(I’m wearing shorts, Mom. See them in the lower left corner)
Why in the world am I torturing myself?
So I can get out of bed Monday morning.
Let me back up.
I’ve got a huge race in 6 weeks. Today was long run day of 9 miles on the trails and hills. Preparation for this run began Friday night when I thought about hydration and nutrition for Saturday.
Sunday morning early (in between allergy attacks), I tried my usual mocha shake that I drink EVERY morning that I get up at 4:30 and go to crossfit. I can’t eat anything that early, so I drink my protein and carbs before and after a hard workout.
Recipe from Mallory at Tuscaloosa Boot Camp. I can never thank her enough for this. It is truly something I can and do drink 5 days a week.
11:30 pm-Start the run.
1:30 pm- End the run. It was a long run which means an LSD—long SLOW distance. That’s where endurance is built. The longer I can stay on my feet, the more prepared I am for the race.
This run ended with me smiling huge because I knew two things.
1. I could FINISH the race in 6 weeks assuming I do not injure myself.
2. I could FINISH the half at Copper Mountain in June.
All that is left is to keep working on building endurance, keep up the intense weight workouts and the speed will come. I don’t want to just finish. I want a better time from Twisted Ankle last year and I want a decent time in Colorado. But, even if that doesn’t happen, my legs are ready for both races 6 weeks early.
I know from experience that if I do not complete the following ritual, I will kick myself later..once my legs regain feeling.
The ice bath constricts blood vessels to keep blood from pooling in the legs. Yes, some soreness is good for muscle repair. But delayed muscle soreness and lactic acid build up, I can do without. I have been doing this after long distances and races and I believe in them. But there is a method to the madness.
1. Run just a little lukewarm water in tub just so I can sit in it. Turn water colder, colder and finally all the way cold. Let it rise to over legs. Add ice. Read book for 15 minutes.
2. If I try to get in an ice cold tub of water, I start shivering and shaking so much, I get breathless and my legs hurt from the shock. The frog soup method is MUCH BETTER.
So, happy Monday to me with no sore legs!
Lee
Monday 4th of April 2011
You are a brave woman! I've always been scared of the ice bath even though I know it's supposed to help a ton.