Stir crazy

Having never run hills before, (Florida is pretty flat) I was not expecting to be as sore as I am.  The hills in Tulsa were no joke (for me) to run on.  I believe that I have reconciled that the reason my IT band was so problematic was because of the downhill sections.  I was being passed so much on the uphill sections, I made an effort to really lengthen my stride on the downhill and "coast" down faster.  I did actually pass a few people on the downhill portions, but I think the stress and pounding of those segments is what aggravated the ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome).  Anyway, that is my theory.  Also, my calves and quads are still sore.  Today is Wednesday and I am still sore.  I have not run.  I have not even exercised in any form.  I am, as the title will suggest, going stir crazy.  As I know I have mentioned multiple times, I don't like to run, but I am also aware that I do not like when I cannot exercise.  That has always been a problem for me.  I have to be out doing something or I begin to feel sluggish and frumpy.

I think it is even worse when you are in between races.  You have tapered a bit before the last race, rested a bit, and carb-loaded.  I did not run on Friday or Saturday.  Granted, I ran on Sunday, but now have not run on Monday or Tuesday and my legs are still sore on Wednesday.  I want to make sure that I rest and "heal" so that I can compete in 16 days in South Carolina, but I am feeling like I am stuck/trapped, and also like I am gaining weight at the sight of food.  I am also not sleeping well.  I am incredibly tired at the end of the day, to the point where I have fallen asleep in my chair at 8:30-9:00pm.  Then I go to sleep and wake up at 2:30am or 4:00am and just cannot get back to sleep.  I guess my body just does not know what to do.  Then to make matters worse, Monday was our 18th wedding anniversary.  Happy Anniversary Valerie!!!  These have been wonderful years because of you!  Thank YOU!!
We went out to The Melting Pot... and of course, I over-indulged with the cheese and chocolate.  Then tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I believe I will just become a big blob of fatty fattiness that is unable to move from the couch if I keep this up.

I HAVE to get out and do SOMETHING.  I think I might go for a light run after work today to see how I feel, but I just don't want to injure myself.  My IT band is feeling better, but it is still there.  I am imagining that a light run will make it hurt again.  Of course, rest, and ice and stretching and massage are recommended, I have done none of those things... except for the resting.  I think if I "rest" anymore, I might just croak right there where I am "resting". Wish me luck.  

Now that I think about it, it is probably all about balance.  Balance between resting and training.  Balance between doing too much and doing too little.  I have to tell you, and you probably already knew this about me, but I have NEVER been very good at the whole balance thing.  Yet another one of my many personality flaws I guess.  So, I don't know how I am going to figure out how to balance in this area.  I guess I'll let ya know after my run today.