Maintaining

So. . .after my own assessment of the situation along with some feedback from Lucho (and a note from the other Tim), I took Sunday and Monday off (other than some extended walking and pool frolicking) and then Tuesday I did 8 miles, Wednesday 6 miles and today I have 8 so far. All miles have been practically zone 1. Since I've been going fairly steady and strong for a month or so, this little break is not bad. The time off and then the slow jog for an hour or so a day flat has felt good.

Today's 8 miles though included some running on grass and I'm afraid I picked-up the pace a little because the hammy did nod its head. No pain. Just the sensation, which actually is a pain in the ass! Come-on! I carried on, stretched lightly, walked, jogged just to make sure I didn't do anything stupid. I'll ask Lucho what exactly he meant by take it ez for a couple of days and then . . . run through it. I'm tempted to give that a try.

When I saw my car, about a 1/4 mile away, I pushed the pace. I felt great and didn't feel at all you know what. Maybe if I just ignore "her," she'll go away. I actually started the run and felt a little twinge in the left hammy. That went away as the miles clicked. You're kidding me. She was. So, I'm just trying to maintain.

This afternoon will include a few more slow miles. This weekend, I will look to do a long run (~15 miles) on one of the days. We'll see.

Thus is the game. Pass me a cold ale.

Time to absorb (and heal)

Another solid trail run today. 10+ miles on a rolling trail, the last 5 miles at a kind of tempo pace. This one with a group of guys and we ran pretty well, big negative split on our 45min out 39min back. Yet we talked the whole way which is a good sign. I was definitely feeling it at the end, both in my breathing and my hamstring.

Because of this nagging hammy, I'm going to do some days of hiking/x-training (hitting the pool, spinning and did I say hiking?!). I have a run scheduled for Tuesday with a few of the guys I ran with today. So, Sun and Mon will be active recovery. Non-stress is what this hammy needs. I have to think big picture. Although I want to show-up at Bulldog and throw-down (avenge last year's beating I took), this is only the beginning. There is a lot that I want to do in the fall and winter. So why destroy myself for this one race?

Damn. But in the end these forced recoveries tend to be just what the doctor ordered.

Plugging away

Running regularly, climbing, pushing a little pace, easy. . .regularly.

Storing the proverbial hay. Hamstring is day to day. A little worrisome
but not too. Ran with Toby the other day and run again this Sat. with him and another guy.
Will be about 1:30 but I'll put in a little before. Great to run with some other trailers. Grateful.

Today is easy since the last couple of days were pretty tough.
Tomorrow I'll do some solid work, but be fresh for Saturday.

No complaints (other than that hammy!).