Recovery and post evaluation

Finished in 4 hrs and 11 mins. It would have been much longer as I probably would have walked it in if it hadn't been for Sam pulling me through to the end.  From the get go I was pretty much out of breath.  I kept with the 3:55 pacer until the half way stage and of course was on target but I was breathing heavy.  It wasn't comfortable hard but uncomfortable hard.  It makes me realize I have to get fitter to feel comfortable at that pace.  I didn't get any sleep the night before which doesn't help matters.  Also, since working full time I haven't been able to dedicate to the running like I should have.  I did miss some important aerobic conditioning 6 milers - those ones that appear on the schedule mid week.  I always managed the distance run but I realize now that real works happens in those mid week runs as thats the time to pick up the pace on the shorter distance runs.

What could I do?  Advice from my sister is to train for swimming at the same time to get the lungs used to being worked in different ways.  She also suggests cutting down on red meat and trying to be a vegetarian.  I do appreciate Michael Pollen's advice:  eat mainly plants.  I know the yoga that I was doing up until I got my full time work was super important for my hips.  The aches and pains started early on in the marathon.  I need to get back on a regular yoga schedule and open up those areas.  I also need to get out of breath more because I do not do it.  Interval training or zumba or anything that pumps up my heart rate would do me the world of good.  I have to make the decision to train very hard for the next 8 weeks and get the fitness that I need if I want to try to this again before the Boston entry deadline in mid September.

Diet wise I am drinking alcohol, eating grains and beans this week to celebrate whilst being on holiday. I would like to continue the low sugar and no grains once I return to Seattle.  Stay tuned!

Pre-Race Week

I'm gonna say it...I am tired.  All runs this week have turned into walks for the most part as the body feels a little overworked.  I am craving sleep and rest.  Hope to sleep in tomorrow.  I do have a 6 on the books for some part of the day tomorrow but at this moment it feels like a stretch.  My heart of hearts says yes you should be feeling tired because you have put in the work.  Now I must be good about recuperating.  A few aches here and there creeping in.  I should take the time to stretch a little more this week. 

Sunday is race day - 8 days away.   I get on the plane Thursday to LA and meet the wonderful sisters and friends that are there to support me.  I wish myself luck. 

The Taper Begins

Yabberdabberdoo...here we go the taper begins.  Today I put in a 9 mile run and boy am I tired right now.  It feels like I have run my big one but I guess this is the culmination of the 22 from last weekend and the smaller runs this week. 

My friend Sam reminded me today it would be good to think about dropping a pound if at all possible during this carbo loading, recovering 2 week stint.  Most people put on weight in this stage but I sure would love to drop a pound and make my load lighter.  Still no grains but sugar has crept back in via chocolate and the odd processed piece of food that has sugar added to it.  Feeling excited.  Just gotta keep the nutrition and the hydration going, plenty of sleep and a good attitude. 

Tapering and Sharpening

Here we are with the biggest of the long distance runs checked off yesterday.  I now enter the stage of the taper and come down slowly.  Still a lot of running to do this week so effort still needed on my part to stay focused.  Feeling pretty good after yesterday.  Was able to stick to no slower than 45 secs of marathon pace for a sustained 3 hours but I did have a toilet break, water collection break which always helps with recuperation and the watch turned off during those intervals.  During the run, my body responded well to the cliff shots and no major injuries apart from some blood blisters on the toes.  Today, I do have some tight hips, a little twinging in the knee joint and also twitches in the soles of the feet.

I do have some interesting little speed workouts this week and the next couple of weeks to sharpen my running.  Looking forward to those.