A Scare but Back on Track!

So Sunday was to be my last long run 18 miles.  I ran hard and in brutal heat Thursday, Friday and Saturday.    I felt good going into Sunday and thought I had hydrated properly.  I had been taking electrolyte pills with plenty of water and that morning  had filled water bottles with water  with NUUN Electrolyte tablets.

I ran the first 5 miles with Dan and Steve from BCRR and the pace was nice and relaxed.  It was already very hot.  For the next five miles several others, including CT , Allyson, Pete, John and Joe joined the group.  The pace was still nice and relaxed everything felt good and I was thinking about the run being over.  After starting the third 5 mile loop I noticed a tingle in my right hamstrings.  No biggie as my heart rate was low and I was drinking plenty.  Then very quickly around mile 12 it cramped up on me.  I didn’t say anything to the group I just let them go and I stretched and figured I would catch up when it loosened up.   It didn’t and I jog walked back to the start.  Once back  stretched for a while and then got in (stupidly??) a few more miles to make it about 15.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/338921413

The hammy remained sore the rest of the day so on Monday I got PT from Johnny King Marino from Advanced Sports Chiropractic.  He really beat it up but he said it was not bad at all.  Sore from the cramp that’s all.  That evening rather than run I jumped on the trainer for the first time in a long time.  Got an hour on the bike which mentally was better than an off day for sure.  Push ups and core work on the stability ball closed out the day.

http://www.jkmhealth.com

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/339646935

So today Johnny had me do a 40 minute hunger run.  I was a bit nervous going into the run this morning but after a bit of coffee and a large drink with electrolytes I went out.  I noticed a little “something ” right away but not like Sunday.  It may have been from the PT on Monday.  Anyway, it did not bother me and did not effect my stride at all.  I got in a little over 5 miles and felt good.  Phew!!  I did some work rolling it with the stick today and applied some heat.  It feels much better. Again, PHEW!

So one week from now I will be getting a plane for Israel.  I cannot believe it it almost here!!!  I will be ready.  I know I can run in the heat.  I just need to be smart about this. I know from July 4th that I can race in this heat as well.  I still have two weeks until race day so there are a few hard runs to go but most of the work is in.  I now need to get ready to race.  The goal is in sight!

Maccabiah Medals