This post is about some questions I'm have and I hope that my few readers/lurkers will weigh in.
It's been a week and a half since the 50 miler and my running hasn't come back yet. I need to remind myself that I'm really not at the stage (and may never be) where I can bounce back quickly from a 50 mile race. I seem to do okay after a 50k and can usually get back into a reduced schedule the following week. But since Autumn Leaves I've had some lingering knee pain and now my foot has been bothering me...both on my right side. Neither were issues during the race, expect for perhaps a few random knee twinges during the last few miles. But I felt fine immediately afterward. Yesterday, my anxiety level was very high....worried that I might have a stress fracture in my foot. But I don't have any sharp pains and was able to run 3 miles on it this morning without pain. It's a little sore now, but the pain is more nervy. I'm sitting right now at my desk with my toes facing down/back, stretching the tops of me feet and shins, and I can feel it releasing. I have an appointment tomorrow with my chiropractor who does Graston and I'm looking forward to getting my whole leg worked on.
But really, this post wasn't meant to be about all my little aches and pains. My plan for the year, if I really ever had a plan, was to end with Autumn Leaves and then enjoy some rest and recovery time. But then the opportunity came along to participate in Across the Years. And it feels like a once in a lifetime chance. I was and am very excited about it! But I'm not sure my body is up for it at the moment. Maybe in a few weeks I'll feel differently. But right now I feel like I'm pushing when I shouldn't be. I'm very tempted to just drop the running for the time being and switch to walking. I've always planned on doing a lot of walking at Across the Years anyway. I think it's a given. Maybe after a few weeks of walking I'll get the itch to run again.
So my main question for those who know me and/or have experience with 48 hour races is: Do you think I can walk 100 miles in 48 hours? (But in all likelihood I'll do some running too.) I really want that 100 mile buckle.....
11 comments:
You'll be able to make a 100M mark in 48 hrs even if you walk simply without running, jogging or pushing the powerwalk. What you do need is figure out eating plan, resting plan, and naps. Cheer up!
Yeah, I need a good kick in the pants and some tough love! Thanks! Feel like I've lost my running mojo, but long walks sound appealing. I've been thinking and researching a lot about fueling and sleeping/resting and have a few options in mind for plans.
If long walks sound appealing, then that's what you should do. You could even make them intense and long, a la Amanda if you want. :-).
I think you're smart to listen to what you want/need to do -- it's when we don't listen that we get hurt. But listening does not mean giving up on your plans (and buckle goals -- does anyone actually wear those buckles?). It just means revising them a bit. So get out there and start walking/hiking!!
Thanks Carrie! Yes, some people do wear those buckles!
I'm always for listening to your body. Your mind will always try to talk you in to this or that, but your body - it doesn't tend to lie. I would give it what it is asking for right now. No need to make any other decisions than that for the time being. Good luck.
Thank you Teri! You're so right...all the what if's are just feeding my anxiety right now.
I don't have a lot of experience (as you know), but I do think that you will intuitively feel what your body needs. I think it's like food cravings, in that that way. If long walks sound appealing, that's probably where you should head for now. You'll pick up speed naturally, when you're ready. You'll never lose your mojo ~ that's what's driving you right now!!
I second Olga. I think you can do the 48 hour race-barring no stress fracture issue!
Sarah, you have some good input from everyone here. I'm not the least bit surprised to hear you feel a bit "blah" at the moment, after the 50 miler.
Stick with the ATY plan...even if you walk. It is a huge opportunity!! The fatigue and microinjuries, normal in a 50 mile trail race, will ease. Go with it and you'll be happy you did.
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Go for it! But, for now -- Give your body and mind some permission to rest and heal up for a few weeks after AL. Nap, eat, recover. Your legs should feel tired, you just accomplished a huge event! You are in great shape. Pick up the running again after a few weeks. Sometimes our head needs a break just as much as our leg muscles. 100M will be no problem for you.
What Olga said, you could definitely do it and I bet you would end up throwing a jog or two in there anyway to shake up the pace. A week and a half isn't a lot of time. More rest/easy workouts and you should feel better.
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