This has been a weird week. I don't know if I'd call it an IRONMAN training week because my focus has been recovery. I've been training this week for my massage on Friday. Seriously. I was so sore from my 70.3 that I was actually dreading my massage six days later. So, I've been working more on recovery than anything. I've given myself ONE STAR in my calendar for every recovery tool I've used. Check out my calendar:
Here is what I'm counting as recovery:
NAPPING: I'm such a good napper. And this week, I've taken a nap nearly every day. Sleep is HUGE when it comes to recovery and I milked it.
COMPEX: I've borrowed Jen's TENS UNIT and used it almost twice a day every day this week. Some people argue the effectiveness of this tool, but I think.
I like the mountains in the background.
FOAM ROLLING: On Sunday, the day after the race I rolled my ITB with the pint glass I won for third place! I was only able to use an ounce of pressure. By Wednesday, I was able to use an actual foam roller. The green cushiest one on the market. I was able to use my body weight on my back, hamstrings and calves - but my IT band would have NONE OF IT.
COMPRESSION: I only used my CLOUDS twice, but they felt so good. These compression leggings are AH-mazing. I used them when I was sitting down (was that only once all week?) and once when I was napping.
These are not my legs.
MASSAGE: Finally! By Friday, after all my other tricks, I was ready for my massage. I am a member of Massage Envy and have my favorite therapist, Nicole. I haven't seen her in a while and after my general warnings about my IT band and quads, I settled into a 90 minute session. She used a new technique: LomiLomi. The strokes she used were quick and invigorating and warmed up sore muscles before slowing down to work on the sore spots. It was exactly what I needed.
I did not wear a flower in my hair.