Yesterday's bike ride went well. I didn't have any true pain, just achiness around the knee/ITB, and it didn't start until mile 40 (progress!). We rode 60 miles and I felt pretty good. The highlight of my ride was when I was able to take a bottle out of my rocket launcher (a double bottle cage behind my seat), drink from it, and replace it while riding. I've always stopped to access that bottle holder before, so this was a big step. Celebrate all victories!
After the ride, my awesome, all-knowing friend showed me some great stretches using a bike tube (ingenious!) to provide resistance/pull. These two new stretches give INSTANT relief to my tight ITB/knee area. Another victory! I've been doing the stretches three times a day, and I'm feeling great improvement. Now I just need to find something similar to stretch out the bottoms of my feet, and I'll be golden.
Today's scheduled workout was a one-hour recovery run. In an unprecedented move, I went against my training plan and did a hike/walk/trail run with JC and Sophie instead. The soft trails at Peachtree Rock felt wonderful and I just ran when I felt like it, walked when I felt like it, stopped when I felt like it... I didn't even bring C-3PO with me. The time with my family was just what I needed. My soul is much happier now.
Afterwards, a long, hot soak in the bath with some Dr Teal's epsom salts relaxed and loosened me. One more good stretch after that, and my legs feel fantastic. Not quite normal, but damn close.
So, with that, this hellacious week is O.V.E.R. I'm now officially in a recovery week. YEE-HAW!!! My body and mind are grateful for this reprieve. My long run and long ride will be reduced by about a third this week. In addition to the physical break, I'll have symphony rehearsals most nights to prep for Saturday's concert - so my brain will get a little stimulation while my body rests.
Shameless plug: You MUST come to the South Carolina Philharmonic concert Saturday, Feb. 9th at the Koger Center for the Arts. We're playing Mahler 5 (among other things). You will be glad you did!
And the REALLY exciting news - after this week, BASE PHASE WILL END. I'm giddy with anticipation! I'll get to go fast! FINALLY!!!!
