A bit of a post-script to yesterday’s 18-miler. Despite feeling good physically after the run (due in large part to a cold bath immediately thereafter) my mood was generally foul for the balance of the day. I even woke up this morning grumpy. That has been the case lately, regardless of whether I have a great, good or poor LR. It feels like my emotional nerve endings are standing at attention and the slightest thing sets me off. Not sure what to do about it … if anything.
My mood did not necessarily improve during today’s run either. I was looking for only 4 miles for recovery. It is raining today, but that usually does not impact the Bridle Path (generally uneven and does not pocket rain puddles). In a bit of a surprise, the trail was borderline treacherous … lots of puddles, very sloppy, etc. The only time I avoid the Bridle Path is when it is iced over. I assumed I could easily bang out 2.5 laps to reach today’s target. I made it to about mile 1.25 and noticed a blockade … apparently another tree feel. Rather than do the smart thing and reverse course, I veered left into the grass to sidestep the blockade and keep going. Mistake. I slipped and slid for a bit. Certainly, it was not my finest hour (first fall ever), but I only saw a couple other runners idiots out there who saw me. No injury. Just muddy. My Little League Baseball coach would have been proud of the solid slide and pop up I made.
Muddy and fully trenched, I bounced up and continued on to finish the lap. Rather than risk another fall, I headed to the asphalt to finish up. The balance of the run was less eventful. Not many folks out at all. Earlier this morning Central Park hosted the ING NYC Marathon Tune Up (18 miles). My guess is most folks had hammered their miles and were now inside getting dry. While I don’t mind an LR in the rain, I’m definitely glad I put my mileage yesterday.