I ran for the first time since Eugene on Saturday (5 days off) and my calves were like concrete by mile 3. I took it easy, enjoyed the views around Alki, stretched from time to time. I know that it's not uncommon to need a solid week off after a big race, but I think I could minimize the 'come back' discomfort.

I never have a recovery plan after a race. I only have a celebration plan. But lately my race feels like the celebration, and I want to race more. Rather than put everything on two races a year, then take weeks months off to sloth around why not get a few more good races in?

Next time I cross an important finish line, I'll have a recovery drink, an ice bath and/or a massage scheduled. And make sure I roll and stretch throughout the next few days. Then I'll sit around and eat fried food and have drinks. Because that's important too.

How do you recover/celebrate after a race? Do you think about races as part of a bigger season or does each stand alone?