Post-marathon, my coach asked me to take a full week off (or even two) from running since I had quad issues pop up during my taper and the race. I generally feel ready for 2-3 very easy miles about 4 days after a marathon, sometimes even sooner. Though I knew I’d get antsy (spolier alert: totally did!) I agreed to nine full days off.
Excerpts from my training log about my recovery time and return to running:
(Race day was Saturday, April 3)
🔹 Sunday, 4/4: Maybe overdid it with a long-ish bike ride, but I think it actually helped my legs. Got the blood circulating!
🔹 Monday, 4/5: Aaaaaah, no plan! This feels kind of nice to have a break from structured training.
🔹 Tuesday, 4/6: Legs are in decent shape. No need to hold the stair rail on the way down!
🔹 Saturday, 4/10: I’m missing running, but managing better than I thought I would. Biking, walking, and yoga are helping.
🔹 Sunday, 4/11: Okay, getting antsy…
🔹 Monday, 4/12: Feeling soooo ready to run!
🔹 Tuesday, 4/13: Post-race run #1. So grateful for this perfect weather to get back at it! This run was pure joy.
🔹 Thursday, 4/15: Maybe it is true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder. The first 2 post-race runs have been extra joyous.
So far, the quad issue has not re-emerged. Would it have if I’d jumped back in sooner? Of course there’s no way to tell, but better to be safe than sorry. While the potential for injury was the primary reason I took the time off, the bigger benefit may have been letting myself miss running. For the last two weeks, I’ve enjoyed this rekindled appreciation and gratitude.
What a gift to be able to run!
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 13: What showing up looks like.
Are you in the middle of a training cycle? Running just for you? Taking a needed break? There is no one way to show up. Consider your running and resting habits and how they support your well being. What does showing up look like in this season for you?
March 26, 2021