Recovery Run

Today was my recovery run, as my muscles have been complaining non-stop for the past couple of days. It's no wonder really, just a nuisance that after 14.5K they would be upset with me for the exercise.

Instead of laying back and resting, I went for a recovery run. 4.5K along a relatively flat, paved track beside the water. It's beautiful really, but repetitive and can get very boring after the first lap. The scenery never changes, so I only run there when I'm absolutely desperate.

I started out, cold and shivering but stubborn to run. My gloves, I have found, are a huge staple in making a great run. If my hands are cold, then that is all I will think of throughout the run. It becomes tedious and unenjoyable. Thanks for buying them Dad!

I wanted to start out quickly, but not so quickly that I would burn out before the end. I was probably 30 seconds slower than I ran with the group last night. It was a nice brisk pace, pushing the envelope a little but not enough to inflame my lungs. Looking at the calm water beside me, I realized I left my water bottle in the car... and that I had to pee.

I'm a little disappointed with myself. My running is enjoyable, I love it. But I find that I become winded to easily, no matter what pace I go out at. I know it is partially due to my lung infection, but I should be healing by now.

I made it halfway, feeling confident I continued on, completely the second half of the figure eight track.

I stopped quickly, a little fearful. The running track surrounds a dog park, it is fenced in and a good distance from the track, but in the middle of it nonetheless. A medium sized dog barked wildly at the fence, jumping up and down while snarling at something on my side. It seemed to be looking at me. It would jump, put its paws on the fence and come very close to vaulting completely over. I tried to avert my eyes, taking a walking break and continue along. It was acting savagely due to a squirrel on a nearby tree.

I had finished the second half by now, and was approaching my car. Grabbing the water bottle left behind, I took a deep swig before throwing the bottle violently to the ground. The water was disgusting! The worst I have ever had, tasting as it smelled, like fecal matter. I sprayed the water over the ground and headed back to the track. The figure eight I had just completed measures to 3K, not quite enough for my liking. So, I did half of another loop.

My grand total for the night was 4.5K in 30 minutes, which is really good for me. I felt 100% better than I had when I first started and was glowing because I had pushed my limping self out for a 30 minute run, when others would have rested.