Running Update

[grandmoffdavid.livejournal.com]

For the second Monday in a row, I ran 8 miles today. Oddly enough, despite having almost identical times for the route I ran, today was a much harder slog than last week. The first 2-3 miles were especially brutal for some reason. I suspect it's because I got a later start (I got involved in making pasta this morning and didn't start running until close to noon) and because the temperature was higher (our thermometer read 89 in the shade when I got home).

When I started running my heart rate was higher than I wanted, but using water and sport beans I kept it within a reasonable range. Actually, my heart rate monitor lost connection with my chest strap for a bit around mile 5 and when it reconnected my heart rate was 3-4 bpm lower than it had been. Not sure what to say about that other than it's a reminder to take extra special care with what I eat and drink before a long run, and when.

On the last lap my legs felt a bit funny. You know when your foot falls asleep, but only a little, so that when you move it you don't quite get pins and needles but it feels a bit "shimmery"? That's how my legs felt, kinda shimmery. Like when you get a chill up your spine but not quite that strong and in my legs. This may be the fabled "wall" I've been hearing so much about. I suspect this because on the last little bit I tried to push myself to go faster--a sprint to the finish line, if you will--and there was nothing there. Instead of the instant burst of speed I'm used to being able to apply, there was a slow acceleration to something faintly resembling a brisk run. Like an ancient Lincoln that needs an engine rebuild.

And before anyone gets worried, I'm fine. I just ran out of fuel (which is amazing considering the fat reserves I've spent decades building up for just such an emergency). I'm eating lunch, drinking Gatorade, and I'm going to ice and rub down my legs. I actually don't feel all that physically tired. I'll be fine, which is good, because next Monday I need to run 10 miles.

Comments

[racerxmachina.livejournal.com]

Ice and rub down your legs? What for? This is a new one for me.

[grandmoffdavid.livejournal.com]

The ice is to reduce swelling in traumatized muscles. Often the inflammation can cause more problems than it solves. The rub down feels good, but also--as I understand it--helps break up and move lactic acid crystals that are forming in the muscles. It's these crystals which cause "soreness" after exercise.