Recovery and Mince Pies

Usually I give it four days after a marathon before I attempt another run, and this time was no different.

Monday was the usual post marathon pain, upstairs not so bad, coming down a tad more difficult, the feeling of 'dehydration' after a few drinks Sunday night didn't help.

Tuesday was much better, and I was out and about as normal with just some tenderness at some points.
Wednesday back at work, and no discomfort whatsoever.

Thursday after work,mi was eager to get back out for a run. I know enough to know how the first run usually goes, slow easy pace, and for me usually no more than 5 miles. I went to the local track, and launched into some very easy laps. The pace was around 8 minutes, dropping to 7:30 as I warmed up.
While there was no discomfort, after 2 miles I started to sweat badly, and the legs got uncomfortably tired very quickly, so I finished at three miles, and was happy with that.

No running Friday, it's always best to ease into recovery.
Saturday was a beautiful day, so I headed out intending for 6 easy miles. I ended up doing 8.5 miles, pace varying from 8:15 to 7:25, but at no point was I watching it really, just running to feel.
 Two of the miles were also on grass, which I find also very beneficial during recovery period.

Today was a beautiful day, but I resisted the urge to go out for a run. After over 8 yesterday, it would not have been wise to push it today. I think part of the reason I tend to avoid injury so well, is that I listen to my body, rest when I need to, and don't push things when I feel a niggle.

The other common trait after running a marathon, is wanting to run every marathon within the next 12 months. If I've done well, I'm out to try and capitalise on a good result, when I do badly, I look for the revenge race.  I expect to do no racing until well into next year. While I will not stop running by any means, I will take an 'off season' between now and January as I always do. I am already tucking into the mince pies, Christmas cake, ice cream and chocolate biscuits, and I do not feel one bit guilty.
I hope that my fewer runs will retain a bit of quality, and I hope to do some strength work over the next few weeks too. Inevitably I will gain some junk pounds, but life is for living, and if I deprive my inner fat man all year, it makes the rest of the year all that much harder.