Thursday, May 5, 2011

7 days from Half to 5k

While I am recovering from the half this past Sunday, I am also preparing for my second 5k of the season this coming Sunday.

It almost seems cruel to my legs to throw them right back into racing so soon but I just could not pass up this race for a few reasons -

1. Sunday's 5k is a female only race
2. It's a flat course where I set my PR last year
3. And I honestly like the 5k race distance

Monday and Tuesday were definitely rest days for me.  I just did not want to jump back into running too quickly.  Wednesday I went to the gym to make myself get on the elliptical before attempting an easy run.  My left leg still felt a little tight so I stretched and foamed rolled all night while catching up on a bunch of episodes of Biggest Loser.

Thursday the weather was too nice to have a rest day.  We don't get too many cloud-less sunny days around here so after a little wedding appointment I was home and in my running clothes.  The hamstring/left leg still felt tight but I managed a quick workout with 4x400m at 5k pace.


Other keys to recovering and racing in the same week:

1. Get extra sleep
2. Resist the urge to over eat
3. Drink lots of water

Even thought I knew I would need extra sleep this week, my body has been reminding me by falling asleep on the couch way before my bedtime.  Plus I have been avoiding my morning runs for the sole purpose of getting in the extra sleep.

I guess we will see how Sunday shapes up!  In the meantime, it seems that Spring has finally arrived!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

i think it's awesome you're mentally ready to hop into this race regardless of how you're physically feeling. my mind takes forever to recover!


but i think it's totally cool from all stand points. especially since it seems you're taking sleep and other recovering aspects seriously. GOOD LUCK!

Amy said...

That "Resist the urge to overeat" thing is not working for me this week! Good thing my next race isn't until the end of the month!

Nicole said...

wahooo! GOod luck this weekend! :)

Rebecca said...

Hmmm... I need to re-think my sleep strategy. I have not been getting too much extra sleep this week. Eeeek!

Marlene said...

You don't waste any time. :) Sounds like you are doing all the right things to get you into racing shape again by the weekend. Good luck at the 5K!

Badgergirl said...

Good luck this weekend!

Jennifer P said...

I've run back to back half marathons and your advice is perfect! And have a great race!

No Longer Using said...

i think it's so much fun to race a bunch, especially when you are feeling GOOD!!!! i hope the race was wicked fun and that you felt good. i love all women's races :)

Angie said...

Good Luck! :) I've never done a women's only race but sounds fun!

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

Good luck on the 5k I love that distance also. Great job your your second half!