Well, this is odd.
My perspective is so different because I didn't get to complete all my training..but I'm still kind of left with this weird feeling post-marathon. What the heck to do now? I know I am planning to do the Fargo Full in May (woohoo!), but that's a ways out. With winter coming, I am already dreading the lack of sunlight and warmth that I love about Michigan summer and fall. So, I know this is something a lot of runners feel post-race, and I think it's worth talking about.
My perspective is so different because I didn't get to complete all my training..but I'm still kind of left with this weird feeling post-marathon. What the heck to do now? I know I am planning to do the Fargo Full in May (woohoo!), but that's a ways out. With winter coming, I am already dreading the lack of sunlight and warmth that I love about Michigan summer and fall. So, I know this is something a lot of runners feel post-race, and I think it's worth talking about.
So, first -- I eat. An emphasis on high nutrient foods will aid recovery and help you not gain weight, but I've had a combo of super healthy and super UN-healthy foods :) That's okay by me. I also have been SLEEPING soooo much. The week post-marathon I felt like I slept like the dead, and I got a lot more sleep. I think my body needed it to avoid getting sick (as my allergies decided to attack).
I got a book on running, reading about people's favorite marathons. It's fun to read while I'm enjoying some down time. I also got a "fun" book -- not related to school or anything, and by one of my favorite authors, Jonathon Tropper. Look out, THIS GIRL IS EXCITING.
Yoga. Spin. I love you. Do other exercises that you love, because you can :)
It's hard not to look straight forward to the next thing, but I think it's important to allow myself to settle into this, and really appreciate and revel in my accomplishment. Simply looking to the next thing isn't going to allow me to do that fully.
It's hard not to look straight forward to the next thing, but I think it's important to allow myself to settle into this, and really appreciate and revel in my accomplishment. Simply looking to the next thing isn't going to allow me to do that fully.
I just stumbled upon this cool "Reverse Taper" guide that looks really helpful, and I'll start this next week on "week two" -- it could work for half marathons, too, just cut it in half. I'll do a follow up post on how I liked this plan.
I also just ordered Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald (the same guy who wrote the runners nutrition guide I bought). It talks about getting to your optimal race weight for optimum performance.
I also just ordered Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald (the same guy who wrote the runners nutrition guide I bought). It talks about getting to your optimal race weight for optimum performance.
Tidbits I learned for next race:
1. Put my phone in a Ziploc in case it rains (because for me, it usually does on race day).
2. Prepare for rain just in case. Trash bags for your body (ghetto-poncho style) and trash sacks for your shoes.
3. Pack and unpack and pack if you're traveling for your race. It will ease your mind and ensure you don't forget anything. Luckily my next race will probably be in my new home city.
4. Prepare meals and snacks in advance. Don't try anything new.
5. After your race, you're going to want to eat and drink *whatever* you want -- but seriously, give it time. Or, if you don't -- stay at that restaurant a while so you avoid almost pooping your pants in your boyfriends car. Trust me on this one. If you have a sensitive stomach, don't get crazy. Your stomach will get you. Also, walk. I think Michael parking far away forced me to walk and move that lactic acid out.
6. Body glide extra. And then some more. Chafing is NO joke.
7. Pack extra running nutrition (Gu or chews or whatever you like). I almost ran out and luckily Kelly's mom had some more for her, which I used :)
8. If it's going to be cold when you start, take throw away layers. This last race was the first time I've done it and it helped A LOT.
9. If you're sticking with a pace group, chat with those around you when you're getting tired. It will help pass the time and you'll learn about fellow racers.
10. Don't rely solely on your music. Take in the course, the runners, the spectators.
11. Say thankyou to the spectators when they encourage you or have cute signs. That's why we pay to run these courses, it's simply not the same without the crowd support. So what they're strangers. They help you get to the next mile.
I learn something new after each race, and this time I learned quite a bit, with it being my first marathon. I cannot get over it, still.
This time three years ago, had someone asked me if I'd be one of those early-rising runners, cold-weather runners, long distance runners, I'd have laughed and said, "Nope. Never"
But, after getting into running, running a marathon was a "maybe someday" ... then a "hopefully someday" and now...it's a reality. I really didn't think that running the race would be so special to me. But, it was. And will continue to be, my greatest accomplishment to date. Such a testament to listening to my body, my heart, my God.
I learn something new after each race, and this time I learned quite a bit, with it being my first marathon. I cannot get over it, still.
This time three years ago, had someone asked me if I'd be one of those early-rising runners, cold-weather runners, long distance runners, I'd have laughed and said, "Nope. Never"
But, after getting into running, running a marathon was a "maybe someday" ... then a "hopefully someday" and now...it's a reality. I really didn't think that running the race would be so special to me. But, it was. And will continue to be, my greatest accomplishment to date. Such a testament to listening to my body, my heart, my God.
A hilariously accurate video on running a marathon for your viewing pleasure:
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