Dear Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers,
I do not know where you came from, or where you've been, but I sure am happy to have you back in my life. We spent some time together many years ago, but then one day you just left and I had no idea where you were going or if you'd ever come back. I eventually got used to not having you around and I became one with my dear friend Slow Twitch. We did a lot of fun things together; heck, they got me through my first year of ultrarunning and two 100 milers! Then, I fell. I couldn't even use my good friend Slow Twitch for a short bit, while I hobbled around like the putz that I was. So, I was left with no other choice but to do the unthinkable...cross train (*gasp!*).
One day I woke up shortly after embarking on my cross training, and it was as if the planets had aligned and suddenly you decided to return to me. Oh how I've missed you Fast Twitch! You've put life and spring back in my stride! You've put the wind in my hair, and mid-run sweat back on my brow! My ponytail is so grateful to swish so fast during a run again. My running shoes are thrilled to share the road with you!
You do kind of make my left hip a little cranky, but I think the hips will get used to you being around so don't take it personally. You seem to be getting along well with my calves and connective tissues. I think the mitochondria in my cells really enjoy working overtime to produce more energy to help you propel me forward.
:)
I really love having you back in my life. You make my morning runs fly by, literally. I think that we should keep it to the weekdays though. I don't want to wear you out, so you can have the weekends off and I'll recruit ol' Slow Twitch for my weekend long runs. Gotta share the love, ya know. I hope you enjoy the compression sleeves I give you after each run; you make them look good!
I'm looking forward to a long and bountiful relationship with you again, Fast Twitch. It's been too long my friend! Make yourself at home and let me know if you ever need anything.
Welcome home, Fast Twitch, welcome home!
Love,
Crash
I need more details on how you found them. I have not been so fortunate myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to think it's a combination of things. I took a full two months off from any real running (due to a muscle tear I got from a fall during a race) and instead spent a fair amount of time pool running, stationary biking while studying (so nothing too strenuous) and fast walking on the treadmill on a 10%-15% incline for 30 minutes a day (more or less) to keep up my fitness. I also keep up with a bunch of PT exercises daily (lots of hip strengthening, core work and balance training). That's all I can come up with so who knows what actually contributed to it. I'm not complaining! I do plan on continuing with the pool running, and speed walking on an incline...feels so good and makes running hilly trails so much better!
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