Saturday, October 11, 2008

A Moment of Sanity

I ran this morning for the first time since the marathon last Saturday. That's right - I took six, count 'em SIX, days off running! I realized while running Leavenworth that I hadn't fully recovered from Baker Lake. I was sore, I was tired, and my legs were heavy. My enthusiasm carried me a long way, in fact, I guess it carried me to the finish, but then I was spent. I decided that it was time for a break. Despite sleeping in every morning (except Pilates mornings) I found myself crawling into bed by 9:00 each night (that's better than I do when I'm getting up at 4:30!). I managed at least eight to nine hours of sleep every night. Eric took the break along with me - which was good, because he came down with a cold. I was hoping I'd be able to fend it off, but no luck - I've got a sore throat and congested chest. So far it's mild, hopefully my mega-doses of vitamin C will keep it that way. I also got a massage - I had Lorri work over the sore spots - both hips and my shoulder. She does amazing work - I'm pretty sure I should go see her every week!

It's funny, but after taking a few days off, I feel kind of clunky when I run. It's hard to find my rhythm and flow. We ran 5.5 this morning and I never did feel like I was moving smoothly. I hope that feeling comes back tomorrow morning. I plan to run this week, but not push it with speed or distance. The focus now is on being well rested for Marine Corp, just two weeks from tomorrow. I'm really excited about spending a week in DC, hanging out with Steve and Lorri, and visiting all the sights. The next two weeks at work are going to be intense, making that week off all the sweeter.

Eric and I've been working hard today - we are getting new carpets in the living room and the boy's old rooms. We elected to pull the old carpet our selves, as Eric wanted time to screw the floors down to eliminate squeaks. We've been packing boxes all day, moving everything to the garage. The two bedrooms are empty now, and he's pulled the rugs. We'll get Steve over tomorrow to help with the living room furniture - I'm not quite up to moving bookcases and the piano. We'll post some pictures of it when we are done - Eric painted last summer and we got some new furniture, the new rug is the final step. We really debated - the carpet we are replacing is the original one - 19 years old, so it's worn and yucky, but...we have old pets - an 11 year old lab and a 12 year old cat - and we all know what that means. We finally decided to just go for it and deal with whatever our lovely animals throw our way.

Okay, that's probably enough of Saturday night ramblings for you. Have a great week running in the beautiful fall weather!

17 comments:

Darrell said...

Look who's caught the reno bug now?

The rest probably did you good. I hope you can fend of the cold successfully. You don't want to take that with you to DC.

lizzie lee said...

MCM is one of my dreams. With all the travel that I do to DC and knowing the course pretty well, and loving indeed the Marines I don't understand why I didn't register for it... Oh well.. maybe next year....or 2010!!!

take care of that cold!!!

lizzie

Thomas said...

That's a lot of sleeping you did. It's definitely a sign of how you needed some extra recovery.

Sarah Elaine said...

Whew! I feel so much better now. I haven't run in days... Just too tired with long hours spent on my thesis. When I hear that others sometimes take time off to sleep and live other parts of their lives, I feel much more sane. Thanks, Michelle!

Anne said...

With all that heavy labor, who needs to run?! Keep taking that Vitamin C. The woman who sits in the cube across from me is doing the Marine Corps Marathon too. I admit it's one of my favorites, especially if it's an Indian summer day. You'll love D.C.

Mama said...

I forbid you from having a cold when we go to D.C. I will have nothing to do with it.

I got my office done and I am so excited. I'll post pictures on the blog.

Lorri

L said...

9 hours? I'm so jealous.

Have fun with your home overhaul this week! :)

(justrun)

Wes said...

I know how you feel. I too feel clunky after a few days off. Good thing it come back reasonably fast :-)

Ms Eva said...

A few days rest is always good...even for running goddesses like you. :D You'll be good to go for DC. Wishing you all the best!

Leslie said...

Ha! We are on the same lunar cycle or somethin' honey cuz I just took the SAME sweet 6 days off, as well!! It was awesome. It wasn't even planned, but I loved every moment of it!

Trisha W said...

Reading your blog is a soothing experience. I love it.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

I just packed my DC map in my car to give to you next time we meet. I didn't realize you hadn't been there till Lorri told me after MY massage (awesome BTW) So ya'll can borrow it. I've taken some time off too, itchin' to get back though.
Jenny

Joe said...

Good for you, Michelle. The Leavanworth report did feel "flat"...glad you took the days off. The rhythm will come...you know that.

Glad you are well...enjoy the decorating!

DoubleDigits said...

I stumbled across your blog the other day and wanted to let you know that I love it and (especially as a new runner) I find it really inspiring!

Jon said...

Clunky! That's the term! I couldn't put the right term to how I felt after taking time off to heal from the stress fracture (and post-stress fracture recovery). I'm still feeling clunky now with how slow this thing is to heal!

Jenn said...

new carpet - gotta see some pics!

lizzie lee said...

Congrats to you and Eric for completing the MCM!!!!!! Waiting for the report..