Saturday, May 05, 2007

On to the next thing

Recovery from Eugene has gone really well. I ran very close to my normal schedule this week, six on Tuesday, six on Wednesday and eight on Thursday. I kept the miles slow and easy, although I can't avoid the hills in my neighborhood. My legs felt a little heavier than normal, but no abnormal aches and pains. I have no complaints!

Today, Sharon and I went out to Forest Park and ran about 20 miles. It was a pretty normal, chatty run for us. We picked a fairly flat route, but it did include a few steep hills which I'm proud to say that we both ran up without walking. The run also included the typical laughter that makes running with Sharon so much fun. She took the lead most of the way. At one spot she jumped and then screamed like a girl. Turns out there was a little dead mole on the trail. Fortunately she earned her tough chick cred back when she spit while running shortly thereafter.

I felt surprisingly good for about 16 miles and then my legs really started getting sore and stiff. This afternoon I was feeling the delayed muscle soreness I used to always get after a long run. I should have taken an ice bath, but I was too intent on getting to my nap! After some vitamin I, I'm feeling much better this evening. I may take tomorrow off, but will likely go on a short recovery run. I'm definitely sleeping in! Next week is my regularly schedule massage and adjustment (I go quarterly). Perfect timing!

So I think we are now tapering for the McDonald Forest 50k. Bring on the hills! I would train through but I have some other ultra's coming up soon so I think a taper is in order this time. I had a free entry so I'm also registered for PCTR's Forest Park 50k the week after Mac. Then two weeks later is the Lake Young's Ultra. It appears the training for my first 50 miler is in full force.

16 comments:

Darrell said...

I'm glad to see that your recovery has gone so well; very cool.

You have quite the maniacal racing schedule coming up here. Wear that jersey proudly!

Unknown said...

Good running, Sarah! I think Mac 50 deserves the respect of a taper.

onepinkfuzzy said...

woo hoo! sounds like a great recovery; also great training and prep for what's to come.

Joe said...

Ah, good ol' Vitamin I!!! Awesome recovery week, Sarah...complete with a dead mole...how funny! Your base fitness is showing up well.

Enjoy the taper, such as it is!!!

Olga said...

That's wonderful that you nailed 20 after a marathon, you are a real ultrarunner, Sarah! Awesome training!!!

Backofpack said...

Sarah,
Great recovery - oh and tight schedule with big runs - that's exciting! I guess we'll be out in Sequim during the Lake Youngs Ultra - too bad or we'd come cheer you on!

Journey to a Centum said...

The moles must be committing moleicide or something because I've been seen several dead ones on the trails this spring as well.

Sounds like the wheels are rolling well for you. Glad to hear you are running Lake Youngs. I'm not entered but I may come up and do a couple of laps for training and support.

If you spit you qualify as a tough girl? I think your running buddy needs to get a tat of a skull or snake to qualify as tough. We want pictures!

Jack said...

Sounds like your recovery is going really well, good job knocking out the 20. Too funny about the mole. I wish I had the hills that you do to train on, a wonderful advantage!

matt said...

Hey Sarah!

I am glad to hear about the positive recovery. You will have to let me know about the Forest Park 50K. I am thinking of doing that one next year.

I am not sure if I will be at DC50 this year. I am thinking of running most or all of a 150-mile Bike Tour that is in my area two weeks after DC50.

I am sure you will do great there...you said that was where you grew up, right?

- Matt

wendy said...

Wow, Sarah!

Since I'm new to your blog, I had no idea you were such an ultra runner. And what's up with the ice baths? Why do I keep seeing that pop up on everyone's site - you guys really are crazy!

Great job on your recovery!

Rick Gaston said...

Whew, that body is humming pretty well now, like a well cared machine. No taper leading to Eugene, good race, recovered nicely, pulled another long run and now heading back for more. Sweet! Very cool. Still remember your posts very early in the year of long runs with Sharon, now you're enjoying the fruits of your solid base.

So these are the days that you have to be extra vigilant about your health/rest since you're racing and training more esp. with a bunch of races coming up. Monitor your sleep, are you getting enough? are you waking up tired? Are you sore in places that's nagging or not getting better? Are you having the heavy legs feeling longer than usual? Little things like that which may seem insignificant by themselves. So far though it seems like everthing's working just fine.

I had no idea PCTR does events that far North now. I had to double check to see if you were talking about the same PCTR. That's so awesome, they are just a wonderful couple. I did my 2nd ultra with them and they have never forgotten me since. Sarah and Wendell are so down to earth, warm and supportive.

Bret said...

Sarah, so you are doing the Forest Park 50k after the Mac 50k? Rats! I guess I should do that too now. I hate it when people force me to run!Ha-ha! Hopefully we can meet face to face at Mac.
Love the Mole/girl spit story. I only jump for snakes.
Bret
MM #228

Stephanie said...

that's what I call busy!!!!!!!!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Great job on recovery Sarah & looks like a nice race line up----sweeeeet....

I had such a blast going up the trails at telescope peak in DV, I can see now why your "HOOKED" on Trails :-) they are awesome!!

Ryan said...

I wish I was as consistent in my training! Keep up the great work and enjoy the easy week before the next 50K.

Sarah Elaine said...

So... your recovery is my dream week for running. You're a star, baby!