February 3rd, 2008
On the subject of running firsts, for the first time in my 11-month running career I cut a run short, not because I was injured, but because my legs were pooped. And the best part is, I feel great about the decision, dubious or not!
Despite taking two days off this week, I managed to get in a good amount of mileage, so today was to be an easy 8, bringing me up to 46 for the week.
Now, it’s a gorgeous day outside, and I was rarin’ to get out there, but I guess my Friday hillwork followed by 13 yesterday caught up to me, and it didn’t take me long to realize my legs were beat. No specific pains, just plain tired – which is a rarity for me, so worthy of attention.
Somewhere around the 3.5 mile mark, I decided that it wouldn’t kill me to call this an official “recovery run” and that I would stop at 6 and walk home from there. With the zillions of people walking around in the park, it would be a pleasure to join in the masses and take a sunshiny stroll to get home.
And that’s what I did, enjoying one of the nicest walks I’ve had in a while. So OK, it did feel like I was left out of the party every time a runner passed me, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do and sometimes the healthy choice isn’t the most ego-stroking one available.
Tomorrow I’m set for a tempo run, but I’ll be playing it by ear. If I’m still feeling draggy, I’ll make it an easy instead, because as I mentioned a few posts down, I don’t like a discouraging tempo run, but I do have a preference about tempos on Mondays, so we’ll see.
Meanwhile, looking ahead at the week, I’m excited because I’ve got 800s planned, which I’ve never done, so that’s something fun to look forward to! But back to the present…
It’s time for a shower and a walk to the grocery store for some Superbowl munchies. Go Giants! Kill the Patriot’s perfect record! Sorry Patriot’s fans, but like cutting a run short when your legs are too darn tired, a little Sunday Superbowl Schadenfreude…it just feels right.
Posted in Running
Hey Flo, I get to be first for once! I echo the superbowl comment, you can be so prophetic. I am glad you listened to the legs, they can be quite wise at times.
Hah! Congrats on your Firstness!! Yeah, that was a wild game…so exciting! And you are correct, the legs know, as today’s run will attest, just getting ready to write a post about it now…
I saw your post on dailies today (2/4), referring to your run cut short, and I KNEW you would have written about it. It is as you said, “… a rarity…worthy of attention.” Today, I set out to do more, but decided to call it a true recovery and cut it short. It was good timing to come home and see the reassurance from you, before you even knew I needed it.
True MIM. 
:):)
Lol, you and that MIM (though I’m strangely proud to be that for you, thanks for giving me that moniker, cutie
). We just have to remember that no matter what kind of schedule we’re on, body comes first. Besides, cutting a run short will not ruin our chances at the Olympics next year.