I read on another blog about a runner who decided to take a full month off running (doing other exercise instead), with the philosophy that if you plan to run for the rest of your life, a month off is nothing, and it's the kindest thing to do to a body you've pushed to the limits. I thought that was a nice idea.
It was Tuesday, 2 days after the marathon, when my legs felt most sore. By Wednesday I felt almost back to normal, and that was helped by a physio session. I asked the physio about the silly myth that you finish a marathon an inch or so shorter than you started it. To my amazement, she confirmed that it was true! Then she shoved down hard on my back, there was a loud CRACK, and she said 'There, you're back to your usual height now'! Ouch!
On Thursday I decided to test my legs with a little cycle. It was typical Scottish weather - I went out in the sun, and returned 20 mins later in a heavy hailstorm! Hard little nuggets were pinging off my helmet as I rushed to put my bike in the shed and ran into the house. My legs felt tired again after that.
On Sunday I had another little bike ride - 6 miles through the countryside in the sun - gorgeous. I kept stopping to take photos, it was beautiful.
Monday included a bit of swimming with Pete and the kids, and some kite-flying by the beach. I felt really ready for a run, but later I had a bit of a cold and cough and felt really wiped out, so I decided to catch up on sleep instead.
So after 8 run-free days, I finally managed to lace up my ASICS and get out there this afternoon. I was home from work early, and had a little window of opportunity before picking the kids up. It wasn't the best run - after about 1 minute I realised the Garmin was still set to 'Biking', so I stopped and fiddled about with it. Then 5 minutes later, I stopped to try to take off my jacket while not dropping my ipod, it was all very complicated. I felt pretty heavy-legged, but it was an ok run.
Now I can't wait to get stuck into it properly again, and focus on some new goals now the big one is out of the way. I hope that all that mileage will have had a positive effect on my running and I can get some good fast times at other distances.
I've heard a lot of recovery advice and theories. The one I like the best is that the best thing to do the immediate days following a marathon is to get out and at least walk a mile or two each day. Supposedly this keeps your legs from getting too sore.
ReplyDeleteI require less recovery time now than I did when I started running 3 years ago. Maybe how long you've been running has something to do with it. The most important thing (here's my advice) is to listen to your body; if you feel like a run then it's probably about time to go out for a run. :)
I didn't know that you got shorter from running a marathon but I guess it makes sense. The photo you've posted is gorgeous. You're lucky to have such a lovely place to cycle/run through.
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