So I wish I could tell you right now that I finished my 16 mile run and that it was awesome... BUT, I can't, because I didn't. In fact, I didn't even start it. As I mentioned yesterday, I am having some pain in my calf/knee, and I rested and iced yesterday in hopes that I would wake up to it feeling better, but no such luck.. It's not excruciating by any means, and I could probably bang out a few sore miles, but why? For what? So I can injure myself and not even have a chance at my marathon in 5 weeks? Normally, my long runs are on Sunday anyways, so I figure, why not rest another day and see how it feels tomorrow or Monday? I skipped an 8 mile run this morning. Do it regret it? No. I'll be honest in saying that it is bothering me a little bit. I HATE not being able to run, and now with 5 weeks until my marathon, my leg decides to act up. Go figure. But, I have learned from past experiences (i.e my foot), that it's better to take a little time off and recover than try to run and then totally injuring yourself and not be able to run at all.
Since I have to take the day off (woe is me), I decided to sit here and think about the added benefits of not running for 2 days in a row. It's hard when you want to run but can't (or shouldn't). I had every intention of getting up real early, eating my whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, popping a couple of gels, throwing on my camel bak and new, bright yellow, polka dotted New Balance shorts and going out the door. I had my salted caramel GU and chocolate peanut butter GU packed and ready, a brand new playlist on my brand new iPod Shuffle, and it was a beautiful and chilly 50 degree September morning. And here I am, sitting here with an aching leg, wishing I was running or finishing my run with the greatest thing ever: The Runners High. But, I finally did what I knew was right, and I listened to my body... It's not what I wanted to do, but I have to be a smart runner!
Here is why I am grateful for these rest days:
1. My whole body is getting some much needed rest- For the past 3 months, I have been running (high mileage) 5 days a week, plus cross training and strength training. Naturally, my body is tired, so having a couple days off to not do anything is great.
2. I can sleep longer- When I go for long runs, I am out and running around 5 AM, so not having to get up lets me get some more rest, which is always nice.
3. I can spend some time doing other stuff I love- This morning, I woke up, got a coffee, made breakfast, and popped in a movie. I don't get to do that often because I am always running, but since I had the morning free, I thought, why not?
4. I can think about other meaningful things- Usually when I get up, the first thing I think is, how long is my run? How does my body feel? Will this run go well? But when I'm not running, I can think, what's for breakfast? What am I going to do today? What type of coffee should I get? It may seem small, but it can be exciting for a runner!
5. I can move easily- Sounds funny, but often after a long hard week of running, moving is not the easiest. Everything is sore and tired, and moving takes a lot of strength. After having a couple of rest days, your body feels back to normal and is ready to tackle another week of running.
As you can see, I am trying to make the best of not being able to run because of a potential injury. It's not easy, but sometimes it is just what you have to do. Sitting here and dwelling on the fact that I was supposed to run 16 miles this morning in beautiful fall feeling weather is dumb and only making me more upset. I am looking at the glass half full rather than half empty!!
1. My whole body is getting some much needed rest- For the past 3 months, I have been running (high mileage) 5 days a week, plus cross training and strength training. Naturally, my body is tired, so having a couple days off to not do anything is great.
2. I can sleep longer- When I go for long runs, I am out and running around 5 AM, so not having to get up lets me get some more rest, which is always nice.
3. I can spend some time doing other stuff I love- This morning, I woke up, got a coffee, made breakfast, and popped in a movie. I don't get to do that often because I am always running, but since I had the morning free, I thought, why not?
4. I can think about other meaningful things- Usually when I get up, the first thing I think is, how long is my run? How does my body feel? Will this run go well? But when I'm not running, I can think, what's for breakfast? What am I going to do today? What type of coffee should I get? It may seem small, but it can be exciting for a runner!
5. I can move easily- Sounds funny, but often after a long hard week of running, moving is not the easiest. Everything is sore and tired, and moving takes a lot of strength. After having a couple of rest days, your body feels back to normal and is ready to tackle another week of running.
As you can see, I am trying to make the best of not being able to run because of a potential injury. It's not easy, but sometimes it is just what you have to do. Sitting here and dwelling on the fact that I was supposed to run 16 miles this morning in beautiful fall feeling weather is dumb and only making me more upset. I am looking at the glass half full rather than half empty!!
Always stay positive and don't give up!!
Questions to ponder: Have you ever had an injury? How long were you out for? Do you feel bad when you take rest days?
Happy Saturday! :)))
Questions to ponder: Have you ever had an injury? How long were you out for? Do you feel bad when you take rest days?
Happy Saturday! :)))