Rejuvenation

Steep! NW 85th Ave @ 32nd Ave NW

It's been just over a week since the Beat the Blerch Marathon. I was pretty disappointed with how the marathon went overall for me. No, it wasn't a PW (personal worst) but it was pretty close. There was no way I could've maintained anywhere close to a race pace for the distance. That really was the whole point of doing the marathon as a training run so this was pretty discouraging.

However, I don't ever discount that I did run a marathon and that is something to celebrate. Even better? Recovery from the long run seems to have gone well. I took three full days off from running. I did bike on the roller trainer that third day. I had no trouble at work walking around or walking up and down stairs so that was encouraging. The big indicator that I had run long? I brought lots of extra snacks to work but still was ever so hungry. That finally settled down Thursday.

I ran wednesday and thursday and importantly, I was looking forward to these run and enjoyed them. Saturday I figured out a new running course which incorporated some interesting stairs and short easy trails on a run course I've run for years. I've never been on those stairs or trails so that was really fun. The loop itself ended up being just a little long for what my tired legs wanted. At mile 9, i was having to make sure to pick my feet up carefully when running as I was afraid of tripping! I was able to cut it a bit shorter and enjoyed 10.5 miles. I'm having just a touch of heel pain (bursitis) and plan on working hard to manage that.

This coming week will still be a careful week. I plan on trying an easier workout and increasing miles. The last few miles of the marathon I grumbled to myself about pulling out of the longer distance events I'm planning on but recovery has put things sensibly into perspective. I'm still aiming for those goals that I have and I'm ready to engage in training again. I love the lifestyle and the feeling of working towards the distances.

New growth on the dead looking stalk.

Rejuvenation? Certainly. The recovery weeks are important. It's important to remind myself of why I do this. This weekend was also a chance to get back out into the garden. There are limited gardening hours left now. It's getting dark quickly after work and we've had some good preview Fall storms. Soon, it'll be too wet and cold to work in the yard.

I have some volunteer plants that have come up in the front yard which will be perfect for the backyard.  three weeks ago, we moved a flowering current that was a volunteer plant in the front yard. I had the perfect place for it in the back yard. Unfortunately when moving it, the main root got severed plus it had been hot. I figured it would die but kept it watered. And amazingly, it has come back and put out new growth!

You just never know how things will turn out. I keep reminding myself about this with races too. 

Numbers

Devil's Elbow Beach - Heceta Lighthouse

90 - the high temperature of Eugene one week after the marathon.
5 - official marathons completed (6 total - 1 is unofficial)
4 - scoops of carbo-pro consumed on course. i like this stuff.  No taste and you can customize it to how much water you want.
3 - gels consumed on course. I had one gel in desperation to see if it would help legs (nope) but it probably helped keep brain in the game.
2 - electrolyte capsules
1 - master's PR. Hey, i think this counts and it is a 30+ minute PR which is excellent.

Yeah, i'm feeling much better. Recovery was great! I had no desire to run for a few days which worked out because we were on vacation on the Oregon Coast.  And it was gorgeous.  i could spend all day exploring tidal pools and beaches and we did.

We were just staying a quick drive from Cape Perpetua. This is part of a national forest which was by far my favorite place and even though it is a fairly small area with Highway 101 going through it, there was a lot to see.  We took in the view from the top trail which a marvelous view of the pacific and the cliffs along the coast for miles. The waves pound into a small area called The Devil's Churn which was quite spectacular.  Never turn your back on the Ocean!  We came back the next day to explore some other trails and go out onto the tidal pools. 

It was the perfect mix of vacation. Fun run event with friends and then a kick back relax and explore vacation.  Even better, then we came home and I had a stay-cation for a couple days.  The garden is in much better shape now and it is nice to catch up a bit with things. Marathon training DOES get grueling towards the end. 

Snap peas, lettuce, spinach, russian kale, zuchini, and cucumber all planted.  I broke down and bought a tomato plant too so we'll see if that one does anything.  We have volunteer arugula, chard and dinosaur kale coming up in the yard so those have gotten moved about.  The first rhubarb of the season was harvested and we had a delicious rhubarb strawberry dessert and invited the neighbors over to share.  It's been good!

Merry Christmas!

My mom painted a small portrait of our former cat Legos who died over three years ago.  The painting is just awesome and this photo doesn't quite do it justice. 

The last few weeks of December have gone ever so quick.  Recovery has gone very well from the Dallas Marathon and with all the holiday fun and busyness, i was happy to NOT be running all that much.  I just ran twice the week following.  My feet were pretty sore for quite a few days. I limited running to non-consecutive days the following week and was happy to feel good overall when running.

ouchie toes!

It was also nice not to be running so much because the weather has been awful. Rainy, windy and cold for many days. We had snow one morning too. That means either running in the evening or more likely I take a cross training day (bike on a trainer) or a day off because it is just to dangerous to be out on the streets.  it's at this time of year I have to be most flexible getting in workouts. And sometimes those workouts are not quite what I'd want but anything is better than nothing.


I really did want to take a few weeks off of running and recharge. I'm signed up for a short 2 mile race series this winter and want to focus on building strength with core/weights.  I'm already looking forward to resuming more typical running mileage though.  I'm limiting mileage one more week though as I'd planned and that is a good call as my feet are still feeling a bit sore at time.  I'll be ready for the new year though! 

the aftermath..

Yesterday was rough.  Mentally and physically, I was down and no wonder.  26.2 miles is rather far even for me to drive! 

I do know how important the immediate days after a big event are for recovery.  I could barely eat immediately after the marathon.  Those that know me understand how unusual this is!  The chicken bouillon was excellent at the marathon and the hot chocolate milk I had in my ice bath afterward was perfect.  I had a chance to comiserate with friends later that night at a local brew pub for the traditional post event moo and brew (hamburger and beer). 

But still.  There is just an incredible deficit the next day.  Possibly it would be better to take the day off from work but I really like that work forces a fair bit of walking around and interaction with people. 

That really put everything into perspective.  Most inquired after holiday events.  Very few knew that I was running  a marathon.  And those that did aren't runners themselves so don't quite understand the whole mental and physical investment which goes into a marathon.  The typical reaction when they find out?  "You finished?  That's amazing!  congratulations!"  "how far is that?  Really?  I can't imagine!" And for a gal who has run a marathon who when I moaned a bit at how long it took me to finish?  "That's my PR!" 

I was sore yesterday but still could go up and down stairs with no problems.  I was moving a bit slower than usual and felt a bit achy in odd places.  I think I had at least 8 separate meals yesterday (plus dessert) and still went to bed slightly hungry. 

Today?  Much, much better.  Legs feel, well, not 100% but not nearly as sore.  My brain isn't foggy.  I do have a spot on a foot which got sorer and sorer yesterday while I was having to run all about at work.  That is requiring some TLC and it will appreciate some time off my feet in a few days. 

the race itself?  I'm still rather shocked how it all played out. it's something to ponder and think about but not obsess about.  yes, I'm glad I finished.  I'm happy to take a bit of time off from running now.  The rain and wind we are having now is only making sitting on the couch that much better! 

And to those who gave much needed words of encouragement yesterday?  thank you.