(Note: I kept my Soulfly flag until I moved this month)
Deep in the heart of taper week for the Chicago Marathon, my runs Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were done at a very easy pace and the miles were 6,5, and 6.
Monday I felt that continued.. ache that sometimes flared up at the bottom of my calf. No bueno, but it wasn't enough to stop me. I just took it easy. Also, I'm running from a new starting point, so I haven't gotten the feel for all my new mile markers yet.
Internally, this is my reaction to still trying to do last minute patchwork to my body:
Tuesday and Wednesday I had a rather unhappy stomach. I didn't give myself enough time for it to finish its business and I consequentially was making this face while I ran:
Tuesday my pace followed the pathetic feeling I had on my face, and dropped to a slow trot. I didn't kill myself over it, I was also trying to not feel any flare up in my hot spot in my calf. Tuesday evening I spent mostly unpacking, so my legs really didn't rest as much as I would have liked.
Wednesday went a little smoother, I decided to take some ibuprofen on Tuesday and right before my run, to see if it helped my ache/inflammation. It did. I still kept my pace slow as my stomach could react badly.
Highlights included a a side five with Erin @ Running Ruminations (a soon to be extinct thing in Chicago... BOO!!!) and I got to meet a super speedy runner I've been seeing for months 1-2 times a run. He caught up to me ( I heard the insane cadence as he approached - run without headphones folks if it is dark out!) He is aiming for a sub 3 Chicago Marathon, and judging by how fast I've seen him go, it'll be easy. Reminded me of how I was peaking in July. I'll get back there eventually.
I was looking forward to my physical therapy visit today, knowing they would calm me down and remind me I'll be okay. I got to the office, and explained my aches at about 180 words per minute, freaking out, and observing my therapist maintain a collective face through it all.
She does some checks on my subjective complaints and says that it is very tight.. my reaction:
She then works her painfully magic fingers on the tight muscles and scar tissue. I could feel the crunchies.. My reaction probably looked like this.. just with a little more pain:
She gave me some extra tips on how to loosen up the area, hopefully it helps!
And because Maggie @ Mag Mile Runner asked for more Ryan Reynolds Gifs.. my response:
Now for the rest of you reading, you are reading right? How is your week going? What is your go to meal the day before the marathon? Now respond!
I think I'm going to make some spanish paella with white rice and plenty of veggies.
ReplyDeletePasta and a beer at Maggiano's...super easy on the cheese though.
ReplyDeleteThe day before the marathon, I usually eat a big lunch (pizza and soup), and then have chicken caesar salad and a beer for dinner. This is my go-to meal for runs over 15 miles too. A lot of trial and error went into it!
ReplyDeleteI'm even more impressed with the gif collection with the inclusion of one from Australian morning television. Even if it is from a show that I can not stand.
ReplyDeleteToo bad that you're still having calf issues. But good that you've got more tips on managing it. So close to the marathon now that I am sure you're going to smash it regardless.
no! MOAR RYAN PLZ.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be sticking to my pizza on Saturday. Just need to be careful not to overeat. I'm feeling a hankering for some chicken parm and pasta on Friday night though.
ReplyDeleteMy week has been devoid of running and I am going stir crazy... stupid cold... Heading out today no matter what though.
ReplyDeleteNot running the marathon but I would imagine I would stick with Pizza if I did. I will help Eric get his Chicken Parm on Friday :-P
I will miss PT after the marathon.. my paid friends that listen to me and tell me things
ReplyDeletewhat! you drink beer?!!
Me toO! or at least I felt enough pain from it to make me think it helps! one more session!
ReplyDeleteThai food is on my safe list! I may try to have it for lunch Saturday, or dinner Friday!
<3 Paella!!
ReplyDelete"few", i'm pretty sure i'm chowing down 100g+ of carbs a day EASY. I want to do a sub 1:25 half as well WInter= form and speed training, plus lots of fun runs
ReplyDeleteMaggiano's is as legit as a chain italian place comes! I'll look for your doing last minute fartleks at the lake. When do ya'll land in Chicago? need to catch up on your blog
ReplyDeletePizza is on my day before list as well! What is your goto beer?
ReplyDeleteDidn't even know it was Autralian! As long as I finish in one piece and with friends, I'll be thankful
ReplyDeleteR U NAWT ENTER TRAINED?!
ReplyDeleteYes pizza! think crust for me. ANd maybe a bagel with peanutbutter right at bet time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting out with the cold!! I get antsy with just one day off.
ReplyDeleteWe are leaving tonight and staying in Michigan City...heading into town sometime tomorrow morning. Will be doing my last run at lunch today, an easy 5 miles.
ReplyDeleteI'm still here reading! I usually eat a big pasta meal two days before the race and then just try to eat normally the day before the race. That way I wake up on race morning and eat a good carb breakfast. This method has been working well for me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been running at all lately but I need to get back to it!
OMG that bunny gif had me dying. Especially since I can picture you making that face <3
ReplyDeleteThe bunny is my favorite! Good luck this weekend, and take it easy on those legs of yours! For me, I do some of my best tapers by taking it SUPEReasy the week of, and a short easy run the day before.
ReplyDeleteMy fave meals are:
2 Days Before: Burgers out somewhere
Night before: Pasta with red sauce. Doesn't matter what else is in it, but I need my marinara!!!
The bunny gif makes me really want to get into PT. Um, I mean, so does feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI like a big burger, fries and a beer (surprise!) the night before a race - seems to sit pretty well and fill me up for a while.
Glad your PT was able to help. We're getting so close, I can't believe it!
ReplyDeleteI like Thai food the night before a race. I usually go with pad thai (not too spicy, I made that mistake once) for the carbs + sodium.
Umm, anything that has a few carbs and is not too spicy. I just want to run the race already and then immediately start training for my sub 1:25 half marathon on Sunday afternoon. :)
ReplyDelete