What a difference a week makes. Sunday the 12th I awoke jittery but ready to conquer a marathon course. Sunday the 19th I awoke content to bike a couple miles and conquer all-you-can-eat brunch. It's recovery week. Sleeping 9 hours a night (per Runners World's advice), reading more, eating more, walking delicately and then not so delicately.
I'm told it takes around 26 days to fully recover from a marathon. Week 1 was rough, those doubts still haunt me. What if I'm permanently wrecked? What if that cocky kid who knocked down tempos like a college kid knocking down shots at the bar never returns? What if my ankles never forgive me?
They probably will. They're already permitting a few gentle runs. Next month they might allow some speed if I don't overdo it. For now, here's my diary of recovery:
Tuesday
Another hour of walking around the neighborhood. My body only feels 20 years older and a post-walk ice bath works wonders on the blood vessels in my quads and hammies.
Wednesday
A half hour of stationary bike loosens something up down there. My walking's back to normal and you wouldn't know I was hurting just to look at me.
Thursday
I head out for a 2.5 mile run. "Run" is stretching things. More like a delicate shuffle with walk breaks every few minutes or so. No watch, no fancy gear, no attitude, just relief that I could make it around the neighborhood.
Friday
No time for the gym but that's ok. I need the rest.
Saturday
20 mins. more on the stationary bike. That afternoon I do a theater hike, gentle enough for audiences of all ages and not too strenous. Still, I need more ice packs after dinner.
Sunday
A few miles on a real bike are a piece of cake. Walking slowly around the zoo is actually harder on my joints than anything else. More quality time with my couch and NFL Sunday.
Monday
Now this is what running feels like! Another 2.5 miles in the morning, keeping my feet low to the ground and a gentle, even stride. Doubts subside with the pain.
-----------------
Week 42: 5 miles (sigh...)
YTD: 909.5 miles
On pace for: 1132 miles
Comments