Rest and Recovery

So I had big plans for doing a speed test this morning. A 5,4,3,2,1 (500m, 5min rest, 400m, 4 min rest, 300m, 3 minute rest....100m - aiming for each 100m in about 15 seconds)
However, when I didn't wake up until 8 I decided it was a hint from the body to take a rest day.

Instead, I had a good chance to read the paper. Particularly, some interesting stuff in the Observer Sports Monthly.
First article was a day in the life of Paula Radcliffe
She uses her heart rate to help understand when she needs a rest.

"I take my pulse every morning. It's usually 38-40 beats per minute. If I'm training hard it might be 42bpm, but if it's 45 or above then it signifies that I haven't fully recovered and I'll either modify my training or take a day off. It's so important to listen to your body"

Oh to have a resting heart rate under 40! The key here is that she know what is right and wrong for her. Its a good tip we can all use.
She also talks about how she uses her training journal and the benefits of a cold bath!

The other article was about injuries to athletes and how they handled/didn't handle them.
A common theme of athletes coming back to their sport to quickly after injury and not being physically or mentally ready for it.

Spent the afternoon clearing out the garage. I've now got enough room to do squats with my six foot bar. So I'll be working that into the schedule next week. Also need to reschedule the speed test as I'm seeing my hurdles coach again on Saturday.