How NOT to Taper November 21, 2007
Posted by kimayars Run
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How do you spell relief? I spell it A-D-V-I-L.
I got up to run with Beth this morning. ”How about five miles?” Beth cheerfully suggests? “Suuuuure,” I reply. “I’m a little stiff, but I’ll loosen up.” Wrong.
The morning was gorgeous: clear, cold, and the stars were amazing. It was also great to be back out with Beth. I could almost say Beth was giddy from finally getting out for a substantial run that didn’t involve a rather large conveyor belt.
At one point I looked at my shadow from a street lamp. I was a poor shuffling fool. I just couldn’t lengthen my stride. I felt a new blister form on my right foot, and I forgot to layer my undergarments and a new raw spot was forming. This was not going well.
We made it five miles, but at 4.6 miles I turned an ankle, so the last 0.4 was a sort of “power-walk” thing, but I must say my heart wasn’t in it. I nearly cried just out of frustration. Everything seemed to be working against me. Beth was kind enough to stay cheerful and coax me in that last half mile.
At home I continued to feel like crap. Achy joints, sore muscles, stiff. It was time to bring out the big guns: ADVIL. I love Advil. It’s wonderful. Four Advil and an eggnog latte later, I started to feel human as I headed to the barn to ride Ray. Better living through phramaceuticals, I say.
After arriving at the barn, something happened that completely brightened my day: our instructor showed up, ready to teach a lesson. Granted, we forgot to schedule the lesson. This meant there were a few moments of frenzied tacking of the horses. I really enjoy my lessons, so this was a highlight of my day.
See, Advil brings good karma.
My lesson on Ray as fabulous. He started out as freaky “oh-crap-I’m-gonna-die” horse but quickly settled down. We had some REALLY nice moments where his trot was forward, free, and smooth. This is in 35 degree weather, which presents a challenge in getting a 1000lb animal warmed up. Yet Rasyn performed admirably. I’m starting to get the hang of asking him to check his speed, but not making him feel trapped with the aids. “Freedom through correctness” is one of my instructor’s favorite sayings. It works for me too.
So my lessons learned today are:
- Don’t run 26 miles in 4 days. This is how not to taper, and frankly my body just can’t handle it without some significant whimpering.
- Don’t try and leap over drainage grates in the dark. You’ll probably miss and your friends will laugh.
- Take more Advil. You’ll be happier. Advil = good karma.
My day finished off with the great news that Sherene is coming to the clinic with me on Saturday. It’s SO much easier to do a horsey road trip with a friend. Then you have someone to look at in horror as things spiral out of control. 
So, I’m taking the next two days off. I think my body needs it. Either that or I need to start buying Advil in bulk. It will be all about turkey and family. I can’t wait!
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 11/21/2007
- Time: 05:30:00
- Total Time: 00:59:23.00
- Distance: 5.01 miles
- Average Pace: 11:51.46/mile
Comments
Four? FOUR Advils? Isn’t that 800mg of Ibruprofen, and unless under medical supervision, the maximum single dose is 400mg?
Consider yourself told off.
On the plus side though, it looks like you had a really crappy run, BUT the fact that you’ve run 26 miles in 4 days speaks volumes. Could you have imagined doing this, say, six months back?
Rest that ankle, stay clean and do your taper so that you can earn that swanky Sweat365 technical vest thing that I’ve been reading so much about.
Time to reduce your mileage by about 20%. 26 miles in 4 days is a lot. Time to chill out, let your body recover and regroup for Vegas. You’ll want fresh muscles for that.
I am not a doctor, but this is what I’ve been told by a doctor. Advil is good after the run, but not before because it is ibuprofen. I agree with Hobbes, 2 advil is enough. Aspirin is okay to take before a run. It’s a vasodialator, that means it opens up the veins to allow for better blood flow.
I’m not a doctor… either… but I will admit I regularly take 600mg of Ibuprofen if I’m really sore.
With my ITB injury last spring, I was on a doctor-prescribed course of 800mg of Ibuprofen 3x a day, so I guess that 800mg once to get me over a “hump” didn’t phase me. (I have an iron stomach). But four Advil does sound less invasive than 800mg. I have to admit I didn’t really think about how much I was taking.
I don’t take any medication frequently, just high doses occasionally.
And thanks for the information about Asprin vs. Ibuprofen before a run — I had no idea!
I’m no expert, but I think you should have expected the falling-out at the end of 26 miles in 4 days. Sheesh!! I’m proud of you and all… but take care of yourself!
I hope you enjoy these two days off… and Karl’s right, could you have imagined running that much six months ago? Man I hope I can get there some day… 
I read the 4 advil thing and then I said out-loud to the fiance “wow, four? maybe that’s how much I should be taking,” as no painkillers work for me. I have had frequent headaches my entire life and was immune to tylenol and ibprofen at a young age. But… maybe I should try four?
Or maybe not.
Again… I’m writing a book. Enjoy your time off!!