Thu 5/2 - PM 85 minutes easy

Lincoln woods. Unable to reconcile myself to the fact that the legs would require an easy pace throughout after yesterday's session, which made for an overall mildly frustrating experience. Calf is of course a mess, the knot that lies at the core of the muscle remains solidly intact after the massage the other day and of course running on the track only aggravates things. Slightly warmer than yesterday but windier as well.

Wed 5/1 - PM 65 minutes incl. 3k-3k-1k, 6x200

Back to the track, feeling a grim sense of obligation and unease given how sore both calves have been of late. Having difficulty shaking the feeling that I wasn't quite ready for anything of quality on the track yet after Sunday's races, but the schedule forced my hand somewhat. Vacillating right up to the warmup on both what type of session it should be and the specifics as well. Finally settled on a mixed platter of progressive threshold and turnover work. The one thing I did know was that the initial 3k rep should start at 3:30 and go from there, hopefully progressing further for the shorter reps. Splits:

3:31.2/3:27.6/3:24.7 - 10:23.5
3R
3:27/3:25.7 - 6:52.7
2R
3:23.4

37.2, 37.3, 37.6, 37.3, 37.1, 36.9
200j recoveries 58-62

The breeze which has been reliable all week was stronger than I anticipated and of course a drag. Made the decision to wrap things up running 200s with the tailwind a no-brainer. Getting to that point in the workout was in doubt after the longer reps though, as they were uniformly a chore. Between the stiff legs and underlying fatigue, not even 82-3 second laps came as easily as I would have hoped. Right calf twinging a bit after the 1k, which started with a lap just over 80 and slowed from there. Not sure if I should continue but gave it a go and was somewhat pleasantly surprised as they went easier than expected.

Tue 4/30 - PM 70 minutes easy

Lincoln woods. Feeling a bit better and less awkward than yesterday, not that it's saying very much. Started slowly, ever so gradually picked up the pace to a middling level. Both calves sore in what has to be a DMOS situation. Conditions much like yesterday, I was expecting it to be a little warmer. After the run I got a much-needed and at times painful massage.

Mon 4/29 - PM 95 minutes very easy

Lincoln woods. Much-needed active recovery after yesterday. Both calves feeling quite destroyed, not unexpectedly. While in Mt. Misery I decided on a lark to head over to Farrar Pond, while the up and down terrain and uneven footing might not seem the best idea, as ever it encouraged an easy pace. While at times boring, the slow going allowed for admiration of the scenery as the spring greenery at long last is emerging. Enough of a breeze to keep things on the cool side.

Sun 4/28 - AM/PM - 80 minutes incl. 5k, 10k road races

Groton road races. Legs felt flat and weak warming up for the 5k, with the ongoing inability to get a good night's rest I wasn't feeling that optimistic. Realized before the gun went off that I would be running for second, adjusted tactics accordingly. Things were relatively relaxed the first few minutes, then picked up as I followed the eventual winner to get separation from the rest of the field. To my surprise, I was passed heading up the gradual hill after the 2 mile mark by someone who shouldn't have been making such a move at that stage. Figured I was beaten into third until he stalled about 100m later. Followed until the hill leveled off, made enough of a move to get clear and back into second and played keep away the final 600m. Splits of 5:05, 5:16, something around 5:30. Overall a controlled effort and somewhat tactical even, certainly could have run a bit faster if absolutely necessary. However, right calf was starting to stiffen up after the race and this combined with the underlying exhaustion came back to bite me in the ass in the 10k. Did some direct pressure 15 minutes before the start, not nearly enough though. Started with the plan of trying to keep the masters' leader in sight, as it turns out I was focused on the wrong guy. Regardless it became clear by the 2 mile mark that instead of getting closer to the person I was chasing I was falling back. With the right leg incl. hammie feeling sore it was quite easy to throw in the towel. Transition from tempo-ish pace to 6:20 pace was seamless. I wish I could say it felt easier than it did though, still working far too hard despite the slow speed. Calf was a mess after all said and done, as tight and stiff as it's been in a long while. The numbers are worth a chuckle if nothing else:
5:41, 5:48, 6:08, 6:24, 6:21, 6:34. Lots of foam rolling afterward, hopefully along with more conscientious stretching it'll make a dent in the leg's tightness. Warm and breezy day, but I don't remember any wind at all during the 10k.

Sat 4/27 - PM 45 minutes

Area 51. Similar to yesterday, only shorter. Spent a good chunk of the morning pulling weeds, then collapsed in bed after lunch. Running a massive sleep deficit right now. Calf continues to be stubbornly stuck, seemingly no matter what I try to do for it. Becoming just a bit frustrating. Warmer than yesterday but still breezy of course.