Sunday, February 23, 2014

An Off Week

The worst part of running an amazing race that makes you feel proud and accomplished is the come-down. I always try to take some time off after big races so that I don't get injured. But when I take time off running, I end up feeling moody and stressed.

This week I did three days of T25, but I couldn't help but feel like it wasn't enough. One of those days, I ran two miles, which was my first (and only) run since the Paradise Coast Half. My calves and right hamstring ached the entire time, and although I kept the pace fast - just to get it over with - and although I was happy to be out there, it wasn't a good run.
A quick two miles through the neighborhood while Matt skateboarded ahead of me.
Saturday morning Matt convinced me to go paddling. It's been forever since I got out there. The weather was beautiful, but my heart just wasn't in it. I hit a new milestone...it was the first time I fell off my board! (I guess rolling waves and tired legs don't mix, but I'll say this for a nose-full of sea water - it clears sinuses better than a Nettie Pot!)
Trying to catch more glimpses of the dolphins. We also saw a big ray!
This was the perfect opportunity to wear my new Ragnar tank!
There were dolphins all around us in the Gulf. They were awesome to see so close up, and it's been so long since I've seen them. That was really special.

We spent the evening dress shopping so that I don't have to wear the same dress to the weddings we're attending in March. (Considering the couples getting married all know each other and share friends, that would just be fashion suicide haha.)
Matt got the S'mores cheesecake, a selection which helped fund a national food bank.
We finished the evening with appetizers and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. As I was savoring a slice of Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple and a steaming cup of decaf, I ruminated on my running schedule over the next couple months.

While there's a half in March I'm considering running, I'm also happy to focus on some short distances right now. I'm hoping to follow a loose marathon training plan before real training begins in June, in order to build a really solid base. And training seriously means eating seriously.

I've never been good at planning meals ahead and watching my total daily percentages of proteins, fats, carbs, etc. I don't think I'll ever become an expert. But I'm really hoping to be a more mindful eater in order to fuel myself correctly, so that I can go into the marathon feeling confident and prepared.

And of course, a post isn't complete without Archie. I finished Age of Miracles this weekend, and it left me feeling a little despondent. Next on my list is Stir of Echoes.
His side-eye clearly says, "What? This is my perch. Get over it."
How did your week pan out?
How do you deal with post-race blues?

ABK

15 comments:

  1. Okay, I try to conquer post-race blues by signing up for another race....lol. I definitely get those blues after many races, especially a marathon since that's what I've revolved my life around for several months.

    I love the Ragnar tank! And my goodness that cheesecake looks amazing. I've never been to the cheesecake factory, but when we go to Boston, I'm totally hitting it up!

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    1. I'm signed up for a 5k in March, but you're right, it's really about all the anticipation and preparation that goes into it, and then it's like...now what?!

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  2. Sorry you have the blues :( They are the absolute worst. I've never dealt with post race blues as I've never run a race, but if I'm down after a concert I try to find a good cello piece that I'm excited to play. Maybe try to find a new route to run?

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  3. I hope your post-race blues go away and quickly! Your body definitely needs rest even though you want to run but NO injuries this year!!!!! :) :)
    I also happen to agree with eating seriously - eating is my weakness - we shall be strong together ;-)

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    1. Ah, the double-edged sword that is post-race rest! It stinks to rest long enough to recover but make sure not to rest so long that you lose motivation!

      Strong, fit, and training together! Love it!

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  4. I am so jealous of that beach, it looks like heaven compared the to endless grey season we're in the middle of in Seattle!
    I usually fight the post-race blues by finding something to distract me - like working on a project around the house, starting a new book, or spoiling myself like going shopping or getting a pedicure.
    Which marathon are you training for? I'm starting training in June for the Portland marathon in early October, I'd love to have a buddy to follow who is on a similar timeline! :)

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    1. I'm running the Space Coast in November, but I'll probably start training over the summer. So we'll be on a similar timeline for sure!

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  5. I totally understand post-race blues. It's like...what now?? I wish I was better at meal planning, but Sunday rolls around and all of a sudden that's the last thing I want to do. I can't wait to see the dresses you picked out.

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    1. YES! That's exactly it. I put so much time and energy into this race, so now I really feel like...what now?!

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  6. Wow Archie just perches there while you read??? Kind of like Jelly sleeps on my lap! Look at it this way= as each day goes by, you're ne day stronger and one more day away from the post race blues!

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    1. Archie is very social. He likes to perch on our books, hands, shoulders, and hands (even if we're using them haha).

      I like you're attitude! Post-race blues can't last forever!

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    2. Heh, that should say HEADS, not hands twice!

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  7. Archie makes me laugh when I see him on instagram...I don't know how you don't just sit there and giggle at him.

    I'm jealous of your padding experience....it sounds like so much fun....I wish I had access to the same type of thing in our city!

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    1. I do laugh at him a LOT. You should see how many pics I take and DON'T post haha. He definitely brings joy to our lives!

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