Monday, August 04, 2008

Recovery Blues

I woke up yesterday morning feeling like I had run 30 miles the previous day, not 10. Wisely, I opted to take a rest day yesterday and spent it studying for my amateur radio license.

Today, I opted for a short three mile run at whatever pace felt easy, just to keep things loose. Heart rate was still high, not surprisingly. Since the run was so short, the overall heart rate (which was pretty close to normal for me) doesn't really tell the story. Looking at the splits gives a better idea:

Mile 1: 8:35 - HR: 125 (good for this pace)
Mile 2: 8:10 - HR: 142 (high for this pace)
Mile 3: 7:59 - HR: 147 (high for this pace)

As many runners know, the recovery periods can be frustrating after longer races. I'm itching to do more, but must be patient in order to recover properly. Sigh...

Ran 3.0 miles @ 8:14/mile pace.
AHR/MHR 138/154
Paved roads.
Slightly hilly.
Mid 60s, overcast, humid.
Shorts, singlet.

5 comments:

Devon said...

I am there with you Jamie. Some days I have been feeling excellent and the next day crashing and burning. As quickly as it seems we can forget that we just ran 100 miles, our bodies take longer than our minds and I have just resolved to be patient and hope that I feel back to 100% soon. Way to listen to your body though :)

btw, I might have to make VT a tradition, I had so much fun!

Love2Run said...

You're playing it smart Jamie. 'Run long and taper' or is it 'Run smart and prosper' ?

mindy said...

Hang in there - you don't want to push it and get injured... BELIEVE ME..haha!

Chef Franky G said...

Forgetting that I actually completed 100 miles, my body feels sluggish, out of shape and like I was hit by a Mac Truck. I got in a 13 miler Saturday which was nice but began to tighten up towards the end. Right now, cycling is all that really works for me, but still I hit the wall when really trying to push hard.

I will be in Portland, next weekend, 14-16th, so would love to go for a recovery run with the Maine crew!!

here's to recovering!!

Dubs said...

Good luck on your radio test!

I agree with Mindy - don't get injured! :)