Monday, December 17, 2007

Takin' It Easy

Well here I am, 9 days since Rocket City and I've run just once.

I went into Rocket City not feeling that great. My body was tired; my left hip was bugging me again and my heels were complaining a lot too. I definitely wasn't where I needed to be mentally to "attack" Huntsville. Thankfully my mood improved considerably being surrounded by so much runner pheromone. Besides its pretty hard to be a downer when you get to hang out with Wes and Joe. How the race went has been well documented.

Before I'd even gotten to Huntsville I had already given myself permission to take at least the next week off. Taking the week off was going to be made easier because I had a business trip to PA and NJ the week after the marathon. I returned to So Cal from Alabama on Sunday and headed back out on Tuesday, not returning home again until Saturday. After my first few marathons I always took a week off. I decided that I deserved, even needed, a week off this time around.

My trip would offer an opportunity to run on Friday or Saturday. I packed my gear but left it packed in the suitcase.

Sunday I woke up at home in my own bed and was ready for a run. Guess where I went? Can you all say - B-O-N-E--L-L-I! I headed over there at 7:00 a.m. and was off on my Sunday morning 5 mile loop. I had my watch on my wrist but didn't use it. I just ran for the fun of it. It was very enjoyable.

Later that day we drove #2 son to San Diego so that he and #1 son could attend the Chargers vs. Lions game. While they were at the game, the wife and I finished up our Christmas shopping and enjoyed a treat at Extraordinary Desserts (a very dangerous place).

I didn't run again today. It is still early in the week and now that Dancing with the Stars and Survivor are both over I've got my week nights completely free. I may yet get a run in this week or I may decide to enjoy another easy week, maybe even two, before I begin to crank things back up for 2008.

My first race of the year (my first ultra), the Twin Peaks 50/50, has been postponed. The postponement is a blessing in disguise for this tired soul. My plans for 2008 will require me to ramp up eventually but for now - I'm takin' it easy.

10 comments:

Tyler said...

Son #1 also is on break time.
Cold + Sore knee = 2 runs all week. That makes 4 runs in 2 weeks LOL.
End of this week / next week is things going back up for Marathon training, or 5k speed training, or w/e comes my way.
I love breaks.... And Ice Cream. Butter Pecan with Heath Bar. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Wes said...

Wow! I didn't know you had signed up for an ultra. Very cool. I'm kinda tapering easy too before Disney. No over doing. No "extra" tri training. Just chilling, one day at a time. Life is good :-)

David said...

Enjoy the time off...it is well deserved.

Sarah said...

Enjoy your rest! It's a good time to take a breather. : )

Jessica DeLine said...

taking it easy is good to do once in a while. I'm glad the TP postponed is a blessing in disguise for you :)

Unknown said...

I've heard that rest is a good thing, but I have yet to believe it. I look forward to hearing your plans for 2008.

Joe said...

Talk about Frequent Flyer miles, Darrell...wow.

Great report...glad you are enjoying yourself.

Unknown said...

smart move to heal up, refocus and regroup. I'm doing the same right now as I think about everything that I want to do in 2008. Have a great holiday from running

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your down time and have a Merry Christmas! :)

Legs and Wings said...

Hey Darrell, enjoy Christmas! All the best of the season to you and your family.