Base training completed!

I completed my 15-week base training period last week with a 37-mile cutback week. I was feeling a little tired after weeks around 45, but better after the "rest" week. I did experience a little discomfort yesterday during my 11-mile long run in the hip/butt area on the right side. Not taking any chances, I hopped into an ice bath after I got back, and later last night I stretched thoroughly. I barely stretched at all last week--I need to be better about that!! Anyway, I'll see how it feels today when I run (luckily a shorter run of 4 miles). I did notice that it seemed to recede after I'd been running for several miles, so hopefully it is just tightness from not stretching enough? Ack, I hope so. I would be really annoyed to arrive at Week One of Pfitz only to be injured. One more belated New Year's resolution: stretch thoroughly every day!

Other than that, though, it was a good run. The weather was clear and over 40 yesterday so I broke out the shorts. It felt glorious to actually get some sun. A lot of other people clearly felt the same way; I saw loads of others on the Clear Creek Trail. I kept a good pace and didn't feel like I was working too hard. I know it's much too early to feel like we're emerging from winter (last year, February was worse than January) but that's sure what it felt like yesterday.

Anyway, today is the first day of marathon training, whoo-hoo! And it's...a rest day. Of course, I am modifying the schedule slightly to accommodate my half marathon training group schedule, so I'm adding short easy runs on some of his off days. With the option, of course, of turning another recovery day into an off day if needed.