As if I didn’t know this going into it.
But I still wanted to push myself a little and enjoy a nice long one. It was a beautiful cool morning as well, perfect weather for a fall run, so I couldn’t resist. I told myself I would take it easy (which I did) and I told myself I would play it by ear (which I did also.) But sometimes when I do this I get to a point where I either am half way out (just as far to get back) or I feel like I might as well just keep going and add that little extra bit. So I did my normal route, but added all the little extra extensions. I even ended up by doing my canyon run who’s days are nearing because of the mud, but it was ok. My friend Zak does a great job maintaining the Reed canyon area and an especially good job with the trails. There is only really one area that is going to have trouble with the upcoming rains and I imagine he will take care of it soon. Right now he has long strips of bark laying down to give the trail some substance. I admire his re-use efforts with the maintenance.
Throughout the run I felt fine, though I was getting a little tired towards the end. I wasn’t to the point where I was getting clumsy with my run, like tripping over uneven sidewalks, so I stride was correct throughout and I was properly lifting my feet. But once I was done and throughout the afternoon, I was pooped. I kept thinking I needed a cup of coffee, but that didn’t seem to do the trick (though the beer at dinner worked fine for other reasons.)
So today I am taking it easy. Though if I know me, if I get a chance to runthis afternoon, I’ll probably take it!
Small move my man, small moves. The trails will still be there when your body is ready to let you get back to normal.
We of all people have to be in tune with our bodies. So let your body do what it is supposed to do…recuperate!
Here here! Slow recuperation is one of the most important (and difficult) aspects of returning from an injury or illness. When you get to a level of fitness where you are happy with yourself and progress, it is disappointing to return after a health break when you realize you have to do all your improvement work over again. But do it we must! And slowly. Too bad I often don’t follow my own advice.