Thank you all so much for your support on my recap! I have to confess something here: I was worried about admitting I had run the full! After I made such a big deal out of choosing not to, I didn't want you all to think I'd purposely lied to make the reveal more dramatic or something.
Is that dumb?
Anyway, this week I've been enjoying a post-race glow. A few things have crossed my mind, some of them pretty random.
1. It's nice to feel sore after a race, especially a marathon! After BDR, I recovered very quickly and didn't have much soreness. Monday and Tuesday I definitely felt A1A in my ankles, knees, hips, and quads...it's the feeling of accomplishment!
(This video is never not funny!)
2. I have this weird feeling that A1A was the marathon my first could have been. If you guys recall, Space Coast training went well but I was on cold medicine during the race that led to crazy calf cramps I'd never experienced before. I think if not for that, my Space Coast performance would have been similar to A1A. There's no real point in making this comparison, but I almost feel like A1A was the marathon I've been aiming for ever since I first decided to run one.
Funny that I almost chose not to run it.
3. I haven't had a problem calling myself a marathoner, but now that I've run three, I really feel I've earned the title - especially because I've gotten the PR and the performance I've been wanting. I finally feel proud of a marathon I've run, and I didn't realize until now how important and fulfilling that would be for me.
Third time's the charm.
4. I'm almost happier with BDR now that A1A worked out. In a way, it turned BDR into a training run. It definitely tested my mental strength and prepared me to suffer in a way Space Coast didn't. Space Coast was my first, so it was automatically wonderful; I had nothing to compare it to, and I was just amazed and glad I had finished. BDR left a bad taste in my mouth, but it humbled me and strengthened me. I'm grateful for that awful experience now! It's also a great reminder that often success isn't a linear path; sometimes we have to struggle and fail before we can succeed.
5. I think when I do eventually run another full, I'm not going to be really specific here about which it is. Obviously I'll post my training, because that's why I have a blog, but maybe I'll keep mum on the specific race. Keeping A1A "casual" really seemed to help me mentally and kept me focused on why I was running it in the first place.
6. I'm having a hard time parting with my temporary tattoos...especially the pacing one! I know it's silly, but looking at it reminds me of what I finally accomplished.
I did finally try to remove it on Tuesday, but without much luck.
7. I am proof that what I've been saying about failure is true: it doesn't define us, but it can make us stronger and better. There's no shame in failing, because it means you actually took a risk and tried, and in the end, if you learned from it, then even failure can be a success.
8. I'm feeling weirdly motivated right now in the sense that now that I know I can run a faster marathon, I want to keep doing it. Sub-5:00 feels almost doable now. But I'm 100% committed to shorter distances this year. I don't want to give up long runs completely because when I eventually do another full, I'd like to be a stronger runner, and that means keeping a good base; plus, I need to get faster at all distances. (And I want to get Elizabeth to 15 miles!) I think being faster and having a good foundation is really going to be fundamental to my continued growth as a runner.
Number eight is really important; it marks the first time that I'm making a decision in my training that will hopefully truly impact me in the long-term. It's also the first time I'm giving myself permission to dream about being a "faster" runner. It's a scary goal because it feels unreachable, but I'm determined to try.
That said, I have no idea how to start, so I'm going to need to do some research about how to get faster when you don't have a goal race in mind! I just want to get faster over all. I can't picture myself as an 8-minute-miler or anything like that, but I'd like to see if the vision I do have of myself - as slow and steady - can change.
Any advice on learning to be faster? How has running new, challenging distances changed your perspective?
It never fails that once I finally get into relaxation mode (meaning, the school-related dreams have ended and traveling for the holidays is mostly over), my immune system takes a break and I get sick. It's nothing major, but I've had headaches from the minute I wake up that last all day, I've been really lethargic, and my throat has been hurting.
I haven't been running because my energy level is just shot. But I have been doing some other workouts that I thought would be easier - meaning, no bouncing that will hurt my head. Not easy, because they definitely aren't!
The first is this workout from Blogilates that Helly linked on her blog a couple weeks ago. I thought this looked "easy" and about two minutes into it was like OMG NO. I didn't feel sore immediately after (I did during), but DOMS set in the next day and I'm still walking like a robot.
I also got myself Alexa Jean's workout "books" when they were on mega sale around Thanksgiving. (I don't usually pay for workouts but they were so cheap, I couldn't say no.)
My original plan was to do the 30 day challenge after the marathon (and put running on the back burner for awhile), so I've been doing these fairly diligently. I like that they're quick and seem easy, but then you really start to feel them after a couple days. And honestly, I do think I'm seeing results pretty quickly, too.
On the relaxation front, I decided to undertake the task of watching all six Star Wars movies before we went to see The Force Awakens. I've never seen them before! We watched all six over break and I wrote reviews/reactions on Facebook, which ended up being pretty fun.
I liked being able to discuss such culturally significant movies with my friends who are big fans; it was funny to see how many people told me to "just enjoy them." Like, the entire point of my watching them was to analyze, react, and review!
#EnglishMajorProblems, right? I keep trying to tell people that analyzing movies is how I enjoy them!
I have a ton of work-related stuff I need to get done before school starts again Monday. Midterms are the week we get back, so I need to get mine printed and copied. I have a PD I need to write and prepare for that week, too, and I still have tons of grading to finish. But I'm glad I took the first week of break to just relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
Sometimes we all need that mental break in order to come back sharp and be able to continue doing our jobs to the best of our ability. Teachers especially, since we work with kids and need to be compassionate and patient at work, need this time to just veg out.
Have you seen the Star Wars movies? When you take a break from running, what kinds of workouts do you do? Have you ever tried Blogilates? ABK
I had this same conversation with multiple students throughout the day Tuesday, after I'd returned to school.
Student: How was your marathon? Me: (still not sure how to answer this in one sentence) It was really hard, but it was good. Student: How far was it? Me: A marathon is always 26.2 miles. Student: (aghast) You ran 26.2 miles Sunday and you're at school today?! How long did it take you? Me: Five hours and fifty-one minutes. (Getting ready to explore a teachable moment wherein we talk about missing our goals but still learning from and enjoying our experience.) Student: Wow! I can barely run a mile! Aren't you sore? Me: A little. That's why I took Monday off. But I feel pretty good today. Student: (amazed) Wow.
And then I realized...marathoners may know my time isn't stellar, and I may know I missed my goals, but I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm just trying to be true to myself; my students often remind me that it takes courage even to begin, let alone to finish, no matter the result.
Finishing 26.2 miles is an accomplishment, no matter how long it takes, and I've done it twice.
Speaking of the kids, I've received some very sweet gifts this year, some handmade!, but my favorite may be the Hanukkah gelt. The boy who gave it to me kind of snuck it into my hand and said, "Happy belated Hanukkah, Mrs. Kearney." So thoughtful!
Recovery this week has meant enjoying some TLC. I had a massage Monday, courtesy of Kristin! It was just what I needed and super luxurious...Truth be told, I felt pretty intimidated, but next time I'll be brave and try out the sauna and steam-room.
Mmm, the spa had comfy robes and everything!
I've been enjoying my Wicked Good Cupcakes all week, too. (My mom got me four so I'm eating about half a jar a day. Admittedly, I ate one Friday before the race! I couldn't resist!)
I got chocolate-chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, and chocolate-vanilla. Yum!
I'm taking time this week to stretch and foam roll, and I'm also pampering my skin! I finished the race with some weird calf-sleeve tan lines, but they're nothing compared to this T. Knowing my skin, this'll last for months. (I still have a weird tan anomaly from Kristin's beach birthday back in August.)
Yes, I got this tan line in December. DECEMBER!
In other news, the cold I usually get during taper was kind enough to wait until after race day to kick in, luckily. I'm officially losing my voice and getting all kinds of sinus headaches. I only have one day left until winter break, so I know I can make it.
I'm also absolutely exhausted. My legs feel so ready to run this week, but my body is in total recovery mode. I've gone to bed super early every night this week, and I honestly can't wait to sleep all I want on Saturday; maybe I'll have a little run Saturday or Sunday evening. I feel ready for it!
(I'm also contemplating something insane but more on that later. I need to take stock of myself first.)
So that's it. I'm lying low, relaxing as best I can, and chipping away at school stuff (lots of grades and parent meetings before break). Break is so close I can taste it!
How do you celebrate/recover after a big race? What's the most thoughtful gift you've ever gotten from a student or friend? ABK
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?
This week I logged just over 18 miles, which is more than I've done in quite some time. I'm avoiding putting together my "year in review" post too early, but on my long run Sunday I just kept thinking about how much this year has changed me in so many ways.
I haven't seen numbers like this in way too long. It's nice to be training seriously again.
Those posts always take some real effort to put together, so I need to wait until after Christmas.
Anyway, Sunday I peeled myself out of bed thirty minutes later than planned and went out for my long run. Last week I had posed the question about how to work my race and long run into the same weekend, and I decided to heed the advice of a fellow runner that basically went something like this: run long after the race; it'll give you practice at running on tired legs.
My splits were incredibly even.
That was definitely accurate. My legs were tired from mile 1, but I ran the entire distance without walk breaks and enjoyed the whole thing. I was elated and so proud of my perseverance to push through the discomfort! I just knew I could be stronger than my legs wanted me to be, and I was!
This was my second long run during which I wore the fuelbelt (the first being last weekend's 7-miler). It really is super comfortable and I needed the water. Because I was late getting started, it ended up being really warm toward the end of the run.
I took a new route; it was gorgeous and perfect and I was a terrible blogger (but great runner) because I was too into the run to stop and take any pictures. When I run on Christmas morning, I'll be sure to get some...especially if the gator I saw Sunday is out again on Wednesday!
Ahh...perfect ice bath!
After the run, I was hoping to jump into my parents' pool. I peeled off my socks and dipped my feet in only to find out it was freezing. They don't heat the pool when it's not in use, and it doesn't get a ton of direct sunlight. It was the most convenient ice bath ever!
NEWS TEAM ASSEMBLE!
After the run, Matt and I drove to meet friends at Downtown Disney to see Anchorman 2, which was hilarious and random but really poked fun at "news" channels these days. The theater has real table service, so we enjoyed snacks and drinks while we watched. We stopped at Ghiradelli's for sundaes before coming home.
All told, this was a great weekend! I'm trying to use every moment of winter break to its fullest. I'd say it's been successful so far.
How are you spending your days leading up to Christmas and New Years? How was your weekend? What's the next movie on your "to watch" list? We need to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and American Hustle! ABK
I don't know about you guys, but after a big race I get re-bitten by the running bug. Training can really burn a runner out, but once the race is over, the high comes back with a vengeance.
Of course, if you're me, you're going to be really diligent about resting this time around, especially because of that damn lingering cold. So how do I satisfy my running urges?
First red cup of the season: egg nog latte! And they actually spelled my name right!
I splurge on expensive coffee and go shopping.
I'm so glad they finally make this in a roll-on! I also spent quality time with a heating pad, tennis ball, and foam roller.
I noticed I basically run all my races in the same top; I love it, but I'm getting a little tired of the photos. So I went to TJ MAXX and scored some comfy New Balance and Nike tops. I love brand-name running clothes at discount prices!
Under $15? Yes please.
I tried on the purple and loved the fit so much I grabbed it in blue, too.
Then, hearing that Old Navy was having a sale, I splurged on a new long-sleeved running top and singlet. I also snagged some new socks because I think it's time.
Breathable, cushiony, supportive. The best of all worlds!
I've worn them for volleyball this week and I'm already loving them.
Official race photos were finally posted. As usual, they're super awkward. I feel like the clothes I like to race in photograph to give the illusion that my head is abnormally small for my body.
Hey awkward-hand, watcha doing there? Just hanging out?
Oh I see, it was halfway up to become a peace sign. Original.
Well, actually, my head is abnormally small...hats rarely fit me...so maybe these capture my true self after all!
I look forward to the day when I have big, chiseled runner's thighs. That day is not today.
Admittedly, this one isn't so bad. Maybe I should run all my races with my arms up at all times.
On the radar now is...a 5k Turkey Trot (just for fun), officially beginning Ragnar training, and maybe a half that literally runs past my parents' house. It's pricy, but the route couldn't be better! Plus, I think I owe myself a strong, good half after the last one. The half is part of a challenge I'm considering signing up for.
I'm tempted to do all three, but likely can't make it to the 5k.
How do you deal with post-race blues? Do you like to bargain shop? What's the best deal you've found lately? Does anyone ever have good race photos? Like, c'mon now. Icy/Hot, Tiger Balm, or BioFreeze?
