This last week zipped by so fast that I barely had enough time to whine about all the silly ailments, some normal, some not, after racing 100k. The biggest letdown was having to peel away from the excitement and fun of spending the race with my crew, Lauri and Karen. Their support and kindness will linger in my mind for a long time.
Other, more superficial things that put me on edge this week were my swollen legs, sharp pain on the top of my foot (where you lace your shoes), and poison oak, so attractive that the cashier at the food store puts on latex gloves as I approach check-out. Makes me wonder why I do this silly sport sometimes.
So, I took three solid days off after Miwok, two because I really couldn't run without extreme pain and the third because I was, well, pissed off about the pains and didn't feel like shuffling through 30 minutes of suffering for no viable reason.
I finally got out for a run on Wednesday for a bit over an hour, which was painful but nice to be out. Thursday sucked with lingering pain for just three miles, Friday I started coming back around with a nice run in the Headlands of nine miles, although I had extreme pain like a deep bruise in my left quad that made me very worried by the end of the run. Saturday improved. I nursed my quad by running lightly for the first 15 mins, then pushed into a stronger pace. Other than leftover aches that were exposed on the steeper descents, things felt great. The run was 15 miles covering a looping course from Muir Beach to Rodeo Beach and back. I'd like to say it was one of those gorgeously clear days where you can see busy San Fran and a sprawling, apparently human-less ocean in one swing of the head. But it was foggy (very), so I couldn't see much of anything other than the trail in front of me.
Looking ahead, San Diego 100 is the next big target. I'm on the fence whether to race the Silver State 50k this Saturday in Reno or err on the side of caution with the Wildcat Half Marathon. Opinions vary but most are saying not to race the longer distance. The odd thing is that the shorter distance races cause me injuries far more frequently. The four hour drive to and from Reno is a big factor. The windows in my car won't go down, so I get a bit claustrophobic after about 20 mins driving.
This may be one of the most boring posts I've ever written.
Happy Mother's Day, Lee. I hope it's a good one for you.
I thought ultra runners didn't feel pain.
ReplyDeleteThe top of my right foot has the same pain/sensitivity, I figure I must have worn the laces too tight one day. That's also why I'm always wary of shoes that have no padding in the tongue. That's one place (along with the heel) I would not cut weight.
BTW you can always spice up your posts by taking photos of flowers when you're at the supermarket.
I vote don't do either. I vote you run locally on whatever distance/vert/pace your body says its ready for. Save the entry fees for a few IPAs.
ReplyDeleteSmash a window and come on over for the day, it'll lift the fog. Cruise the 50k at my torrid pace, or with only slightly less effort hang with the little crowd and enjoy an event with no responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteBut rest well wherever, I'm looking forward to seeing you in San Diego!
Is the poison oak from the Folsom 50K? People are giving me a wide berth when they see my poison oak I got from going off course during your race!
ReplyDelete