29 April 2008
Ice Ice Baby!
Posted by Shelly under: Shelly Batterbee .
Even one-hit-wonders can make great blog titles, eh? Originally, I’d considered titling this blog “Peter Pan and Windy.” The Peter Pan would be referencing our illustrious Coach Mike, who admitted this weekend he’s really a lot like he was 29 years ago when he was 5 years old. I can vouch for this, as Mike and I actually met way back in kindergarten. He indeed has the same sense of humor he did back then—thank goodness! It makes tolerating his hardcore coaching much easier. It’s been fun getting reacquainted with him and getting to know Coach Terry, as well. The “Windy” part? That, of course, is a play-on-words, but it refers to the wicked winds endured by those of us who chose this past Saturday as our long run day. I ran with RunGazelle, where Coach Woj told us before we all took off at our own paces that we should feel confident about May 10, as we have all trained in pretty much all kinds of weather at this point! So true!
And now for the Ice Ice Baby…My saving grace right now post-run time. I think I’m experiencing some compensation pain right now. At least that’s what I’m hoping it is. My left knee is really out of whack this past week (right below my knee), so that makes running a bit painful. I biked most of last week for my training, as even bearing weight on it is painful at times. This plays into the mental side of running—and makes me wonder if the pain is all in my head. Well, it makes me wonder that until I try going up the stairs and find myself using my hands to help me get up them.
I had a great run Saturday though, wind and all. I ran with fellow Road Warriors Bob, Julie and Shirl, as well as part of the way with my friend Jeanine, who was doing a loop with our friend Annie but was headed in a different direction for her route home. I have found I really enjoy these long runs with the company! The hills on Laraway Lake make the one we’ll encounter on the Riverbank course on Maynard seem easier, so that is nice.
Sunday I had the brilliant idea to run our Road Warrior Reeds Lake Lap, though I was feeling some pain from Saturday. I was hoping it would work out some of the yuck in my legs. It didn’t initially, but I managed to jog a pathetically slow 2 miles out of the 4.3 mile loop. I felt a bit like I was in slow motion, but I saw my pace was still faster than when I first started training. I told the guys to go on ahead—I didn’t mind going solo and don’t like to hold anyone back. But my teammates—Steve, Coach Terry, and Coach Mike—came back for me—thanks guys! They finished their loop and then backtracked around and walked the rest of my loop with me.
I took yesterday off as a rest day—those are actually difficult for me now. They make me feel lazy! I realize they are an important part of training, but sometimes it’s hard to tell myself that. Today I was able to get out of bed without limping and shuffling, so I guess that paid off. I even biked 7 hard miles and ran 2.25 miles after that. Not the greatest workout I’ve ever done mid-week, but my knee is still tender with the running portion, and I want to make it to the starting line in less than two weeks! I iced my knees and heel both Sunday and today after my workouts–what a difference keeping that inflammation at bay!
Hope the rest of you are feeling great now that we are in the taper portion of training. I know a lot of us Road Warriors are having the same mind games about May 10, but I have confidence we will persevere!
10 more days!
3 Comments so far...
Bob Says:
29 April 2008 at 8:06 pm.
I know what your saying! I feel lazy pretty much any day I don’t run. But, our bodies need to rest. It’s all part of the mental game that is running. Now that we start tapering and I need to stop worrying what I will do with my free time Saturday mornings after May 10th! See you later!
Deb Pieri Says:
30 April 2008 at 7:54 am.
Hey Shelly, I love the word ice. . . . so soothing! When my 15 year old son fills the bathtub with cold water and a huge bag of ice and then sits in it for 20 minutes after his tough speed workouts. . . I hear the deep, loud wail (scream) that only a teenage boy makes when he sinks into the tub. I start the timer and smile. I know how much better he will feel when he’s done! And I love the word taper!!! I believe we are all more than ready for it! You are ready. You have worked hard to fend off injuries and stay in shape even when you couldn’t run. Way to listen to your body, but still have control and strength! You set an awesome example! Go road warrior women!!!
Nick Katsarelas Says:
30 April 2008 at 8:25 am.
Shelly,
You’re a trouper for running 11 miles on Saturday through the pain But you know what to do. Rest. Ice it. Taper. And most of all, relax.