These past couple of post-marathon days have been kind of strange – it has been such a huge focus of mine for so long, it’s just weird to think that the race is actually over. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still riding the high from Sunday, but when I read about others getting the “post-marathon blues” I can’t help but wonder what’s looming ahead for me.
Which is why I’ve set some tentative running goals for the rest of the year and spring of 2011 (in hopes that my IT band is feelin’ good when I get back to running this weekend).
December 2010
- Start implementing more SPEEDWORK!
- Set 10K and 15K PRs
- Get my 9+1 guaranteed NYCM 2011 entry by volunteering at the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run on New Year’s Eve (anyone running this??)
January 2011
- Begin training for marathon #2!
March 2011
- Set half marathon PR (if I get in the NYC Half lottery!)
May 2011
- Run marathon #2 (ahem Meghan K. ahem) and BQ!
I feel like kind of a nerd, but I think setting goals really helps keep me motivated!
I know marathon training makes you physically exhausted, but I didn’t realize the amount of mental energy training took up until now. I’m no longer overly worried about getting sick, every single teeny tiny ache and pain, being able to fit 20 miles in on a Saturday and study all day or stressing out about how much sleep I get. And dare I say?
It’s somewhat liberating.
I think the mental energy I used up during marathon training definitely affected my concentration and focus in my classes, so along with marathon recovery, playing catch-up and studying are at the top of my list. Fun, yes?
As far as physical recovery, I’m being uncharacteristically patient and not running until this weekend. I’ve reacquainted myself with the spin bike, elliptical and free weights at the gym and think the cross training has definitely helped the soreness in my quads go away by increasing blood flow to the muscles – stairs are almost bearable.
Of course, yummy, healthy foods are also important in marathon recovery! I’ve been refueling with some of my favorites to make sure I get plenty of protein (muscle recovery!) and carbohydrates (replenishing glycogen stores!).
Today’s eats
Kashi Heart to Heart cereal with blueberries and almond milk
Natural peanut butter and blackberry jam on sprouted whole grain cinnamon raisin bread (this was my pre-marathon breakfast!)
Greek yogurt with fresh, delicious figs (scored at Eataly!)
Organic Gala apple
One of my favorite dinner combos – quinoa, cauliflower, snap peas, mushrooms and grilled chicken with rosemary. You can find my recipe here
Greek yogurt with a little PB & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter and Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins
I expected my hunger to return to normal this week, but am finding I’m just as hungry now as I was during marathon training! My muscles must be workin’ hard to repair themselves after Sunday’s effort and I’m happy to help them.
Happy Friday (hooray!!)
Question: How often do you set goals for yourself? What keeps you motivated?
Also, Lindsey tagged me in a fun little game, and I’ve responded to her Q’s below:
- Why did you start your blog? I love food, nutrition and running almost as much as I like writing. I started reading other running/food/healthy living blogs and got the itch to start my own. Since I didn’t take any classes this past summer, I decided to give blogging a try with my “free” time.
- Salty or sweet food? You can only pick one. SWEET! Hands down. Homegirl likes her cupcakes and cookies – give me Magnolia Bakery over salty-ness any day
- What’s your favorite time of day to work out? (morning, lunch, night, etc.) And why? Mornings only! I need to start my day with a run (or XT) – it give me energy and time to myself. I’m a morning person, so getting up at 5:15 a.m. doesn’t really phase me and I heart sunrises
- You have to recommend a favorite book to a friend – what do you suggest?I Know this Much is True, by Wally Lamb. You will not be disappointed. Also, and this is like beating a dead horse by now, but the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series were awesome reads
- Do you think you’ll be blogging in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years? Why or why not? Not a friggin’clue, but I hope I still have somewhat interesting things to say by then!
- List 3 of your favorite blogs (I know everyone has many more than 3, but I challenge you to list only 3)? Oohhh. Let’s see. I love Runner’s Kitchen, Crunchy Granola Gal and Washington Ran Here (among many others!)
- What was your very first job? Let’s see. I worked at my family’s Italian restaurant for a few summers during a week-long “Italian Festival.” In high school I also worked at a fast food place (omg, can’t believe I’m admitting this to the public). Yes. Me, a health nut, worked at a greasy, disgusting fast food joint. I guess I was pretty good at operating the drive through window?
I’m tagging Megan, Sofia, Karyn, Lizzy, Leashieloo and Tracy to answer my Q’s below. I won’t be offended if you choose not to play 
- Favorite restaurant and why?
- What’s at the top of your Christmas/Hanukkah list?
- If you were given a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- Who is your favorite person in the whole world?
- What do you like most about blogging?
