So after last week’s race, my calves were a little tight and I could feel a bit of tightness in my quads and hips for a day or so. Not enough to challenge walking but enough that I knew I had a good run. I gave myself a few days off then went it for a short “see how the legs feel” kind of run on Wednesday. It was short and slow; the shins were barking a bit, but I felt ok after some time with my recovery roller.
Today I had hoped to get out to the lake for some sort of trail run but unfortunately, although I was going to be at the lake for a few hours, my time was going to be focussed on getting the boat ready to be pulled for the season 😢. So this morning after dropping kiddo off at school, I headed back down to the pathway that I ran all last winter. I have another trail race coming up in 3 weeks that appears to also be very hilly so started my run further down the pathway so I could run the long hill behind the golf course. Oh how my attitude has changed. Gone are the days of avoiding hills, now I actively seek them out. What is wrong with me 😂?!?
It was only 5C and raining so I put on one of my new long sleeved shirts I just purchased (nice and fleecy inside), my long tights and my thin windbreaker, and my thin running gloves. I still wore my hat to try and keep the rain out of my eyes. By the time I got on the path, the rain really wasn’t an issue, but I definitely noticed these tights are not overly warm. Apparently Heatgear is not to keep you warm but to help keep you cool in warm environments. I’m not sure if I realized that when I bought them in the spring or not. Oh well. Nether regions were a little nippy so I may need to stop running commando until Spring and wear another layer on my bottom half. I plan to stop at a Running store in the city and spoil myself with some winter weight tights and a heavier running shell since I have proved to myself that I appear to be in this for the long haul..... or at least I should be to help with my mental wellbeing.
My run felt a little heavy at the start, not terrible, just slow, but by the end, after sailing up the long hill that used to seem so hard, I felt really good. I could’ve kept on but knew hubby was waiting on me so tootled on home.
It took a bit to get back out there this week, and the runs weren’t stellar, but I am glad I did. I’m am looking forward to hitting the trails again a couple times over the next 2 weeks before race day 😊
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Graduate10
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You volunteered to run uphill in the rain... wow! I'm impressed. At what point in your running career did that happen, and will it happen to the rest of us?
Sure will.... if you’re silly enough to sign up for a very hilly 5k trail race shortly after finishing C25k.... fall in love with it.... sign up for the 10k trail race the next year and realize now there are now 3 bad-@$$ hills....train your behind off on said hills all summer and decide next year the 20k is the distance to complete as you finish the 10k race and feel invincible...by first lets sign up for another hilly 10k trail race next month 😳. Ok, I might not be normal 🤪
I have to admit, i’m a little weird and never minded running in the rain or running hills (although I recall struggling with any slight incline when I was going through the programme). Wind....I could do without, but that is almost impossible with where I live 😩
Well done, Sask, especially off the back of a race! Not every run is a fun run, but all good work. And Heatgear is badly named! I always assumed it was to keep you warm too! Eeeeek. xx
Thanks Sadie. I was shocked at my lack of motivation this week; it had been so good all summer. The shorter, cooler days are likely not helping. All the more reason to get out running and help curb SAD.
Same, and couldn’t agree more - it’s a touch harder to get out now, but all the more important for us, even if for a short burst. Running got me through a long, hard winter last year!
Post-race blues are actually a thing! The only cure is to do another race 😕 I've read that we should take it easy for the number of days equivalent to the miles of the run. So, for example if we run a 10K which is 6 miles, then we should take it easy for 6 days afterwards. I must say I've never done this but I might it give it a try after my next race and see how I feel.
Thanks IP. My subconscious must've read that article without me knowing 😆. Time to get my head screwed back on and get back to running regularly this week, I guess.
The winter weight tights are lovely. My Saucony are gorgeous. You don’t want to ever take them off 🙂 Got Some Ron hills too. I bought merino under crackers to keep my hips warm on long runs. They’re boxers so,give good coverage
I think post race we do feel a bit flat, but that’s normal. You’ll be fine shortly, espesh if you have another thing lined up 😃👍
I remember your post about your lovely merino boxers last year and was wishing for them for about half of my run! I'll make due for the next few weeks, but will definitely be investing in some better gear for my lower half.
My running partner and I are doing the next race together. We're both feeling kind of flat so alternate between let's see it as a leisurely day out, taking pictures and having fun to lets smash this course 😆. We're getting together again next weekend to hit the trails again, so that may help determine what our plan will be. We've decided to make a decision that day and stick with it, but will likely change our minds many times until then.
Hills - damn hills! I have deliberately run up some small ones recently as I have a 10k next week with some short but steep grassy slopes. I too never thought I would be seeking them out. What a long way we have come!
Well done Sask, seeking out hills?? Yes, what is wrong with you??!!! Oh like a challenge obviously! Listening to your body & not over doing it will have you well prepared for your next trail race, go you, good run/bad run you’re out there no matter what x
Thanks MC. You're right, a run is a run is a run. I ended both my runs feeling better for it but haven't had to convince myself to actually get out there in a long time. I was a weird feeling for me. I'm sure the sudden change in season isn't helping. I'll find my groove again, I'm sure.
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