I dragged my sorry butt to the pool today, really, really, really (is there a theme here?), didn’t want to go. In fact even as I was standing on the steps half in half out I was seriously flirting with the idea of getting out and just heading home.
The kids were particularly annoying today with their little races on the giant floaty things, seemingly oblivious to my head bobbing up and down and the fact that I was not highly maneuverable, I copped a kick to the head, a kid copped an elbow in the side (unintentional, come on, I am not pure evil) and frankly half way though I was gonna take my bat and ball and head home.
By the time I had reached snapping point there were only 2 reps to go so I just got on with it.
So this was the session -
5 minute warm up
2 sets of 6 by 2:30 hard with 30 second recovery and 2 minutes between sets.
5 minute cool down
I am extremely conscious of the fact that this is a danger period as I could easily just scrap the pool running altogether. Even though I am running every second day it is barely enough to maintain fitness, let alone improve it, therefore I have figured that until I am running at least 5 days a week that the pool sessions are here to stay.
And bloody hell, the way my body feels today you’d think I’d have run a half marathon, for pity sake it was only 7.3Km, even if I were allowed to run today I wouldn’t have. It’s time I started paying attention to proper recovery again. Last night I had fish and salad for dinner, in reality I should have gone for pasta, I woke up today feeling as flat as a tack and feel like I have been playing catch up all day. It is good to feel the running tiredness again though, it’s just a shame with this damn trip to Brisbane for work that I will have to wait about a fortnight for my next massage.
But despite the general weariness my legs still feel fine and at this stage I think I’ll be doing my session as planned tomorrow, this will be Walk 1 minute Run 15 minutes 3 times, so that is another 5 minute jump to take it to 45 minutes.
I didn’t sleep well last night, I kept dreaming that I was at the doctor and she was telling me my stress fractures were back 
Bloody hell, I have this over whelming craving for apple pie with ice-cream, fortunately I am already in my PJs and can’t be bothered schlepping down to Safeway to buy some. That’s right, saved from an unnecessary pig out by my own laziness 
And no, I am pretty sure that guy last night was not trying to pick me up, the way I look when I am running, especially now, is not exactly a particularly alluring sight 
Ok Em, this post is just too funny, I am laughing out loud! I am so with you on this. The very thought of pool running makes me nauseous. You’re absolutely right. A 7.3km run right now feels like we ran a half marathon…dragging a tire behind us! My friend Matty’s favorite saying is…”Isn’t running fun?!” Ha! So here’s my advice if you want it…if pool running (or any other cross-training) is making you tired or nuts, ease up on how much you’re doing. There is no danger in losing fitness taking a physical and mental break every so often but there is a danger in getting injured if you’re too fried to hold decent running form (I know, I know…my form sucks right now too). I think the stress of starting back to running is hard enough on our systems (and minds) and we need to recover. We should go into our running sessions rested and motivated. I would say at this point, when you need a day off, take it. Do some drills that emphasize a quick, light turn-over or do some core/strength stuff instead on that day if you REALLY have to do something. You’ve (we’ve) been working really hard and this transistion back into running takes more out of us than we realize. I hope this makes you feel better. I don’t want to come across as some know -it-all because I’m not. This is all advice I have collected from fellow runners and coaches I’ve spoken to. I think we’re doing just great and hey….we’re running again (:!!!
Ciaou for now!
Comment by Marilyn — July 26, 2007 @ 12:50 am
Hang in there Em, you are nearly there
Is bike riding still not an option (stationary)??
Comment by Lee — July 26, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Em, you continue to inspire me. It just goes to show what is achievable if you have a long term goal – and WHY goals are so important.
Comment by celeste — July 26, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
I was going to say essentially the same thing as the first two comments, and also say that a little intentional elbow to the kid would have been forgiveable, definitely not evil
And also, some apple pie and ice cream every now and then is fine too – don’t beat yourself up over that !
Comment by Andrew(ajh) — July 26, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
Em, put on some clothes over the pj’s .. nobody but you will know, unless you keep the fluffy slippers on.
Comment by kathy — July 26, 2007 @ 7:51 pm
yep//pool running and i are back on our hate hate relationshp..im finding it really tought to go(i am doing other exercise but the pool running sux when you get back into running
Comment by runjanerun — July 26, 2007 @ 11:51 pm