finally ran again. I headed out for 3 easy miles but my knee started bothering me 3/4 of a mile in. Given that I had gone to a pretty vigorous yoga class that morning and walked 4 miles all over the city before my run, I'm not worrying about it too much though I would like to get to the point where that doesn't affect anything.
Because of how I felt Sunday, I took the day off and planned to run Monday.
I felt awful yesterday. I had horrible cramps and a headache. I was really bloated and just felt weighed down. My hamstrings were exceptionally sore from Saturday's yoga class and I really didn't want to run.
I read something once that said that if you don't feel like going to the gym, just go. If, when you get there, you still don't feel like it, turn around and go home. 9 times out of 10, you'll stay. I've since applied this to every workout and it works.
With that in mind, I set out for a run. Within the first few minutes, I already felt myself loosening up. I felt so much better. I decided to take the chance to explore a different part of the neighborhood (nothing special) and before I knew it, I felt really, really good. I only wanted to run 2 miles...I really didn't have much more than that in me but as I got closer to home and checked my watch, I saw that I was running a 9:34 pace...the fastest I've run since August. I felt awesome. I wasn't worried about my knee, I was just running. I ended up running 2.3 and ran that last quarter mile or so at an 8:53 pace. It was awesome.
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I haven't had a run like that in almost 2 years. I felt amazing...not just because I was running fast...because for the first time in 2 years, I forgot that I had been injured and I just ran.
Channeling all of that into these next 3 weeks, I'm hoping to run a strong Cherry Blossom. If I could make it to 12.5 pain free, I can run 10 (I hope). So, here's what I'm doing this week to get there:
Monday: 2 miles
Tuesday: Rest or Yoga + PT exerises
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: Rest or Yoga + PT excercises
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: Yoga + PT exercises
Sunday: 6 miles
Tuesday: Rest or Yoga + PT exerises
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: Rest or Yoga + PT excercises
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: Yoga + PT exercises
Sunday: 6 miles
Right now, 6 seems a little daunting after taking a week off, but I have to remember...I'm already trained for this.
Are you running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler?
Have you ever had a run that helped you "reset" either after an injury or during a rough patch in your training?
I agree with that mentality. If you start and still feel like crap it's time to shut it down and go home. Good for your for setting out and glad you felt better once you got started. That's the best feeling, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to run the Cherry Blossom but never got in so I stopped trying. I've been doing 2 milers the past two weeks and that's been a bit tougher that I remember. But, I'm stretching more than ever so hopefully 4+ is on the radar soon. Training run together when I get my miles up?
I like your philosophy about going to the gym/work outs. I never regret it when I do them, but I always do when I dont (well, not ALWAYS, but you know). I'm glad you;'re sticking to your training routine and things seem to be going well overall!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll rock the Cherry Blossom!! :)
i am running cherry blossom. and yes, you can do this - your body is ready - just be smart and don't overdo it before race day. your plan sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really a runner but I feel like the cherry blossom would be such a fantastic race to run in! Lots of luck to you - can't wait to hear how it goes :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great about your 'reset' run!!! I have a feeling your Cherry Blossom run will be amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing as great as I'd like for training, but I'm getting there. I'm having a harder time running in the morning than I thought, and I don't know if it's just the treadmill or if I'm already burnt out on running. This week is still rough getting back into training and I've had a headache every day, but I figured if I can get at least 2 long runs (5-6 miles each) in before Cherry Blossom I will be good :)
So glad you had a good run!!
ReplyDeleteI won't be able to run in the Cherry Blossom this year due to injury, but I will be out there cheering.
ReplyDeleteI'nm so sorry! I couldn't run last year because of injury!
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