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August 11, 2004
drama becomes self-pity
Despite my efforts to be sensible about taking care of my sore leg, yesterday's track workout was a big depressing black spot. I hurt walking from my car to the track, I hurt changing my clothes, I hurt warming up a mile and a half before starting the speedwork, I hurt walking off the track to change into my flats.
Smells like self-pity, doesn't it? Coach allowed me to do a lightweight version of the planned workout: 3x400 with 200 rest, 1x800 with 400 rest, 3x400/200 again. Strangely enough, running faster hurt less than jogging, walking, standing or even sitting, but it still hurt. During each item I could tell I was holding back some, afraid I'd blow out and not be able to finish. I ran the 400s a couple seconds slower than goal and the 800 a second faster than goal, and I was in a pretty rotten mood by the end. The cooldown was really painful.
Coach and I hemmed and hawed about what to do, and I decided to take the next day (today) completely off from everything - no running, no elliptical or bike or stairmaster or anything. I haven't taken a day completely off since January. At best, it'll help this thing to heal, and at worst, it won't have any effect at all. We'll see tomorrow morning when I try running again.
Posted by joe positive at August 11, 2004 9:01 PM
Comments
You are so so so smart to take a day of complete rest. If it is any consolation, I once read that Paula Radcliffe trains in seven day cycles and takes the 8th day completely off - and that day sort of become non-existent. I think that is why she is rarely injured and she is always ready to run hard. Just think - taking 1 or 3 days off now is so much better than forcing yourself to run to the point that 1 day off turns into 3-6 weeks (I know, I've been there!).
Hang in there....and use this blog as a venting outlet if you have to! I hope your leg heals...sending positive vibes your way.
Posted by: bridget at August 12, 2004 11:56 AM
Thanks for the kind words. I was a little surprised that it was such a big decision to take a day off; rationally I knew it was the only thing to do but emotionally it seemed like a huge deal. Anyway, you're absolutely right that one rest-day now could save weeks later.
Posted by: joe positive at August 12, 2004 8:26 PM