A popular saying in trail running circles? Friends don’t let friends run on pavement.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a trail snob. I will run anywhere.
But boy do I hurt.
This morning I woke up feeling stiff in all the usual body bits, something I haven’t felt in months. Sunday’s 20K navigating Red Deer’s streets really did me in. Clearly I did not give my body the tender loving post run care that it needed.
Lately all my long runs have been on the trails in Kananaskis. Maybe it’s because I run so bloody slow but I generally felt fine the next day. Not this time. I was so stiff at yoga. I could barely touch my toes. Thankfully everything eventually loosened up by the end of class.
Still I felt the aftermath of the pounding for the better part of the morning.
TWO LESSONS
1. Post-run care is so important. After my run on Sunday, I did a bunch of errands. I was pressed for time and I wanted to make sure I completed everything on my to-do list. Next time I have to take care of my body before I start rushing around in all directions.
2. Take it slow on long runs. What a newbie mistake. I am probably hurting today because I ran faster than I should have (even though I wasn’t running that fast.) I must continue to listen to my body as I get back into the consistency game.
To be clear, I am not injured – just sore. I forgot how it feels to be “just sore” after a hard effort. Maybe I should keep all this whining to myself.
All that pounding on the pavement can do some damage but only if you let it. I am really, really trying to work on my running posture and mechanics. (Thanks yoga for reminding me of the importance of proper body alignment.)
I strive to be a lifelong runner. And I think running on trails will be key to making this a reality.
WHY TRAILS?
It is much easier (at least) on my body.
I love being out in nature. I love mountains. I love trees. I love oceans. I love running from bears. I love it all.
I feel at peace with myself and with the world.
I feel much more engaged in my run.
It allows me to slow down and escape the madness.
Growing up, I used to escape to the woods to get away from the family drama. Hiding among the old oak trees and wild blueberry patches became my safety net. After all these years, this feeling of safety has stayed with me. Whenever I feel upset or need to clear my head, I head to the mountains or the nearest forest.
It’s also my happy place.