To Run or Not to Run

This question is sometimes harder to answer than one might think. After successful completion of the second half marathon of our series on Sunday, I took the next day off. Which leads us to today: I would normally think to take more time to recover after a 13.1-mile effort, but was somewhat at a loss for what to do with myself. Many preach the benefits of a recovery run. Get the lactic acid out, etc.  It was another chilly gray overcast day and I was lacking motivation.  I was also considering the question of how much time I need to recover and not risk injury. Injury is the biggest potential obstacle that could stand in my way of finishing this years challenge of 13 half marathons in 2013. I was in a funk.

I debated the issue silently until 3:30 p.m., when, finally faced with the knowledge that there would be no way I could run tomorrow with my schedule, I laced up and bit the bullet.  At times I have to use willpower instead of motivation. The first mile was tough. My gait felt more like I was trying to crush an aluminium can than gliding over the asphalt, my shins still felt tender, knees sore. I took a deep breath in an attempt to restart and regulate my breathing. Focusing on keeping one foot in front of the other without tripping and making a fool of myself as I passed the nearby girls school that was letting out for the day. 'Why am I doing this,?' I wondered. Soon enough I had my answer. Despite the doubts, I started to loosen up. After shaking off the cobwebs in my head, I made it to my usual trail. I passed the local high school cross country team and felt glad that I was also out and not at home still wondering if I should run or not. Silly. I finished off 4.5 miles feeling good. In fact, I passed the turn off to the house to squeeze in a couple more tenths from my effort. I'm back and better.

The moral of the story? Honestly, I dont know. I'm sure I will have this debate many more times but I'm glad I ran.
So how about some more pictures from Sunday!

Patiently awaiting the start

Another benefit of running!