Tag Archives: recovery

May 30, 2014 · 11:06 am

I’m like really, really good at recovering.

CaptureIn my last post, I talked about how I needed some down time from racing and running. Well, it seems I took that to a whole new level. Being honest, I haven’t run much at all lately. And when I did run, it was slow and short and with barely any effort. And I’m ok with that. Its what I needed.  I’ve been spending weekends in Vegas and West Viriginia and with friends.  I was feeling really guilty about not running or even caring about running.  Then I got injured twice in two days. I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot and a pulled hamstring in my left leg. I think this was a sign that I wasn’t ready to come back full force yet. My body still needed more time to recover (recover from what – I’m not really sure?).  I know that when I am healed and start back that it will be a long and challenging road to get back to where I was. But I’m ok with that and I like a challenge.

In the meantime, I’ve been spending a lot of time with friends and family and catching up on those relationships. I vowed to never let running ruin time with family and friends. And I need to stick by that.  I read this post from @milespost (one of my favorite runner bloggers) and it puts everything into perspective and made me feel like I was making the right decisions.

So I plan to slowly work my way back up but without sacrificing having fun and spending time with friends and family. I will be the best recover ever!

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May 9, 2014 · 10:09 am

What now?

Some of you have heard me say that I’m done running after Boston. That I’m hanging up my running shoes. As a runner, you and I both know that’s not possible. Since the marathon, I’m left with a lot of time on my hands and empty goals. So what’s next for me?

cartwheel22

I wish my cartwheel form was that good.

At the moment, I’m slowing down. I’m not training for anything. Just taking time to recover and enjoy running (yes, I’m STILL recovering from that Boston course). I want to get back to spinning, swimming, and outdoor cycling. But most of all, I want to enjoy life and the spring/summer without any schedules or training plans. After a hard 14 week training program; my body needs down time and so does my mind. It’s important for me to ‘run for’ fun for a while. Hey, maybe I’ll even work on this blog a little bit. Lucky you.

In the meantime, I have some fun runs coming up – a Ragnar trail relay and a half marathon at a winery. I’m not training for either of these and will let myself just enjoy the runs without thinking about time or pace.  (This is very difficult for me to do.)   I also am signed up for my first 50 mile cycling ride (eek!) in July. Let’s hope I learn how to change a flat tire by then. I’ve always wanted to do a century ride (100 miles) but can never seem to find the time with marathon training. So I will work towards that goal this spring/summer.

I do have a fall marathon in mind (actually 2) with a set goal time but in looking at a training plan the other day; I would need to start training this weekend. I don’t think my body or mind is ready for that yet, so I will have to reevaluate the training when I’m ready….and my goals. Completing Boston felt like the ending of a good book. But I don’t want it to end; so I will start the next series when I’m ready. Until then, I will be lounging around eating M&M’s and doritos all day!

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March 28, 2013 · 8:41 pm

Post Marathon Blues

girlskipping

What I felt like the 48 hours following the marathon.

I was on cloud 9. Loving life, proud of my accomplishment, bragging, rewarding myself for my Boston Qualifier.  I was excited when anyone asked me how the marathon went. I’m pretty sure I squealed a few times, or at least I did in my head. I was at a good place not worrying about my next race, not worrying about a taper. All I was focused on was being proud of my accomplishment. And recovering. I knew I needed a few days to let my body heal. I let myself eat bad food and be a normal person for a few days.

birthdaygirlcrying

What I felt like a few days after the marathon.

Then a few days passed.  And I found myself missing my training schedule. Missing the daily accomplishments as I crossed runs off my list.  I was missing looking forward to a race and getting anxious/nervous about it.  To most non-runners, they think I’m crazy. Maybe I am, but I actually missed being in training.  I couldn’t just jump back in because I had injuries that needed to heal. I had to let myself recover or I’d be injured for a while and really out of commission.  My body needed to rest. And I knew if I tried to push it, I’d just end up disappointed in my workouts.

At almost 2 weeks since my Boston Qualifier Marathon, I decided I need to let myself be OK with not training year round and that taking a break is normal.  I’d typically jump right back into training for my upcoming race in May (half marathon).  This time however, I decided to make it a fun run. I’m not going for a PR or to win any race categories. I deserve to run a few races a year that let me enjoy the run. So that is how I plan to cope with the post marathon blues: to let myself enjoy running and take it easy this summer and not let running overpower my life. I’m looking forward to a fun run. And will try to make the most of my free time by doing more yoga, pilates, and spin.

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