I had the flu and I’m already 2 weeks behind in my training. While all my peers were running 32km this past Sunday, I was only up to 30km. Although a difference of 2km at this point, it really does make a difference (to me anyway).
All in all, however, my 30k run this past weekend went quite well. My knees held up, my muscles weren’t any more sore than my last long run. BUT my hips were VERY ANGRY. That’s the best way I can describe that kind of “pain”.
A ‘running acquaintance’ told me a good thing for my muscles after a long run is soaking my legs in ice cold water to reduce the swelling and strain. Just the prospect of that alone made me shiver but actually trying to do it took not only my breathe away but took every ounce of rational thought out of my head. After 2 seconds of submersion I was out of that water like a rocket and filling the tub with hot, sudsy, bubble bath water. That may not have been a good thing for my muscles but it was a heck of a lot more soothing!!!
Next week is another 30k run, the week after that is finally my last, longest run of 32km and then it goes back down to 23k… just in time for the marathon… aaaarrgghhh…. I hope I’ll be ready….. (gulp).