Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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!

18 comments:

  1. I think having one training run of 22 miles is so key. I think that really helped me last year.

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    1. So true. I am not one to ever disagree with Hal Higdon, but for me, (also knowing that i can handle high mileage with few problems) I intend to have more than one 20 mile run, and at least one 22+ run.

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  2. Well you know I can help you with that one. The LG trail is 21 miles, and we can always make it 22 :) But as far as sugar coating your runs... If you run to enjoy running, you don't NEED to make it hard on yourself.

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    1. I am pretty sure the 22 mile trail run in July will sufficiently provide hardness :)

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  3. yessss!!! i'm so excited to train this summer :) lots of fun saturday mornings and suburban runs with crazy mustache camera guy!

    and about this saturday, i'm with you. i'm not racing this, i mean i'll show up because it was free ;) but i plan on enjoying some easy miles on the lake front.

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    1. sweet! I'm glad i wont be the only one not taking it seriously then :)

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  4. I know it's not likely, but I sure hope to see you on Saturday...I pray I can finish this one even just a little bit stronger.
    You have great tips, and are a great inspiration...xoxo

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    1. It's going to be hot again, but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right??

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  5. I think you're a total rock star!

    It's good to hear you're mostly recovering, and that you have a great plan for your future training. Hope to see you at the 13.1 this weekend!

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    1. I will be there, but i will definitely be taking my time for that race!

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  6. wow, I am a horribly angry person in mile 2, you are much better off than I am ;)

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  7. Mile 23 is definitely always the beginning of the hardest miles for me for sure! Ugly thoughts come rearing in! Good luck with your training and possibly, I'll be seeing you on Saturday at the 13.1!

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    1. I will be there! With bells on! Or at very least, i will show up and not be cranky. :)

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  8. Replies
    1. I know - that is my biggest fear right now! Luckily the pain is disappearing, but i still have a little numbness in that one toe. yikes!

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  9. Proper hydration is so important! It can definitely make or break a run. Last weekend I ran with a fuel belt for the first ever and it saved me.

    Good luck with your training! Take care of yourself.

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  10. The only reason I'm running this weekend is for the medal (which looks pretty cool). I thankfully didn't have to pay anything to register so I'm not terribly dedicated to it, but I feel I at least have to give it my all. We'll see if I can finish!

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