I wasn’t sure if I would even post a weekly recap about this week, but I have been getting a lot of questions about how recovery is going, so here we go. This will definitely be the last post with “American River 50” in the title… I know, it’s about time!
Last week included a whole lot of nothing.
I am a big believer in taking time off after an A race. This time it wasn’t as easy as after a hard marathon, because I wasn’t that sore, but I knew that my body and mind needed a break after a long training cycle and a long race.
So, I self mandated 7 days off of running. The first few days weren’t that hard because I was just really tired, but come Friday, I really wanted to run! I almost went, but I knew that I should just stick with my 7 days off, so I did.
Not only does the body need rest after a long training cycle and tough race, but the mind needs it, possibly more! I think one of the best ways I have found to avoid burnout is to take a break before you need one. Taking time off after a big race, when you are all amped and really want to run, is a great way to rest your mind and get refreshed. I have learned this lesson the hard way.
So last week I was very lazy. I ate a lot of candy. I drank some wine. It was wonderful.
Then Sunday, fresh off of crewing inspiration, I went on a trail run and was rewarded with an incredibly beautiful day.
It was warm, it was green, there were flowing creeks to cross. It was perfect.
My IT band has been a little cranky since AR50, so I stopped the run at 6 miles. I am sure I had a smile on my face as big as I did 8 days prior. It was good to be back on the trails.
After my run, I grabbed my camera and walked around for a while, taking pictures of my happy place, while enjoying the sunshine.
All in all, recovery has gone very well. If my IT band wasn’t whispering to me, I would say I feel perfect. But since it is, I am going to make sure to take it easy, listen to my body’s signals and try to be patient. It’s not the easiest thing to do when I just want to go out and do a long run on the trails, but I know I will be soon enough.
Great that you are taking it easy – hope your IT band works its issues out!
I’m so looking forward to a week off of running after the Eugene Marathon. Recovery is sometimes harder than the training, mentally.
Enjoy your well earned recovery!
my gosh it is so gorgeous there, Aron! I admire you for sticking with your recovery plan and taking it easy, and recognizing you need a mental break (as well as physical). Hope your IT band calms itself down soon so you can be back out in full force!
Those pictures remind me of a trail run I did this weekend… Palomarin Trail to Alamere Falls. Not so much that it looks the same (Palomarin trail is in Bolinas and the waterfall is on the beach! You should check it out… a fantastic 9ish mile run!) but the green lushness and beauty of the area. A perfect weekend for being out on the trails! Have you had IT band issues before? I’m having new trouble with mine since Napa Valley Marathon, and it only seems to flare up in races or speed work. Do you have any tricks other than the usual icing, rolling, etc.? Good for you taking ti e to recover!
Yes I have had it before but don’t have any fancy tricks besides those you mentioned
I absolutely cannot wait to trail run. I come here for inspiration everyday
Way to go taking it easy! You deserve the break! Hope the IT band feels better!!
that’s awesome! congrats on your 50-miler, and good for you taking a break and listening to your body. i think you are a great example for the running community
and those trails look amazing!
Your body is amazing…only a little ITB pain after 50-miles of racing, gahh you are a ROCKSTAR!!!
I can’t wait to see you in SLO this weekend!
xoxo!