Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Recovery: To run or not

The day after a race - do you run or do you rest?

Often I have chosen to rest.  After my half marathon in May, I took two days off from running.  But yesterday I decided to run even though I had just raced Monday.

And it was well worth it.

My legs were tight, my left hip was sore but once I got going I felt pretty good.  I kept the pace pretty easy and enjoyed a leisurely run in the 60F fall weather with my running group.  And after the run, I felt less sore and my legs didn't feel as bad as they had before.

Today - two days after the race - I definitely need the rest.  It seems like the second day after a race is always the worst for me.  I cancelled my run for today (partly due to all the rain we are getting) and pulled on my recovery socks in order to have a good recovery rest day.

Until I got into work - then things became a little different.  Most of my collegues know that Brian and I are getting married this weekend, in fact one of the groomsmen works with me.  So a few of the guys put together a plan to punish me! 


I have to walk around the whole day with a ball and chain attached to my leg.  Seems like I might be doing more sitting today than I planned since it is really hard to get around with this thing.

Happy Wednesday!

11 comments:

Marlene said...

After a big "A" goal race, I prefer to take a day off completely - but I really think that is more of a mental thing! Generally I feel better if I do an easy run after a race.

Ohmigosh that ball & chain is too funny! Have fun with that!

AND I'm looking at Lake Placid 2013 if you want to keep it in mind. :)

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

I often like to run the next day--but then the 2nd day is a rest day, like you did. That's often the day with more soreness for me too!
I love that ball and chain--good luck doing much today, ha!
:)

Suzy said...

Literally a ball and chain?? Too funny! After a race I usually do a really easy one or two miles to get all the "crap" out of my muscles and stretch them out some.

Amber said...

LOL! That's so funny! Take your much needed rest day :)

justme said...

bwahhhhhhhh love it

Christine said...

What a cute idea!! More fun for anybody else, I guess :)

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

Love the ball and chain! I usually run after a race, but take it super easy and never do more than 5 miles.

Lisa said...

OMG how funny is that! Looks like you work with a great group of people if you can all joke around like that. Hopefully though you really didn't have to wear it all day, I'm sure that wouldn't help your legs feel any better!

I sometimes take a day off after racing, but depends on the race and how I'm feeling. I kind of play it by ear. Glad you had such a great run Tuesday with your group! Are you super excited for this weekend?! Enjoy every minute!

Nicole said...

Happy wedding week bride to be!!! Love the ball & chain!

Molly said...

I usually take a rest day after a race, it's my reward : )

congrats on your race pr!!

Your co-workers are so funny!

I'm so excited for you!

Chelsea said...

I usually take the next day (or two) off. Often it's more that I need a mental break than a physical one. Sounds like you got your exercise that second day, anyway.