Back to Basics

   Today was magic. . . but not exactly a good magic. I turned what was supposed to be a ten mile run into a seven miler. This was not by choice. This morning was one of those mornings in which you are hopeful, but  not necessarily optimistic. I didn't know why, but something just didn't feel right. At about mile four I realized I was right. My calf muscles began tightening up more and more with every stride. If I learned one thing from my last marathon, it was that when something isn't right, don't try to power through it. Stop and fix it. So, that run turned into a long walk back to the car, and now I have a date with Tiger Balm.
   If you have never heard of or used Tiger Balm, it is a miracle drug. It's a menthol rub that you put on sore muscles or injuries. If you wrap the area up in plastic wrap after, it just intensifies it. The next day, good as new. I owe this find to my buddy Ryan, a professional dancer, who swore by it.  So, this afternoon - a date with Tiger Balm. Tomorrow - good as new.
   What I would really like to know is why this happened. I've never had this issue before. I can understand a pulled muscle or ligament, but this is different. It was like a cramped muscle, but more intense. Back to the drawing board, I guess. What am I forgetting to do? It's an amazing thing with this training. It doesn't stop at running. It is such an all encompassing part of your life. It's amazing. As you get going on it, it seems like it sometimes becomes a no-brainer, you almost go on auto-pilot. I sometimes feel like I don't have to pay as much attention to what I'm doing.  But now I think I'm going to have to start at the store. Meal plans are going to need to be a little more involved. Yesterday was a wonderful dinner of taco salad. Delicious, yes. Not exactly a great prep meal for my ten mile run today though. A good sustainable breakfast might have been better too. The bagel and smoothie didn't cut it. It never ceases to amaze me how what you eat and drink the day before can drastically change how you feel the day after. While I'm thinking about, I think I'll grab another glass of water too.
So for today, here is where I sit. . . legs all wrapped up, recovering, and a very valuable lesson learned. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow with a happy new set of legs.