Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Stronger Each Day

To go from absolutely no running for 12 weeks, to building a base, to increasing the miles is familiar territory for me.  I know we all are different, and our bodies adapt differently to hard training, but mine is so predictable.  At first, it’s like starting over from the beginning where a 3-5 mile run feels, and looks, like hard work at what would be considered an easy pace.  When I download my data from my Polar, my heart rate (HR) is in the red zone, and I feel like I ran 3X actual distance (physically and mentally).  My long runs feel like torture with my feet aching from the pounding, my legs get tight from the work, and my mind is week and restless with the wanting to find an excuse to stop short of the intended distance.  Then the frustration knowing this was once a really easy run not too long ago.  Nevertheless, the body and mind needed some down time to recoup and get the mojo and strength back.
Then something magical happens, like a flip of the switch, my 5 mile runs feel routine, with a faster pace and lower HR, to the point it feels comfortable.  My long runs now become something I look forward to as I experiment with nutritional intake, pace, and HR.  My attitude improves as I balance pushing myself while avoiding injury.
Trail Run Pics at FATS
 I know when I start back running, it’s going to be tough.  But I also know after a few weeks I will hit that magical switch and everything will be where I left it going into the break, only better.  I hit this point last week and it felt great.  The only thing I need to be careful of is an injury because this is when I’m most vulnerable.
Trail Run
As for training these past two weeks:
Mon – 5M & weight lifting
Tues – 6M tempo & weights / bike
Wed – 7M
Thurs – 4M & weights
Fri – 5M & weights / bike
Sat – Off
Sun – 24 M
Mon – 3M & bike
Tues – 7M & weights
Wed – 5M tempo & weights
Thurs – Bike
Fri – 26M on Trails (perfect day and felt incredible being on the trails again)
Sat – Hill repeats
Trail Run
 And to top the week off, I was honored by taken my daughter to the Father / Daughter annual dance at social.  I learned the foxtrot and a few other dances that where an absolute blast.  After, it was Dairy Queen for hot fudge sundaes.  Making memories for a lifetime, one day at a time!

17 comments:

Char said...

If only the body would remember where it was at when you left off running. Wouldn't it be great to be able to store fitness?

Olga said...

Don't you love that "flip of switch"? Welcome back!

Georgia Snail said...

Welcome back!!...oh, I see Pinhoti on the wish list...I spent sometime crewing out there last year, what a great race!

Hone said...

Nice.

Lindsay said...

i feel that way about 3-5 miles when i've only taken off 1 week... i doubt i could walk a mile after 12 weeks off! i know you know what you're doing though - keep on truckin'

Big Daddy Diesel said...

You are so right about "something magical happens, like a flip of the switch" one of the great things that happens for endurance athletes

Ronda said...

Love the bottoms up improvement cycle. A good reminder of how all our hard works pays off. Tough road a first. Keep up the good work!

DawnB said...

its wonderful when you know your body so well. welcome back. I am feeling much better these days myself and I feel awfull that I haven't blog in ages.

DawnB said...

its wonderful when you know your body so well. welcome back. I am feeling much better these days myself and I feel awfull that I haven't blog in ages.

DawnB said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DawnB said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DawnB said...

its wonderful when you know your body so well. welcome back. I am feeling much better these days myself and I feel awfull that I haven't blog in ages.

DawnB said...

its wonderful when you know your body so well. welcome back. I am feeling much better these days myself and I feel awfull that I haven't blog in ages.

DawnB said...

sorry about the double posting was trying to delete taking too long something with word verification

Black Knight said...

Only one day off? You are a running machine.
The dance: I agree, it was a great honor for you.
Welcome back.

Anonymous said...

Hey Thomas! Not sure for how long you've been off running, but needing just a few weeks to get back is amazing. I need MONTHS!! Anyhow, welcome back! (I'm back, too (formerly "atrailrunner")

Raina said...

Thanks for finding my blog :) and for the comment.

Sounds like you are where I might be soon...Lord willing.

Why did you have 12 weeks off? I am concerned that I might have a long break and then line up at Boston without a clue as to what I can/cannot do. My only layoffs were short, with reduced running (or to have a baby) and I jumped back to where I was before the baby (not high miles).

Anyhow- real glad that you are making strides in a great comeback!
Whew! You have a heavy weekend for running! That must be the ultra thing :)