So the NJ100 has truly set me on the right course to understand the capabilities of my body and the will it takes to ultimately step on the starting line. I think it takes more guts to begin to think of doing this type of races…once your body is in full motion then its a whole different ballgame. Your mind takes over and only you and your brain may control the outcome.
This weekend my mind had to take over as I ran in the Waterloo Trail by myself and got lost within the first four miles! Total bummer cause I just wanted to run 6 miles. Luckily the weather was awesome and I was able to keep my cool. I guess aside from the running…having the mental strength to keep and maintain your composure is highly critical throughout our crazy ultra events.
Following my completion of the NJ100 I have contemplated on what I have accomplished and how should I recover from the physical abuse I put my body through. I honestly did not do any physical activities for nearly 6 days following the race. Was this good or bad? For most people it is not the best approach. I thought otherwise and rolled with it. I ended up running a 5K a week following the NJ100 and felt amazing to be able to run again. My feet resembled sausages when I finished running the NJ100. So when I was able to run again in the 5K, it was a big deal to me.
Reality set-in a few moments later when I felt ‘something’ in my right heel. I immediately thought it was my Achilles. I was mortified! I iced. I elevated my feet. I iced again. But something was in there…I knew it. I saw my podiatrist the following Tuesday and explained the torture I have voluntarily placed my body through. Luckily! He mentioned that not doing any physical activity for days following the race may have led to me feeling something. That something may possibly be a bit of scar tissue in the heel or Achilles. Nothing to worry about……..I hope so cause I have been putting in some miles!!! Below are the stats for the first weekend of April:
3-28-2011
Mon-PM: 3.5 miles (0:30:00) Elliptical
3-29-11
Tues-PM: 5.4 miles (1:00:00) Treadmill Running
3-30-11
Wed-AM: 3.0 miles (0:30:25) Oadwood Village
3-31-11
Thurs-AM: 3.0 miles (0:29:17) Oakwood Village
4-1-11
Fri-PM: 6.01 miles (0:46:47) Through Clifton
4-3-11
Sun-AM: 12.31 miles (2:22:11) Allamuchy State Park
Total
- Miles: 34.25 miles
- Hours: 5:47:04
