One big difference I have always noticed following trail runs, versus road races, no matter the distance I have very little soreness afterward. Following both of my road marathons (in 2005 and 2007) I was terribly sore and could be found walking stairs backwards for a few days. Now, I don't know whether to attribute this to the harder surfaces of the road creating more wear on my body than dirt trails, or if it has more to do with the fact that I take a preemptive icy hot bath after long races nowadays (since 2009), but I'm happy to accept the present outcomes....relatively easy recoveries.
This marathon was no different. Sure I had a bit of soreness in my left hamstring, but if you follow my blog you know that isn't an uncommon occurance. I've actually had tight hammies, paticularly the left, semi-regularly since college (my dreaded problem area). Since I was feeling no tightness or soreness today, except the left hammy, I decided to take a nice easy jog to loosen up the remaining acid buildup in the muscles so I can start piling the miles back on by the end of the week (I'm aiming to hit my 50% target for the year in the next week and a half). Today was an absolutely beautiful day to get it done.
After work I set out in search of a few random slow miles, winding through my usual haunts on Capitol Hill and up to Lincoln Park, shaving off the add-ons that get me my traditional five mile jogs. The first mile was, of course, tighter than the other two, but it also loosened up relatively quickly. That's not to say I was cruising at my normal pace - I wasn't - but going well enough to feel satisfied. It was also great to see so many other joggers and walkers out enjoying the waning rays of sun in the twilight. Always inspirational in these times of growing couch potatoes. At any rate, I should have a couple more slow runs this week just to keep shaking any leftover problems out and then back on track later this week (fingers crossed). Happy trails!!!
Stats -
Miles: 3.08
Time: 28:11 (average pace of 9:09 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: a little stiff, but fairing better than many
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