Posted by Andrew (216.232.202.249) on January 10, 2004 at 16:06:35:
Juerg, after 2 months of mostly A1 easy running, I proceeded to challenge myself with a 45 minute A2 workout. It felt pretty good, to be moving well, and picking up a bit of speed.
Here is the question...post run pain was significant the next day, and continues three days later. WHy?
My first thoughts are eccentric loading; though there was very little downhill running on the course. I also thought I would be better prepared due to my long preparation runs, but maybe they did not give me the strength I have needed.
My next thought was flexibility, which has never really been a problem in the past, but may not have been challenged when running at an easier pace.
I am still able to run comfortably, but the thought of doing another A2 workout anytime in the next week seems a bit ambitious. I feel as though I should stick to the water and bike until fully recovered. The other thought is to continue with A1 workouts and shorten my strides while the muscles are making their adaptations.
What do you think is the best way to recover at this point? DO your elite athletes hurt after their A2 efforts? For how long? When is their next scheduled workout? When do they next push the pace? If their performance continues to improve despite muscle soreness (for example on the bike), is it safe to continue to push the other disciplines.