Still Tired

So uh… how long is post-marathon tiredness supposed to go on after a marathon? Because I’m still feeling absolutely wiped. If it’s not post-race tiredness, maybe it’s allergies or something. But ohboy, 1pm strikes and I’m good for a solid nap. Employers don’t like that kind of thing, though. And I’m not a big fan of having any more than 1 cup of coffee per day, and usually none after noon. Crazy, I know. But this tiredness is catching up to me quickly. I even skipped my 5:30am muscle conditioning class. My brain was all “hahaha who are you kidding snooooooooze.” I’ve promised myself that I’ll make up for it by doing tomorrow morning’s class instead.

*insert comments about Boston Marathon drama* The sellout was a self-fulfilling prophecy. End. of. story.

Have I run since Chicago? Mmmmmmnope. I feel a little guilty about it, because I do want to get back out there. However, my work/theater/social schedule in the last week hasn’t allowed for it, and I don’t feel compelled to drag myself out of bed at 5am just to log a few miles right now. I did that for the last few months, and I’m enjoying taking control of my schedule again. Maybe a swift 2 miler after work? Maybe tomorrow morning instead? I’m just playing it by ear. And that’s alright.

Do you get post-race guilt? Maybe it just feels odd to be off a training schedule.

A Note to The Biggest Loser: Season 9

As promised, here’s some substance:

Dear Producers of The Biggest Loser,

One of your contestants completed your crazy “get ready for a marathon in 30 days” challenge in 4 hours and 2 minutes. He admitted to focusing on marathon training instead of losing weight. In my mind, that’s a smart choice since, you know, he’s about to run a marathon.

While training, he gained 2lbs (again, this is just over 30 days). Fact: you need to eat more when you’re training intensely. At the weigh-in, the trainers proceeded to act “confused” and be upset with him for gaining 2lbs. He is suddenly wrought with self-doubt, even after shattering the previous marathon record. And uh, I’d expect Bob and Jillian to be more understanding in the case of 26.2 miles. Bob with his “how did you gain weight, all you did was run!” statement was juuuust a tad frustrating.

I know that shows are all about the ratings… but come on, give the kid a break. Gaining weight while marathon training is not uncommon. And if you’re going to give the contestants a challenge that requires increased caloric intake (not to mention 2-3 days of carbo-loading while in the final days of the taper… aka hardly running at all), then inform the uninformed public about how common something like that is. Wow, Daris gained weight after eating at least 1000g of carbs in 3 days? SHOCKING. But he seemed well-fueled and had energy to pick it up at the finish. His late-night snacking probably didn’t help, but I honestly don’t think this is anything to sneeze at. (Forgive me for ending sentences with prepositions.)

But I forgot, this show is all about the numbers. We’ll just forget about Sam taking the at-home prize, because he’s already reached his goal weight and won’t continue to shrink in the name of winning a fat check. In reality, he probably really deserves the prize. The winners of the show aren’t determined based on physical fitness or body fat percentage, it’s based on overall percentage of weight lost. One too many contestants have shown up to the Finale looking almost sickly thin. What happened to the message of being healthy?

I love what the show does and what it inspires others to do in the overall scheme of things. But let’s start focusing on the people and their health instead of percentages, last-minute marathons, and product placements, mmmmkay?

-Kera

Three Things Thursday

ONE

It’s April! I don’t have anything planned for today… aside from an awesome run IF THE SUN EVER DECIDES TO COME OUT. Very funny, nature. I forgot my knee brace today, so I’m hoping I don’t run in to any problems. Slow and steady!

TWO

Last night I had the Return of the Horrible Foot Cramps. I think I need a salt lick or something in order to get the right amount of salt to prevent cramping. I went to my gym to take an abs class, then Zumba. Before the end of the 15 minute abs class, the cramps kicked in. What. The. Heck. Whatever, stretchstretchstretch okay bring on the dancing OH HEY THERE PAIN AND CRAMPING. I stuck it out for most of the class, but had to leave 15 minutes early. What’s the use in staying in a class when you can’t properly do the moves?

So I went home, ate pasta with olives (whatup, salt), and this morning did a wake-up yoga routine. Cramps still there. Seriously now, what? I’m starting to think I should go see my doctor about this problem.

THREE

Blogging advice needed! I’ve been a slacker lately. I forgot to post my virtual race report for Tall Mom’s Race for the Cure :( And I’ve just skipped days at a time. I know many of you have specific things to talk about on certain days (like Three Things Thursday today), but what about every other day? Do you plan out topics for the week? Or do you just write as something comes to you? Do you write ahead of time and schedule your posts for later? So many questions! Thanks in advance :)

PS- Exactly two months left before my marathon training officially starts. No joke here! Bring it onnnnn, pre-training.

On the road again

Aww yeah, time to get back in to the swing of things.

I went for my first lunchtime run at work today, and I felt pretty good for the first quarter mile before my left knee started bothering me again. So… change of plans for the next few weeks. Rather than focus mostly on building up my running base, I’m going to focus on building a better strength and flexibility base. I think a lot of my knee problems have to do with weak adductors and a tight IT band; not a fun combination. I’m going to incorporate yoga into my routine, and hopefully work up to doing about 30 minutes per day. I’ve also started tracking my nutrition again. I felt much more in control over my training and why I felt how I did when I could look back on what I had eaten recently.

Aside from the bit of pain, I still had a great short run! They (who is “they,” anyway?) say that for every mile you ran in a race, rest for that many days. It hasn’t been 13 days, so maybe I’m still in recovery mode? Whatever, I’m impatient. < 2 milers won't kill me.

Distance: 1.68 miles
Time: ~14-15 minutes
Pace: Somewhere around 8:40?

I didn't bring my Garmin with me because… well let's face it, it's a little silly to bring such a chunky device on a run you know will be less than 3 miles. I didn't care about time, I just wanted to get back out there. And honestly, it was pretty awesome not being tempted to look down and see how long it had been or how far I'd gone. (Don't worry Garmin, I still love you). And I just measured the distance with MapMyRun.

I also found a decently-priced-per-visit lap pool in my area. I still don’t think I can afford to go once every week, but maybe once every two weeks for a cross training/recovery alternative.

Finally, I plan on posting my marathon training plan once I have it set up and finalized. I have to do a bit of overhauling on my blog… updating my About page, adding an awesome official race photo, new training, etc. It’s all so fresh and exciting!

10.10.10

Remember when I said it’d be a few months before I even considered doing another half marathon?

Apparently I lied.

See you in 7 months, Chicago.