Post-26.2 #runfessions

You all know I ran a marathon recently, right?

I also have a small obsession with #hashtags (thanks, Instagram!).

Why not combine this month's Runfessions (which are all about my recovery from that recent marathon) with a few appropriate #hashtags? Sound good?


Here we go...some post-26.2 #runfessions:

#KeepingItReal
I didn't just run the Cannonball Marathon, but I also ran the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon eight days later. Not only was the marathon tough (as it should be, it was 26.2 miles after all), but the route was very hilly...like, we probably ran at least 40 hills over the span of those 26.2 miles. I knew there would be hills, but I didn't know those hills would be non-stop. Coincidentally, I had recently upgraded my registration from the 5-miler to the half marathon for last weekend. I figured if I could run 26.2 miles, surely I could run 13.1 miles if I allowed myself some decent recovery time in between both races. That said, I'll runfess that I kept this "little" half marathon on the down-low until the day prior because I didn't want to be flooded with comments of concern via social media.

Yes, I gave up keeping-it-real (for a few days) out of fear of potential backlash from well-meaning others. No one knows one's body like the actual owner, so I wasn't worried about the half marathon because I had no intention of "racing" it. I wanted to run it strong, but with caution. And that's just what happened. I took things very easy (almost to the point of boredom) in the eight days following the marathon, and I was able to run the half marathon exactly as planned. I even finished with  my fastest 13.1 time (since May of last year) because I ran it by feel, with no grandiose finish line goals. Mission accomplished.

Sporting the swag from the half marathon

#BackToLifeBackToReality
Although I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do with my new found down time, let me runfess that I'm glad to have the marathon in the rear window. I'll still be running 3-4 days each week (minimal mileage, 2-5 miles at a time), including a moderate "long" run on the weekends (ranging anywhere between 6-10 miles). I plan to bring back more strength-training and HIIT workouts in the next couple of weeks. I'll have the freedom to stay up late again (I'm a night owl) without worrying how it will impact my training. I won't need to stalk the weather (much). And, I can wear my funky shoes/booties without the fear of face-planting (from tired muscles).

These have been hibernating in my closet....

#5at5's!
Although the #5at5's (5-miles at 5:00 a.m.) continued all through marathon training, they came to a brief halt during my taper period. It wasn't really taper-related why they halted, it was more of a weather-related issue (cold temps and rainy conditions), and I didn't want to risk getting sick so close to the big day. Just this week, Barb and I resumed our weekly #5at5 ritual. Although it felt good to be back out on the streets in the pre-dawn hours, I finally experienced a bit of the DOMS (Delayed Onslaught Muscle Soreness) that had been absent since the marathon. I gotta runfess, it was kind of a buzzkill. I'm not sure if the DOMS were a very-delayed result of the marathon, or from the half marathon a few days prior (maybe a combination). None the less, my body has been working hard, and Thursday's early morning run reinforced that it's time for some easy mileage.

after my first post-26.2 #5at5

#NotRunningAllTheMiles
Currently, I'm on track to finish October with just over 90 miles for the month, which will put me around 825 miles for the year. Most likely, I can squeak out another 175 miles in November and December, but it's not a priority for me. I'll just runfess it here and now....I honestly have never cared if I reach that often coveted (?) 1,000 mile mark. Somehow, low-to-moderate mileage works for me. In my recent marathon training, I only topped the 100-mile mark for August and September, and still fared pretty well. Thankfully, running is a pretty individualized sport, and we all get to do it OUR way.

running...doing it MY way ;-)

 #OopsIDidItAgain
Up until a couple of days ago, I had nothing remaining on the racing calendar, and nothing scheduled for 2019. Well, that was until I got an email notifying me of a 2-day-only half price special on the Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon. Maybe some of you recall my experience running that in April...the morning after prom (here's the RECAP)? I had maybe 90 minutes of slumber (after being up most of the night overseeing the promenade of couples and working at the after-prom party). I gotta runfess, I'm a sucker for a fun race (even on a hilly course LOL) for a great price. I'm probably gonna head back and do the Grand Blue Mile (a few days after the half marathon) and defend my 3rd place AG finish as well. Why not?

on the famous Blue Oval at Drake Stadium (April 2018)

So there you have it. I've bared my "soles" once again and I can finish out October with a clear conscience. Whew!

How about you? Anything to runfess? How do you feel about the down time following a big race? Ever had a race on the schedule that you didn't disclose until the last minute? Your preference: low mileage or all the miles?

I'm linking up with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions 

I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

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