Countdown: Two Weeks to Race One

It's May folks. How did that happen so quickly?

My first race is practically just around the corner. I seemed to have found myself with a bit of a problem. Not too big of one I hope. In addition to my other workouts I've gone for a long run every Saturday for the last few weeks. I'm not fast by any means, but I manage to churn out nearly six miles each run.

However, two weeks ago after the run my calves were killing me! I thought I just needed to loosen things up. Sunday I did some light jogging, but followed by engaging in a short sprint with my son. That was a very bad idea. Squatting down on my haunches to lace up my daughter's shoes was excruciating. "Ice & stretch" was the sage advice I received, and so I did. I also took the rest of the week off from doing anything else. No running, no weights. Downward dog became a favorite stretch and towards the end of the week things felt better.

Thinking myself ready, I headed out on my run this weekend, only to find a few short yards in that no, my calves did not feel better. I toughed it out and plodded my way to my friends house. After meeting up, we ran another couple miles.

I'm not running this weekend and the following weekend is the Race. I'll definitely be doing shorter runs and sprints during this week and next.

I'm thinking better pre-workout stretches may be the key.  Anyone have some helpful suggestions or links to what has worked for them? I'd appreciate it, as hobbling is not my style!