Settle for a slow down

Here I was eager to launch into my next marathon quest. I was even contemplating running the San Francisco Marathon which just happens to be only 6 weeks from Grandma’s Marathon. Hal Hidgon has a multiple marathons training plan on his website to guide me in my training approach. By the time I looked into his plan I was already behind on my miles. I still delayed getting out for my first post-marathon run due to the annoying cold that I have.

Today, I slipped on my running shoes, shorts and my jog bra and went outside for a lunchtime run with Mark. It was a hot day in the 90s, but it just doesn’t compare to the torturous heat on marathon day. No water, no sunglasses, and no sunscreen – my bag isn’t restocked yet – and still I figured that it would be fine. It was only going to be 4-5 miles at a nice easy pace.

I was so nonchalant about this run that I didn’t even mind starting out before my forerunner fully located the satellites.

The first half mile or so was not easy; I was breathing a little rapidly due to my stuffy nose. Finally, I settled into the pace as we made our way up a quick but steep hill and onto the paved bike path. After this point was when I became aware of my left thigh (just above my knee). It was hurting. This was not alarming. It was however a sign that my plans to attack another marathon were probably not a good idea. I really don’t want to drive my self to the point where I’d have to stop running so I’ll just be happy to slow it down a bit.

We stopped at the water fountain. I told Mark that I’d wait while he ran a bit farther and I would start back up when he continued back towards work. We were 1.99 miles out at this point. Mark was happy to turn back right there, so we continued back towards work on our semi-loop course. Being no stranger to injuries getting the best of his running, Mark began to probe me for whether this pain that I was feeling was the pain that said, “slow down; I’m sore” or “you stop or I’ll stop you.” It was too mild to tell, but I said I’d let him know. We slowed the pace as we continued back.

We ended up running 4.6 miles at an average pace of 9:15/mile. By the end of the run I didn’t even feel the pain in my thigh. After my shower however, I felt it again as I tried to climb the stairs. I didn’t question it; I just stepped back down and went to the elevator. I drank some recovery drink, and iced my owie. I guess I *won’t* be running tomorrow. For now, I’ll settle for a slow down.