Dec. 16, 2008

It's cold and snowy now, but until recently we've been blessed with very good running weather in Kansas City. Even though last weekend was windy, the temperature - at least on Saturday - allowed for a comfortable run outside.
I was particularly happy with the weather because my 14-mile run was going to be in two parts, and if I was going to have to go out for a second time, I sure didn't want it to be in some kind of extreme conditions.
I did a two-part workout because I planned to be in the Chili Run, a benefit run put on each year by the Mid America Running Association. The run goes around Wyandotte County Lake and covers 6.5 miles. It's very hilly and a great challenge. Best of all, the whole thing is very low key - no chips, no age group winners, and not many runners (maybe about 50 this year). Plus, the race costs only $5 and ends with a free chili dinner.
Since I had to get 14 miles in, I started the morning with a 7.5 mile run in my neighborhood. During the run I experience something like a muscle pull in my right calf. At first I thought it was going to be of those little twinges that go away after a few steps, but this one persisted. I finally had to stop and stretch and walk a bit to calm it down. I took off running and finished the last four miles very slowly. When I got home the muscle still didn't feel all that good, and I still had a 6.5 mile race to go.
I had only a few minutes, so I strapped an ice pack around my leg and jumped into the car for the 20-min. drive to the lake. Once I got there, I walked for a good 20 min. right up to race time to keep it loose. To my surprise, the leg never hurt as long as I didn't push the pace under about 8:30 (I finished averaging 8:55).
As of today the muscle seems almost healed, but to be safe I don't plan any speed work this week at all. I have no clue why it even happened, so it's difficult to make any training adjustments. I'm going to assume it's over-training, and try to ease up for a couple of weeks.