I'm on taper mode for the Mt. Diablo 50-miler happening on the 19th and it couldn't come soon enough. I made a poor decision in my training and I crossed that line between being really fit and peaking to over trained. Oops I did it again.
The week after the Pirates Cove 50k I was scheduled for a backdown week but I decided to press forward and train hard for the next two weeks and just take my rest with the taper. It seemed like a good plan except I ran out of gas before I got to this week:) I have been dealing with more than the usual fatigue, achy-ness and soreness that doesn't go away after a day-off, lack of motivation and bad sleep (waking up in the middle of the night, hard time going back to sleep, just as tired when I get up in the morning). This has been going on for the past 10 days or so. It doesn't help matters that it's allergy season now too. Nothing like waking up finding your sinuses stuffed, eyes and throat itchy.
Ah well I've been here before. When you catch it early enough it's easy to recover from. Monday I took the day off as I usually do after a long weekend of running. Tuesday was a short workout day and I felt fine but Wednesday I was back to feeling lousy so I took the day off. Just now I had gone out the door for a run but promptly turned around and decided another day's rest couldn't hurt. Right now I feel like the world's biggest slacker with a lot of unnecessary guilt for not pushing through. It's hard backing down. I have to be smart though and I have to practice what I preach - must listen to body. I've been pushing harder than ever so it's no wonder my body is getting beat more easily.
Things should hopefully be back to normal by the weekend. Meaning that, since it's taper time, short runs while keeping up the intensity and no strength training. On the way back I picked up the mail and got my number for the Miwok 100k. Mail going out includes my check and entry form for the San Diego 100. Big races are coming so I have to keep training hard and smart, which of course includes getting the proper rest and recovery.
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Best of luck w/Mt. Diablo !!!
ReplyDeleteYippee! I get to see you at Diablo & Miwok. Rest up Ricky. Your body will thank you and show you how grateful it is by performing above par at Diablo. ;)
ReplyDeleteI wanna do SD100! Take me with you!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Rick. I think you're smart to take a rest. I'm scheduled for Diablo and Miwok too, and wondering if that was such a bright idea (still sore from checking out part of the Diablo course last weekend). Tapering is hard, but I think it's worse for women. I feel the strength and conditioning dropping off pretty fast (or maybe it's just confidence!), so the urge is to keep at the training. But I've seen the performance vs fatigue curves, and it's clear performance wins out over fatigue for a couple of weeks at least.
ReplyDeleteGood luck resting up, and I'd appreciate any advice you have for getting through these next two events!
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, so when your on a taper it's natural to feel sluggish and slow. Is this what you mean when you say that you feel the strength and conditioning dropping off? If so you just have to ride it out. It's a like a plane on a steep dive, just wait and it will pull out of it on it's own. Runnersworld has a great article on this: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--10201-4-1X2X3X4-5,00.html
ReplyDeleteAs for advice getting through these two events, I only have one - Rest. I'm taking two weeks to taper and rest up for Mt. Diablo and I'll do the same for the two weeks in between before Miwok. No distance just short easy runs, a tempo or track workout if my body allows it. Recover, recover, race Mt. Diablo, recover, recover race Miwok.
Rick,
ReplyDeleteDude, I totally know what you mean about feeling fatigued and just basically rode hard and put up wet! You and I will both be running a 50 next weekend and then I get to rest! Best of luck in your next couple of adventures! Can't wait to read the reports! Peace!
Mark
Rick,
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with us endurance guys on just not wanting to rest? This week I was beat and my schedule was crammed. So when I did something I can't remember doing in over 6 months. I didn't workout 2 days in a row...and felt horrible about it...I just couldn't get out the door and I have been exhausted...Good Luck at Mt Diablo! I know you are going to kick it.
Good luck on your next race on the 19th. On the subject of rest, last Sunday I shortened a supposedly LSD run of 29k to 23k due to tiredness/fatigue. I could have walked the 6k,was it wise to stop at 23k? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're able to get plenty of rest this week and recover fully before the big race. No doubt you will be ready on the 19th.
ReplyDeleteRick,
ReplyDeleteYou are doing the right thing by taking some extra time off to let your body recover. It's hard, though. I've just had to do the same thing myself as one of my knees is acting up a bit. Good luck with your rest/recovery, and I look forward to seeing you at Miwok!
Thanks for the advice and link Rick! That story is so funny- I keep imagining stress fractures and tendonitis just like they say (at least I hope they're imaginary!). Plus a back spasm that threatened to derail everything. Gotta stay cool during taper I guess!
ReplyDeleteI'll say hello before the race starts b/c I'll only see your dust after that!
Cynthia
Great blog Rick...Now I can read all your articles and learn more about ultras...It's so timing that I've met you (through blogging).
ReplyDeleteGod bless you always bro...you're such a blessing!
Good luck! Aim for the top positon.
ReplyDeleteRest up, dude. You'll be fine. See you Sunday!
ReplyDeleteRick don't stress about it. Your in great condition and the rest will do you good. Just remember that SD 100 is your main goal I think so don't go out and beat yourself up at Diablo and Miwok. I'll see you at Diablo.
ReplyDeleteHope u been getting some good rest Bro & your ready to knock out Mt. Diablo!!!
ReplyDeleteAlmost Game time :-)
Rest is good. Like my Dad, the old track coach, keeps telling me, "Listen to your body." Take care of yourself, Rick!
ReplyDeleteWe are finally seeing some spring out here. 65 degrees for my run this afternoon! Things are looking up!