Self mandated time off from running stretches my will power to the limit. Last Monday, I went out for an easy afternoon run and couldn't jog without limping on my aching right foot. That morning I had done a medium paced 10 miler, which followed two very easy days on the road in LA. The pain that I felt in my arch surprised me considering how little I had run the previous three days. For months I had been managing the pain, re-arranging workouts, aggressively pursuing treatment options, and hoping for a miracle cure. At some point you have to aknowledge that simple rest might be the best, and only, option. That point came for me last Monday as I walked back home after my three blocks of gimpy jogging.
For the next nine days I did zero athletic activity outside of stretching, light weights, and core strength. No pool running, no biking, no swimming, just rest and ice. Let me tell you, it felt fantastic. My body was refreshed, my mind was sharp, and I was in a good mood for nine days straight. Feeling that good had me itching to get back out to the trails, but I resisted. If my foot didn't heal before I started running again, then I was just wasting time.
Yesterday I ventured out for a horrific 5 miler, followed by an equally appalling 6 miler today. The foot was a little stiff, which seemed acceptable, but the rest of my body ached like a old man. Its hard to believe how much impact stress running puts on your muscles and how out of shape they can get in a mere nine days. I have a new found respect for beginning runners who must feel like this every day. I've got 15+ years of experience and nine days off makes me hurt, what must it feel like when you've got 15 years of rest and nine days of running?
