Recovery

Recovery is one of the most important aspects of any kind of training. If you don't recover quick enough, you can't get back out to continue training or if you do, you feel bad, tired, fatigued and just not there.

My calf muscles were very, very sore after the 13K on Sunday. Monday morning saw me unable to walk after any time sitting down. Hobbling was all I could do. Waking up on Tuesday morning it was still pretty bad and I felt quite down...missed my scheduled 5 K. But I am beginning to play it smart. I went for a swim instead and spent a good 30 minutes in the water. I iced the muscles 4 times in 2 days. It worked. The swim especially I think did the trick. Some walking in the pool also helped ease the soreness. I'm also eating healthier and avoiding caffeine, empty calories like cookies and fried foods.

This morning I had planned to do a nice, easy-paced 5 K. But by the first kilometre I felt really good and upped the pace. I ended up running  a 4K at a 6:45 pace instead and felt good at the end. It's the fastest I have run without discomfort in a while. Followed it up with a good round of stretches. Some of the soreness has returned but nothing that will prevent me from heading out again soon I hope. I intend to swim a lot more though. It seems to help. Overall, my endurance is already improving. Long way to go yet. All the old doubts are creeping back and being ready for a 42 K in 4 months is looking daunting. For now I'm just going to put my head down and train.