The aftermath, and next steps.

The Aftermath

Now that i have had a couple days to recover from my second marathon, here's how i'm feeling.

I took the past two days to rest, but i already feel antsy to go running.  I miss it, especially when it's beautiful out.

I'm so hungry that it's terrifying.  There is just never enough food.  Ever.  

I have some lingering foot pain and numbness.  It's not unbearable by any means, but i don't just want to ignore it either.  The surfaces at Sunburst were less than ideal, and my feet are paying the price.  Lefty has a sore spot in between the heel and the arch, and righty has been numb in the big toe.

I am NOT in racing condition for this weekend.  If i hadn't paid WAY too much for 13.1, i would just skip it, but instead i am just going to run it very slow and comfortable, and bow out if at point i feel that i'm struggling.  This race means nothing to me, i am only going to see everyone anyway, so if i need to cheer people on from the sidelines, so be it.  

I am super pumped for Summer marathon training, which technically started Saturday.  While i was running a marathon.

Moving Forward.

Some things i need to work on this summer for my next marathon:

I need to get better about carrying water with me, especially during races.  I have still not mastered hydration.

I vow to run at least one run a week at peak heat.  Its going to take me a long time to adjust to it, but i don't really have a choice.  

Strength training.  It must happen.  

Attend the CARA speed training at least twice a month.  

I need to stop sugar coating ALL my runs with friends, music, and beautiful scenery.  I need at least one "mentally hard" run a week.  Somewhere ugly and lonely. 

I need to eat better.  The last month has been a nightmare.  A tasty, tostito nightmare.  

I need to work on my endurance.  I really started to struggle in the last 4 miles.  While training for Chicago, i would like to have at least one training run that is 22-24 miles. 

Thinking positive thoughts.  For some reason, around mile 23-ish, i just become a bitter and angry person. I become very self-defeating, and that's just not cool.  I need to learn to push through the dark spots and stay positive!