Quads

So far I've been really happy with some of the changes I've made in my running stride. The smaller, quicker steps definitely help me up the pace w/ less exertion. However, I haven't listened to any advice I've given to others over the years, which is: Go slow with changes. My new stride uses different leg muscles (mainly quads) and I'm really feeling them after my 12 mile run. I went out and did 4.5 or so miles yesterday and my thighs felt like they were on fire. I wasn't even going very fast! Interestingly, to me, when I tried to switch back to my "old stride" to give my thighs a break, my right side stitches roared into being. As soon as I switched to my "new stride", the side pains were gone.

I'm doing a lot of stretching and trying to get my legs to loosen a bit. I have a groupon for a 90 min massage, but the masseuse is out of town for the next week or so. I think today will be a walking day in order to give my legs a break. I'll definitely recover from this in a few days, but I want to take it easy and I'm glad I'm in my tapering period.