Mar 3

FIT:
Was itching for a run yesterday - felt decent enough for it, but I had a nearly 3 hr dinner with coworkers, so I just squeezed in a strength session.

Today, quads were still sore, but besides that, things are mostly ok - still sore, but not really noticeable. Did a 4miler at 1 degree in 30:00 exactly. I went fast b/c someone was waiting for the treadmill. Right knee felt somewhat unstable, but nothing too bad. Muscles feel very hard... don't know what causes it. My guesses: 1) they're stuck in a contracted position, 2) they're full of more blood than usual for good reasons (increased capillarization), 3) they're full of more blood for bad reasons (need for repairs, swelling), 4) they're full of new cells and/or bigger cells, or 5) they're full of fuel.

Ok, just googled it. http://www.active.com/mountainbiking/Articles/It_s_not_about_the_lactic_acid__Why_you_re_still_sore_after_yesterday_s_ride.htm
It's #3. Makes sense - if it's harder to work when they're stiff, there's probably something not good (in the short term) going on. And since it loosens up after a few days of rest or after some light exercise or stretching, it's probably not 2, 4, or 5.

Anyway, wore no soccer sox (I think I still want to wear them in the race), wore 1224's w/ Stab - first time with that combo, but the soreness/stiffness made me not able to really feel out the combo.

Splits> 7:59, 7:43, 7:18, 6:59 - ave 7:30 flat - good for a 1 degree and good considering the stiffness. It was hard holding it for the last 0.5mi. Ice bathed afterwards. Still stiff. Fueled up well post-run. Pre-run, fueled up a lot too - maybe too much even for immediately (minutes) before a run. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Ideally, an LR, but we'll see if my stiff body cooperates and me knee gets a little better.