Didn't record the weather this morning, but upper 60s with a southwest wind about 10-12 mph. Went out at 5:30 a.m. and ran 10.54 in 1:35:39, 9:04 per mile. First mile 10:11, last one 8:23. 150 bpm average, 174 max, 54 RHR. Was curious and slightly concerned about what would happen today, after running quite a bit yesterday. So far in this recovery cycle I haven't been able to run 2 days in a row, and yesterday was already the furthest distance. My legs were heavy, mostly from lifting weights I think, and that never really went away; every time I picked up the speed it was a significant effort, not only to speed up but to maintain it.
I slept with a boot on my right foot last night. It kept my heel at 90 degrees all night long, keeping the tendon stretched out, and there was no pain when the feet hit the floor this morning. So I started out the day unrested and uninjured, there are worse combinations. I sped up very gradually and finished at a pretty brisk pace, for me at least.
Then I took the dog out for a 1-mile CD, saving the last mile for her. She pulls hard the whole way. A border collie, not too large, but boundless energy. I am teaching her left and right, quick learner. (I would say "Gee" and "Haw", but I don't know which is which and don't want her laughing at me. For the next phase of my life I might do Iditarod instead of ultras.)
Then I drove to the Y for a spin class. Got my heart rate all the way back up to 174, it started to feel like a 5K. We were doing 8-minute hill climbs and they were tough, actually felt nauseous at times. Finally I stretched extensively then went into the weightroom and did squats (3 x 10 at full weight), which I couldn't do yesterday because my body was objecting too much. All in all, today was at least as hard as running 20, probably even 20 with a fast finish.
Bottom line, I am out of shape but not terribly out of shape, and it feels like I will get it back pretty soon, so life is good. Plus we get 2 more days of cold weather early next week, middle of April no less.
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