Believe to Achieve

Ran a lactic acid removal short run:   3.04 at 9:40 pace.  Right Hip bruise felt and coccyx to the hip on the left down to the side of the knee reminding me that I just ran a 32 miler but not as lactic as post SGM last year.  In fact I took a week off after SGM.  Not sure what your supposed to do after an ultra?   One day off yesterday and tomorrow I am taking PALS course (pediatric advance life support) so decided to give myself a break and run every other day this week real easy.  Speed work in two weeks, marathon pace tempo runs in prep for Ogden Marathon.  Just hope to get under 3:30.  Less than seven weeks to go.  What do you think of this weather?  I mean quite the tail wind then turn around and quite the headwind.  My husband took one look at the snow blowing around and said "I am going to sit this one out".  What is wrong with me?  I looked at it as a challenge to myself, I told my body I was only doing two and snuck in another mile before it noticed.  Good enough and now I need to study.  

Finished the PALS course, passed the test and got certified.  YaY!!!  It was a great course and well organized.  Got home after visiting a good friend for a bit and felt I needed an afternoon run.  Ran while kids were in make-up gymnastics.  Ran a nice loop up Locust Ave and then up to the canal and back down Battlecreek Drive and back to REC center.  The cool air was actually quite nice and didn't need my gloves after a mile and felt really good but still took it easy to let muscles repair.  Ran 5 miles in 9:08 pace.  There was a nice uphill and a good head wind but effort felt easy.  Thought I might be running 10 pace. 

After Wednesday's PM run and despite my desire to get out to run I had to listen to my body. IT band on left acting up stemming from my left lower back to hip to knee to foot. So....I should be smart and take time to let my muscles/tendons heal after the 32 miles Saturday. Melanie and I both had the same feeling after trying to run even though the post race soreness/fatigue didn't last as long after an all out marathon for us. I didn't run for a week after SGM and resumed running then gradually increasing to prerace over the next two weeks and my body was happy with that. Now trying to be there after just a few days my body is saying "stop, listen and let me heal". Darn when actually this weather is drawing me outside.... Must think longterm gain not short term reward.

Still hip and leg has been having spasms. Applied heat and a great massage thanks to Troy and a good nights sleep. Back to night shift work Saturday. Loved being normal this past week with no night shifts. The roads keep calling for me,,,,I am trying not to hear them.....but that didn't work at 1050 am I just had to go running after stretching my hip etc...and the pain was subsiding.  Ran 6 miles in 8:23 pace.  Hip pain at bay.  Stretching really helped.  Could feel a little bit of the "nag" near the end but not a worry "nag".  The headwind was a bonus!!!  Love the challenge.  Someday real Spring will be here. 

Met Kim to run 10.  Ran 10.75 at 8:28 pace in the wind and snow.  Felt warm enough for me.  We talked thru it all ran on the canal trail for 3.5 miles where we saw  uno deer, no other runners.  On the road we saw two walkers and two runners.  The weather to me was fine.  I am getting used to the white stuff flying and wearing my gloves and headband.  The only difference now is hearing the birds chirping "it's Spring".  I hope the birds aren't too confused as well.  I am sure this happens every year it is just seems longer this year.  Thought of those running the Provo Half.  At least it was downhill is all I can say for the timing of this run.  Kim and I hit several good graduaal uphills.  Downhill part steep to want to speed up too much considering last weeks race.  Last mile 7:40.