Ditched the schedule

I've decided to stop following my marathon training schedule. My main reason for using it in the first place was to help me build my mileage back. I've sort of done that now, although that will be a work in progress for a while yet. Also, the 35 miles at Pac Rim put a major crinkle in the plan and I need some time to recover. Finally, I'm going to be out of town at a conference three weeks out from the marathon and I doubt I'll get in a long run that weekend. But I'm not worried in the least. I generally like a two week taper anyway, so can get in a long run the next weekend when I return. Although I like to organize and plan, when I find that I'm editing the schedule more than I'm using it as written, then it's time for it to go!

Overall my recovery from Pac Rim has gone well. I need to remember that this was my first big run in 2 years and I can't bounce back yet as quickly as before. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I felt virtually no day after or next day after soreness. No stiffness, no problems going up or down stairs or anything like that. However, I was really tired from missing a night's sleep, so canceled my mid-week runs with my running buddies. When I finally went out on a short run with Marc on Thursday, I felt a lot more kinks in my legs than I expected. No pain, just dead legs and an overall creaky feeling. Friday I woke up with a tight left hamstring and I decided a long run this weekend was out of the question. No need to push things. I'm in this for the long haul.




Saturday was a beautiful day so we headed out to the Gorge for a hike up Angel's Rest. Everyone else must have had the same idea because the regular and overflow lots were full and there were cars parked up and down the side of the road. I've never seen that many cars, even in the summer. However, once on the trail it didn't seem too crowded.




Marc ran to the top and then ran back down to meet me and the little guy and hiked back up with us. Then they ran most of the way back, waiting for me occasionally. I was happy to hike and enjoy the trail, the trees and the blooming flowers.




This morning, the little guy had a party to attend so I waited until the afternoon to try another run. I went out to drizzle and got back home just as the showers hit. I was pretty wet, but still comfortable in my shorts and long sleeves. I love showery, spring runs! I could feel my hamstring, but its not painful. I think I'll be fine to resume a more regular schedule this week. And hopefully I'll be able to hit the trails more often. My goal race this summer is the Siskiyou Out Back 50k in July. So I need to work on getting my trail legs back!