Running to Keep the Wheels On the Road

Nearly 4 weeks into the training and things seem to progressing nicely.  The mileage is increasing at a steady pace, the injuries continue to stay at bay, and my endurance grows.  A few aches and pains flare up now and again with nothing that has altered my schedule or slow my build.

The title of this post references a mantra I took up last year, which is "run till the wheels fall off".  Although everyone always says "listen to your body", sometimes listening too much will cause avoidable problems.  The problem for me is always wonder if that ache is a stress fracture or if the pain is something to worry about.  I thought this last weekend I might have made a mistake, but instead I seemed to shake the legs out.

Last weekend was the annual Market to Market relay.  I, being the team captain, was able to pick the legs that most closely resembled the mileage necessary for my scheduled long run.  I kept telling myself that I needed to take it easy, not push the pace, and enjoy the run.  What really happened was I pushed my pace and ran at nearly my top speed for the distances I ran.  I was convinced, when I finished, that I would pay for pushing the next day. 

Instead, I woke Sunday tired and strong.  The legs felt great, with no ill effects.  The runs this week have been punctuated not with especially tired legs, but mental fatigue.  I am used to taking a break after a race and especially this race.  Instead, I am right back into the training plan.  I am convinced that this week might be a bit of a grind and that it will improve next week.  And, I can't be thankful enough that I can run.

Until we run again . . .