Post-Marathon Recovery

First, I got to say I do not do things the normal way. Last Sunday I ran my second marathon and I pushed myself hard. If I were to follow a textbook I may have taken days off and done nothing. But that is not what I did so today I am going to outline what I have done the past week not only to keep you in the loop but to provide firm documentation for myself. I feel by keeping notes, blogging, etc. that I am better able to evaluate my training in the future.

Sunday (running streak day 262): Ran the Maui Marathon with dear hubby and set a new PR for myself. Read more HERE.

Nursing chafing & latex allergy

Monday (running streak day 263): Did a slow barefoot mile on my incline treadmill at home in the morning before work. My pace was 15'00". My legs ached but felt better afterwards. I didn't want to go to work but I did. I also tried to minimize the number of times I went up and down the steps at work. After work, I had to take darling daughter to swimming. It was a long day and I was feeling it at the end.

Tuesday (running streak day 264): Once again, I didn't want to go to work but I did. Ran a slow barefoot mile on my treadmill in the afternoon. My pace was 14'45". Legs achier but felt good to run on them a bit to work out all the tightness and aches of going up and down stairs at work. And yep, I was annoyed enough by not being able to walk "normal" on steps so I counted them. There are 26.

Wednesday (running streak day 265): Did a slow barefoot mile on my treadmill in the afternoon. Legs still ached but felt "bouncier". My pace was 14'50". Got a massage later in the evening. P.S. I was able to walk "normal" on work steps. P.S.S. Had the post-marathon blues and grouchies emerging.

Thursday (running streak day 266): Feeling better day by day. Ran an easy mile at home and still running barefoot. I ran one minute at my normal pace and kept rest slower so my overall pace was 13'08".

Friday (running streak day 267): "Plugged" myself back into technology and laced up the shoes again. Ran 2.0 miles at home with overall pace of 11'21".

Saturday (running streak day 268): Ran 3.0 miles at home with overall pace of 11'27". Feeling good about myself and optimistic with my training and recovery. Dear hubby gave me a good, deep massage as legs still have aches.

Running streak day 269

Sunday (running streak day 269): Ran 2.0 miles at home with overall pace of 11'34". Later in the morning I went out to help garden and started cutting the grass with scissors. I know, funny image. I moved and felt a tweak in my left quad. I continued cutting, moved some more, felt another quite uncomfortable tweak, went inside disgruntled, and put ice on my leg.

Yesterday was a low point as I started doubting myself, my capabilities, and my ability to know what is best. All the naysayers were coming forward in my mind and I doubted all ability to run daily and run my third marathon in December. I was at a critical low point and was seriously contemplating ending my running streak. I posted such on Daily Mile and got overwhelming input and support from others. Needless to say, I appreciated each and every comment.

Taped up w/ kinesiotape

Today I took the day off of work. I started my day taking darling daughter to school and headed to the gym full of support from others. I knew I could start my run and end it if it hurt (great advice from a fellow Daily Miler and streaker). As much as I wanted to hit the streets I figured a treadmill today was a good place to test the leg. Plus I taped up the tweaky spot last night with kinesiotape and by the way, I should have put on that "magic tape" much earlier!

I took it easy and ran 3.01 miles with an overall pace of 9'58". I know this is my fastest this week but I wasn't running at an incline so that lets me go faster and still be taking it easy. And this is my target easy pace according to my training plan. And I ran what was on the plate for the day.

After doing a few necessary errands, like the car safety inspection and picking up more Epsom Salt, I returned home to be "lazy" and do 101 things from my couch. I am all caught up on all I need to do have have a couple of hours to myself before I need to pick up darling daughter and take her to swim.

Post run hammie stretch

Note to self and others: Take a day off of work post-marathon if for nothing else besides mental sanity and treating yourself to indulging in chic flicks or manly stuff for the guys!

Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for the comments I got on Daily Mile yesterday.

Daily Affirmation: I know where to go for support when I start doubting myself.