I'm not sure if running on the treadmill counts as real running or not. But I feel like my legs and lower back need a break. They are not injured or in real pain, as much as fatigued. I've been bouncing back fairly well from the long runs-- that is until this one on Saturday. It did me in. I took it easy on Monday, but had such a terrible run yesterday, I settled on the treadmill today hoping it will leave me feeling fresh. Josse told me that it uses different muscles and changes your gait --which right now may be a good thing. But I do like forcing myself into/holding a specific pace. I remembered today that for me, I always peak 2 months into training. I remembered how in Cross Country, I had to be careful that my level of fitness/training peaked around the same time as regionals/state. One year, I was so excited for the season, I started training early, and peaked mid-season and ended with shin splints. But that was almost 25 years ago and I've forgotten about all that. I probably shouldn't have tried to so hard this summer and should have focused on peaking in October. I just took for granted that I'd get better, and better. But hey, I did get a gold medal on Pioneer Day! I may not win anything again until, by process of elimination I take the 80-85 age division by storm. |