Monday, April 23, 2012

Day 126 (4/22): 5 miles / 59:59

Well, it wasn't exactly a record-setting day... but I'm getting there.

The hamstring injury I've been dealing with had me a little nervous and, because I'm so afraid to get this close and not accomplish my goal, I probably overdid it with the time off.  Nevertheless, I'm determined to be in the best shape possible for marathon day, so playing it safe this week still seemed like the best option.  Today was no different. 

While I did intend to get in a few more miles, I found that my legs weren't really interested in the same game plan.  I decided to take it one mile at a time.  I wasn't necessarily happy to stop between each mile, but for various reasons, I'm glad I did. 

After mile 1, I stopped for a good stretch.  To avoid pulling anything further than I already had, I've avoided a lot of stretching this week.  Today's tight muscles definitely reflected that fact, so it felt good to get in a good stretch during my run.

After mile 2, I stopped for a brief walk and some stairs.  And, while everything else feels pretty good, I'm disappointed to find that running is the only time I feel any discomfort.  This, of course, worries me.  Oddly, I decide to try one more mile.

Mile 3 feels a little better, but there's no question there's still some discomfort.  I decide I'm absolutely not throwing in the towel for the day.  My pace isn't exactly record breaking anyway, so what's the difference if I take another break and run more later?  With my mind made up, I finish my third mile, then take a nice long break to stretch, ice, heat, ice, heat, stretch.

After a little more down time, I actually make it back to the treadmill for mile 4.  I'm proud of my persistence today.  A tub of mini cupcakes in the fridge seems far more inviting and I'm impressed I've managed to tear myself away.  Mile 4 feels even better than the first 3, further confirming that saving the cupcakes until later was the way to go.  Nevertheless, I feel the need to continue being smart and I wrap up this small addition to my workout with a little more stretching and a little more ice.

Mile 5 almost doesn't happen, but, for some strange reason, my son is now obsessed with playing in the basement.  His insistence on going downstairs gives me no excuse and I find myself back on the treadmill for another mile... and I'm so very glad.  This mile actually feels pretty good and gives me some renewed hope that things are going in the right direction.

I decide to call it a day after that.  It's taken me just 7 hours to complete all 5 miles, but at least I'm back to running.  It's been a crazy week without regular workouts and I'm glad to be back.  Something tells me these next couple of weeks will be difficult after so many days off, but I'll accept the challenge and do the best I can.  And, in the meantime, I'll focus on tackling those mini cupcakes.  :)

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