Ran a 56-kilometer race. On a whim. That makes me a kind of baby ultrarunner.
*Applause*
Thank you, thank you...but...
Now, a month later, I'm thinking I probably shouldn't have.
I don't exactly regret it. I mean, as an experience, it was very entertaining. Ran slow and easy, taking near about seven hours to cover the distance. It was good weather and I ran in great company. Learned a lot about myself, which is one of the things long distance running is all about, I think. Finished tired and sore, but not really extraordinarily so.
Here's the nub. My recovery seems to be lasting forever.
The discomfort is peculiar, and arises only when I try to pick up some speed. I took two weeks off after the ultra. Completely. And then started my slow and short distances, midweek. All systems seemed to be go, so I thought I'd do something a little faster. So one weekend, I decided to do a quickish half.
Crashed and burned.
Just couldn't take off. It was a disaster. No pain, but a completely inexplicable fatigue seemed to set in just a few kilometers into the run. It was almost like I was hitting the dreaded Wall. But just 5 kilometers out! Mid-run DOMS, something I haven't experienced since a long time, plagued me as I plodded along.
I cut that run short at 15, rested for a few more days, and then tried a fast 10. No...that didn't work out either. The same weird weariness quickly crept in and slowed me down.
So I've been in a bit of a slump for the past week, trying to figure this out. Did manage to get a couple of 'twilight-zone' 10ks in, but it took a lot more effort than I remember from October/November last year.
More rest. That is, of course, the obvious answer. Reduced frequency. Short distances. Slow speeds.
To the mix, add more lower body strengthening. Should work, I hope.
Moving on...
Tomorrow, I will run a 10-mile race, which will bring my running streak in Delhi NCR to a close.
It has been a memorable two and a half years, during which I went from a hesitant novice to an inveterate running addict. For now, my job is taking me out to a remote beautiful place at a higher latitude/altitude.
This is probably a good thing. At 6000 feet, the slightly rarified atmosphere should definitely help with cardiovascular efficiency. Plus there are hills. A lot of hills....
I dream of myself doing something like this...
So when I write next, it will be from the far wilderness...
Au revoir, city running.
*Applause*
Thank you, thank you...but...
Now, a month later, I'm thinking I probably shouldn't have.
I don't exactly regret it. I mean, as an experience, it was very entertaining. Ran slow and easy, taking near about seven hours to cover the distance. It was good weather and I ran in great company. Learned a lot about myself, which is one of the things long distance running is all about, I think. Finished tired and sore, but not really extraordinarily so.
Here's the nub. My recovery seems to be lasting forever.
The discomfort is peculiar, and arises only when I try to pick up some speed. I took two weeks off after the ultra. Completely. And then started my slow and short distances, midweek. All systems seemed to be go, so I thought I'd do something a little faster. So one weekend, I decided to do a quickish half.
Crashed and burned.
Just couldn't take off. It was a disaster. No pain, but a completely inexplicable fatigue seemed to set in just a few kilometers into the run. It was almost like I was hitting the dreaded Wall. But just 5 kilometers out! Mid-run DOMS, something I haven't experienced since a long time, plagued me as I plodded along.
I cut that run short at 15, rested for a few more days, and then tried a fast 10. No...that didn't work out either. The same weird weariness quickly crept in and slowed me down.
So I've been in a bit of a slump for the past week, trying to figure this out. Did manage to get a couple of 'twilight-zone' 10ks in, but it took a lot more effort than I remember from October/November last year.
More rest. That is, of course, the obvious answer. Reduced frequency. Short distances. Slow speeds.
To the mix, add more lower body strengthening. Should work, I hope.
Moving on...
Tomorrow, I will run a 10-mile race, which will bring my running streak in Delhi NCR to a close.
It has been a memorable two and a half years, during which I went from a hesitant novice to an inveterate running addict. For now, my job is taking me out to a remote beautiful place at a higher latitude/altitude.
This is probably a good thing. At 6000 feet, the slightly rarified atmosphere should definitely help with cardiovascular efficiency. Plus there are hills. A lot of hills....
I dream of myself doing something like this...
So when I write next, it will be from the far wilderness...
Au revoir, city running.
