Space Coast Marathon, I'm Coming For You (Sort of)

I'm not a very superstitious person.  I don't put much stock into good luck or bad fortune.  Of course I, like most runners, have my little rituals I like to do before a race, but I honestly do not feel as if they have much if any bearing on my performance.  So for the most part, I feel as if I control my own destiny.

With that being said, looking back at my experience with the Space Coast Marathon over the past several years, I may just be convinced this race is cursed.  Well for me at least. It seems like despite my best efforts, it just hasn't worked out for me each and every year I attempt this race.

And every year I swear I will NOT do this race again, yet here I am, 23 day until blast off (they like to play on to the whole space theme so I figured I'd roll with it).  So why am I running this "cursed" race again this year?  Well I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.  That and I get an extra medal for doing it three years in a row.  Bust most importantly, I am bound and determined to break this alleged curse and finally have a good Space Coast experience!

Before I get into how I plan to do that for this year's race, let me reflect on the last almost 4 years and why I have (somewhat) jokingly dubbed this race cursed...

2013
My youngest son was about 9 months old and my oldest was about to turn 2.  I had two kids in 14 months and had taken a little break from distance running during that time.  Though I was a new mom, had yet to lose all the baby weight and hadn't had a full night's sleep in close to two years, I was eager to get back into the marathon game.  I had done a few half marathons but nothing is quite like the full distance.

I came across this local race in August and thought it would be a good one for my first race back.  I drug my feet on signing up for it for a few reasons (a. money was tight with me out of work and b. I was procrastinating because I was nervous to run another full).  But I began my training any way, figuring I could sign up when I was confident I could do it.

I got pretty deep into my training with several double digit runs under my belt and was starting to get really excited for the race.  When I finally decided to go ahead and sign up.  I had my credit card out, the website opened up and I was about to register when I realized one major problem.  The race had sold out!  I was pretty bummed and angry at myself for not signing up sooner (lesson learned).  Luckily I found a race about two months later (The Celebration Marathon) that I was able to continue training for.

2014
The Celebration Marathon earlier that year went really for me.  I had a 35 minute PR and it propelled me into a running season of PR after PR.  By the end of the summer, I had cut minutes, yes minutes, off my over all pace.  I couldn't believe it and decided I wanted to do another marathon before the end of the year.

Not waiting til the last minute this time, I signed up for Space Coast and looked down a solid training program.  With each passing week, I was feeling stronger and faster and before I knew it, I was on pace to potentially qualify for the marathon of all marathons!  I just couldn't believe it but now that was all I could think about it.

By the time race day rolled around, it was BQ or bust.  I was feeling good and confident I would make it happen out on that course, no questions asked. 

But mother nature had other plans for me...what I thought to be nerves turned out to be a stomach bug I got from one of my sons and made for a rough day with me coming up 18+ minutes short on my goal. Though there was nothing I could've done differently, I my spirit was broken and I beat myself up over it for weeks.

2015
After such a rough experience the year before, I swore I would not run this race again.  But as the months went on and the disappointment wore off, I set my sights back on this race and decided to make it my redemption run.  It would be the only full marathon I would run that year and I would put all my time and energy into crushing this course and getting my BQ.

I studied all things distance running for months and hammered down what I thought to be a great program.  Things started off well and I was feeling myself getting faster and faster.  But with such a lofty goal in mind, I was pushing myself to the limits and not listening to my body.

About 6.5 weeks before the race, I suffered an injury to my heel bone that caused me to develop Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Faciitis.  I had to take almost a whole month off of running and I was devastated!  I tried to keep up my fitness with swimming, biking when it wasn't painful, upper body lifting and yoga, but nothing could fully supplement distance running and I was pretty out of shape by the time I was cleared to run.

With just a few weeks til race day, I tried getting my mileage back up, but it was pretty humbling.  Though I was no longer in much pain, I had become so deconditioned I just couldn't handle the distance and pace I was working for.  I knew I would eventually build back up, but not in time for race day.  So I had to let go of any goal I had and just hope to finish that day.

Having no where enough training miles to run a full marathon, I gave it my best effort that day.  I actually started out pretty well but by the half way mark, I just knew it wasn't happening.  I took several walk breaks and eventually limped through to the finish line with my worst marathon time in years.  Though I was disappointed by the whole experience, I was certainly not defeated.  I had fought through adversity and finished and that was certainly something to be proud of.

2016 thus far
I had a kick ass Spring this year.  I had some great races, a PR in every distance I ran, and I even got to start pacing half marathons.  By the beginning of the summer, I was riding high and ready to tackle some big goals.

I was asked if I would be available to pace the 2016 Space Coast Marathon and though I was pretty much over this race, I jumped on the chance.  Around the same time, I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon, which I was hoping to BQ at.  I figured I would get my BQ in Chicago and then have a fun time helping fellow marathoners 7 weeks later at Space Coast.  Nothing to it, right!?!

Whelp, I missed my BQ by a few minutes up in Chicago and then learned I was put on the back up list of pacers for Space Coast (and they most likely will NOT need me).  I had pretty much planned my entire fall around running both of those races and had actually become pretty excited to go back to Space Coast.  So, I figured what the heck, I'll just go ahead and sign up for it and run it any way.  A bunch of my friends are going to be there and I get a special medal for running it three years in a row.  I'll just go have some fun with it, or will I?  Lest not forget the curse!

And my plans for 2016
Several people have asked me if I will try to BQ at Space Coast since I am not pacing it and I missed it in Chicago.  My simple answer, it's not my goal but it's worth a shot.  7 weeks between marathons is not enough time to recover from the first one and prepare for the next one.  Jumping right back into training is tough both physically and mentally.

The optimist in me wants to take all the pressure off and just have fun, with the rest of my training training and of course on race day.  But the competitor in me wants to keep pushing and fighting until I reach my ultimate goal.  I guess it's all about finding a good balance of hard work and dedication, but still listening to my body (so I don't get burnt out or worse, hurt) and knowing when to let go and have fun.  So with all that being said, here are my goals for Space Coast this year...

A. Swing for the fences.  If I happen to be feeling it that day, why not freaking go for it and make that BQ finally happen at the race that has defeated me so many times before!?!
B. Push a little and clock what has become a consistent marathon time for me in the low 3:40's.
C. Run with a friend (or a stranger for that matter) who is trying to break 4 hours.
D. Just finish that damn thing with my head held high and a smile on my face.  2 marathons in 2 months is certainly something to be proud of!

Regardless of what goal I accomplish that day, one thing is of the utmost importance...break the "Space Coast Curse."  Whether I BQ or walk half the race, I am NOT going to let Space Coast defeat me yet again.  It's all about attitude and I plan to keep mine positive from now until I cross the finish line, and beyond.

So yes, Space Coast, I AM coming for you!

Chicago Marathon Race Recap

As I sit here on my 2+ hour flight back home, I am left with plenty of time to reflect back on this whole experience that was the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. My 6th marathon was quite a journey to get there to say the least and certainly an exciting day of running!

Before I get into all of that, I want to talk a little bit about the past several months of training for the big day...

When I signed up for Chicago back in March, I was on a total runner's high from a huge Spring.  I had PR'ed in every distance I ran and placed in most of those events.  And I embarked on a long time dream of mine and became an official pacer for the first time.  So I was pretty fired up and ready to rock my next big race!  Knowing all I needed was a sub 3:45 to secure my spot in Chicago and not have to wait in the lottery, I was feeling pretty confident going into training with my recent PR of 3:38 (Run with Donna in February) and a guaranteed entry!

As summer rolled around and I got deeper into my training, I really started to struggle with my long runs.  In fact, any run outside was a struggle for me thanks to the crazy high heat and humidity.  Bombing practically every one of my long runs, I was not in the least bit convinced heading into my taper I would come anywhere close to my PR.

But I didn't want to get into my head too much so I pressed on and just hoped for the best come race day.

Then the whole Hurricane thing became a HUGE issue, throwing a big ole wrench in my plans for the trip. Luckily I did make it up there, but not without a lot of stress, guilt, sleepless nights with just days before the race, and hours upon hours sitting in cars and/or airplanes. Needless to say my body and mind were incredibly run down.

I finally made it to outside of Chicago to my family's condo Friday night after a long day of driving with my grandma and two aunts, and then we picked my mom up at the airport.  I was tired and tight from all the sitting, but so eager to see the city.  Of course I would have to wait til the next day...

Everyone decided to accompany me to the expo, which was quite an undertaking, but I certainly appreciate their support. Still not knowing what to expect for race day and stressed from all the traveling and activity that it involved, I showed up to the expo, got my packet and just tried to soak in the experience. Luckily I met up with my friend who was going through a similar experience as me with training and training.  So it was great to get some spend some time with her discussing our training woes, how exhausted we were from the extra traveling and our plans to just do our best on race day.

That evening, my mom and I checked into our hotel and then found a Whole Foods nearby, where we got some water and pasta. I got all my race day gear ready and headed off to bed still so uncertain as to what my "plan" should be for the race. I had my goals in mind but was clueless as to what my body, and mind, could handle at this point.

Race morning, my alarm clock went off but I was already pretty much awake.  I was eager to get down there so I quickly got ready and headed out for the 15+ minute walk to the security lines.  I made it down to the start of the race a little too early, but that's ok because I had time to use the restroom, have my pre-run fuel and even make some friends in my corral (I love making new runner friends!).

I felt the corral situation was about as organized as it could be with that many people and we were moved relatively quickly to the start.  About 8 minutes after the first corral started, me along with the rest of Corral D crossed the starting line!

I definitely got caught up in the moment for the first quarter mile or so, the energy was through the roof!  The streets were lined with people cheering, the buildings towered over us, music pumped through loud speakers, helicopters flew up above us, it was LIVE!  It had been a while since I experienced a race to this capacity so I was fired up.  But knowing I wouldn't be able to keep that pace much longer, I pulled way back.

In all the excitement, I managed to lose the 3:35 pace group, but felt great at the pace I was running, which had me on track to reach my ultimate goal of 3:30, so figured I should just hold that and hopefully end up with a group sooner or later.  I kept up a sub 8 min mile pace for the next several miles, and it felt pretty conservative and something I should be able to manage throughout the race.  Then I spotted the 3:35 pacer around mile 6 and figured it best to stay with them at an even more conservative pace, but still enough to get me a 3:32-3:33 finish, which I would have been more than happy with.

I hung with them for a few miles and hit my first little wall around mile 9.  I took my Huma gel, drank some Gatorade at the aid station and was back in the game with a little extra pep in my step.  I even went ahead of the pacers a little and regained my sub 3:30 pace.

I managed to hold on to that sub 3:30 pace for the next several miles until I hit my next wall around mile 15.  This time it was mostly a mental wall filled with doubt, that I spend a mile or so talking myself out of.  I lost some of my pace and found myself back with the 3:35 group. Which was ok, that still projected me for a great finish.

I got another burst and things were going pretty well for the next 3 miles, I even saw my mom and two aunts cheering for me in the Latin district shortly after mile 18, so that was awesome!  And speaking of cheering, the crowd support was nonstop and incredible throughout the entire course!  It had been a while since I experienced a race to that capacity, so the cheering and excitement really helped a lot.  And of course seeing my family while I was at a good pace, gave me a boost and the feeling that I may actually crush this thing!

But at mile 19, that all came to a screeching halt...

My legs were pretty tight from all the traveling and I wasn't able to do my yoga, stretching and foam rolling because my travel plans had changed.  They gave me some moderate discomfort periodically throughout the first several miles but seemed to calm down as I settled into a good rhythm.  At mile 19, however, that all changed when I felt a pop in my left hamstring and my whole leg start to cramp.  Initially worried I had torn the muscle, I took a few seconds to walk and evaluate the situation.  I realized it was just a bad cramp and it started to work itself out, so I slowly started to pick the pace back up and try to fight through it.

But with every step I took, the cramping continued to worsen, traveling up and down my leg.  The compensating I was doing with my right leg started to cause a cramp there too and before I knew it, pretty much everything from my waist down was in full out pain by mile 20.  Realizing at this point I probably would not reach my goal but determined not to quit, I continued to try and run, unfortunately just much slower.

Miles 21-25  were pretty much a blur.  The pace was the slowest of the day, including several walk breaks.  I was visibly in pain as many yelled at me not to stop and that I can do it.  I even had someone ask me if I was OK, which totally bruised my pride.  I remember looking at the ground and shouting the "F" word quite a bit at this point.  Somewhere during that time a lady I had met at the beginning of the race caught up with me and helped me through one of those daunting miles.  She was looking strong and was about to crush her goal.  I fed off of her for a little bit but just couldn't hang.  Though I would have loved to have stuck with her, I am grateful for the push she gave me!

My watched buzzed to signal 26 miles quite a few yards before I even saw the mile marker, and at this point I felt pretty defeated.  I had hoped I was closer and could now begin my sprint to the finish but I realized I had several more minutes to go.  Each meter marker sign (800, 400, 200 then 100) seemed to mock me as I half ran-half limped through to the finish.  As I turned the corner and ran up a moderate hill, I finally saw the finish line.  Though my left hamstring seemed as if it had detached, both calves were completely cramped up and every other fiber of my legs felt useless at this point, I knew this was it so I gave it my all.

In my head I was running a four and a half minute mile but my body was barely moving as I raced to the finish line.  I dramatically threw my arms up in the air as if I was the one breaking the tape and tears started to stream down my face.  Though I had missed my original goal by 12 minutes, my PR by 4 minutes and my BQ by 2 minutes, I was no where near as upset with my performance as I thought I would be.  In fact, I was quite proud for pushing through.  I can honestly say I gave it my all that day and am happy with my 3:42:12 finish. (My second fastest marathon time)

The what seemed to be several miles long walk through the chutes to the after party gave me quite a bit of time to reflect on what just occurred.  All the miles came flooding back through my memory and there wasn't a single bit of regret I could find within them.  I faced adversity throughout the entire summer of training and was left with so much doubt heading into this weekend.  I spent the previous several days stressed to the max over traveling in a hurricane and what that storm had in store for my family, home and our business.  And my body had to deal with a situation that in the not so distant past, I would have totally given up.  

So Chicago, as far as the race and the experience as a whole, may not have panned out how I had envisioned back when I signed up for it, but I'm OK with that.  I am grateful for the extra time I got with my family and the friends I got to hang out with and even make along this journey.

I loved the city, the race and the lessons I learned from the whole process.  That is after all, what being a marathoner is all about.  Until next time 26.2...

Dear Marathon Training, I Hate You: Tips for Dealing With the Marathon Training Blues

I'm at that point in my marathon training where I'm like, for lack of a better term, F*CK IT!  Before you go thinking I'm quitting my training or even running all together, just hear me out.  After 10 weeks of hitting it hard and 10 weeks still to go, I am at that pivotal point in my training where I am just burnt the EFF out.  I'm physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted by it all.  Despite all my Go Pro captured, Snap Seed filtered IG "runfies" with motivational quotes about working hard in relentless pursuit of my dreams, I got to be honest, I'm actually freaking struggling over here!  It is stupid hot outside and will only get hotter, my training runs have been hit or miss and I am lacking some serious motivation!

So what exactly does this mean?  Do I take a week or two off to reset and hope it doesn't derail my training too badly?  Do I give up on my training plan and just wing it, hoping for the best come race day?  Do I just suck it up, push through and ignore any signs of over-training or injury (been there, done that).   Or, even more extreme, do I just throw in the towel and not even bother any more?  And the answer is, well there is no easy answer.  What I do know, however, is after having been through this very phase in virtually every single training cycle I have ever completed, this too shall pass.  I will get over this funk, finish out my training and run my little heart out on race day.

But I certainly cannot just sit around waiting for my running mojo to just magically reappear.  Not only do I want to finish this, my 6th marathon, I want to a shiny new PR and to finally get that BQ I have been working so hard on for the past 3 years!  But I recognize there is a fine line between that relentless pursuit of our goals, and knowing when to pull back to avoid burn out, illness or injury.  It's about training hard but more importantly, training smart.  So, if you're in the same boat as me, here are a few things to consider when you feel like throwing up the proverbial middle finger to your marathon training.

Take a Little Break
Gasp, she said take a break from running during marathon training, has she lost her mind!?!?!  Obviously skipping several workouts or even a weeks of training is probably not the best thing to help you reach your goal, but taking a day or two off here and there when your body absolutely hates you will not totally derail your training.  In fact, it will most likely do you some good physically and mentally to slow down or stop every once in a while.  Recognizing the signs of over-training is vital in avoiding injury and illness.  If you feel you are reaching that point, take a little breather because getting injured or being sick is even worse than having some bad training runs here and there!  I have pushed back runs later in the day, or even skipped a run and did something else (like swimming, biking or yoga) even even just took a full rest day.  Sure, I felt a little guilty for not completely "sticking to the program," but my body, and mind totally needed it!

Make New Goals
I am by no means saying to give up on your goal all together because training has been rough.  You never know what you may be capable come race day, so don't give up hope.  But I always highly recommend a plan B, C and maybe even D goal as well.  Having just one BIG goal in mind with an all or nothing approach can potentially set you up for failure and disappointment, trust me I know!  Having an ultimate goal along with some "I can by happy with this" type goals will help take some of the intense pressure off as well as allow you to make adjustments for situations out of your control (like weather, GI issues, etc).  I suggest doing this for training runs too, especially the long runs.  It will help keep you accountable out there, giving you something to work for and will be great practice for race day.  

Readjust Your Plan
As you know, marathon training is time consuming, but it does not have to consume.  We do have jobs, families, other hobbies and a life!  Sometimes training can take too much away from that and we start to lose our appreciation for running.  If you find that your plan is too stringent, causing you to resent running, or even worse, causing you to over-train, change it!  I have tweaked my program mid to late training cycle for that very reason.  Make sure your plan is still preparing you for race day with the appropriate mileage, speed work and tempo runs.  But do some research, seek the help of a professional and/or seasoned runners and readjust your plan so it better suits your life, goals and commitment level.

Repeat After Me: "Marathon Training is Not My Job"
As I stated above, we have lives outside of training that often include careers, that some of us actually like and/or want to keep.  Though it would be pretty awesome if we were compensated for the time we spend running and thinking about running, but we don't.  We run because we enjoy it, it's our hobby, our stress reliever, our "happy hour" with friends!  Yes, you made a commitment to a goal, so stay focused and honor that, but don't take yourself too seriously.  When training starts to feel like a full time job, remind yourself it it's not your job, it's your hobby and it's what you love.  Be sure to reconnect with that love of running every now and then with things like a watch-less run, a new route, a group run or a fun, easy local 5 or 10k!

Take Some Time Reflect
Whenever I hit a rough patch in my training where I feel like I'm losing my love and feeling for running, I take some time to reflect on all the wonderful things running has brought into my life.  I like to look back at old pictures, Facebook posts and training blogs to be reminded not just how far I have really come in distance and pace, but how much I have grown as a person along the way.  Running has transformed my body, making me stronger and leaner than I have ever been.  Running has given me so much inner strength and courage to do the things that had once terrified me.  And most importantly, running has brought so many beautiful, encouraging and motivating people into my life.  So yeah, sh*t gets hard some times, but reflecting on all the positive things running has brought me and will continue to bring me certainly helps put things in perspective and drives me to keep on going.

Mix It Up
Often times during marathon training, running is all we feel we can and should do.  But this couldn't be further from the truth.  A solid training program should include cross training, strength training and recovery.  If you find yourself getting burnt out on just running, try adding in some other forms of exercise to help keep things fresh.   For me personally, I would go crazy if all I did was run.  Even during marathon training, I absolutely love getting after it in the weight room, swimming laps in the pool, getting out on my bike and hitting up a yoga class.  Having variety in your weekly training regimen well help your body get stronger, leaner, more efficient and even aid in recovery, but it also give you other things to look forward and work hard at during your training cycle, breaking up the monotony.   [Side Note: I know some programs focus solely on running and shy away from cross training, but consider yoga as well as a core training program to help mix it up, provide strength and aid in recovery.]

Take It All In Stride
I can't stress enough the importance of trying to keep it lighthearted.  Yes it is time consuming, yes it takes a toll on your body, yes it can be a little tricky getting in all your training runs, yes it can be terrifying (especially if it is your first or if you're going after a big goal).  But that doesn't mean it still can't be fun!  After all, you committed to doing this because though you knew it would be a big challenge, you also hoped it to be (at least a little bit) fun.  So let it be fun!  Try to relax and not take it all too seriously.  Don't beat yourself up after a rough training run.  Don't feel all is lost if you missed your mileage for one week.  Don't sweat the small stuff, trust me you'll figure it out.  And most importantly, don't lose hope even when you feel like your goal is so far out of reach.  Keep your head up, keep working, stay positive and have faith in yourself and your training.  Trust me, you WILL cross that finish line on race day.  So why not do it with your head held high, a smile on your face and pride that you kept at it and gave it your all!  And even more so awesome when you CRUSH your goal!

Why We NEED Rest Days

Contrary to what many of my friends and family think, I do not workout 7 days a week, 365 days a year!  I make sure to have a rest day every week and I never miss it.  It's typically Sunday (Saturday if I have a race Sunday) and I do not touch a weight or lace up my running shoes that day.  Since having kids, my rest days have evolved and are quite a bit more active nowadays.  But no regimented exercise for me on my day of rest.  This day is so important because it gives my body and mind the much needed rest from the previous week of exercise and prepares it for the week to come. 

Every now and then our body tells us we need to slow down and take an additional rest day and that is perfectly ok!  There are several physiological as well as psychological reasons why we should schedule regular rest days.  Here are few great reasons why it's so important, and why you shouldn't beat yourself up if you have to take an extra day here and there if you're body is begging for it.

1. Let Your Muscles (Re)grow
When we engage in strenuous physical activity our muscles break down.  It's during that time that our muscles repair themselves, becoming stronger and more efficient.  Your muscles need that time to rebuild, without it they will continue to tear.  This continuous break down of your muscles leads to several issues (as stated below) but most importantly it will negatively effect the improvements to your strength  you are working so hard for.  This is also why it is important not to train the same muscle groups on consecutive days (when it comes to weight lifting).  So don't worry, taking a day off and/or alternating muscles groups will help your progress rather than hinder it.

2. Prevents Fatigue
We exercise so that can look good, be stronger but more importantly to feel good.  Exercise, along with proper nutrition and sleep, help boost our energy levels and our mood.  But there is such thing as too much of a good thing.  When we over-train and neglect rest, our bodies become fatigued.  This causes us to lose energy, have trouble sleeping and it even effects our mood.  It becomes a vicious cycle because when we are fatigued, we will not have the energy to workout.  Without the energy to workout, we will not meet our goals and of course our mood will be negatively effected by that as well.  Listen to your body, take rest days and your body will thank you for it with the energy it needs to keep going in the gym, out on the trail and in life!

3. Prevent Mental Exhaustion
Your mind can get just as burnt out as your body.  Life is all about balance.  We have to be able to physically and mentally enjoy what we do otherwise it will soon feel more like a daunting task than enjoyable activity.  Taking proper rest not only helps you physically, but emotionally as well.  It helps prevent boredom, rekindle your hunger for exercise (you know you miss it when it's gone ;-)), and of course recharge your psyche.  Not to mention when you are physically tired, your brain cannot function at full capacity, so rest days are win-win for body and mind.

4. Keep Your Immune System Strong
Over-training has been known to weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to fatigue and illness.  When you engage in consistent strenuous activity, your body's immune system is there to help make the necessary repairs to your muscles and joints.  Without proper rest, your immune system can not keep up with the demands you are putting on your body.  Without an efficient immune system, you are more likely to become ill and then you will have no choice but to take additional rest days to re-cooperate.  Do not wait until you're already sick to take rest days, be sure to take them weekly in order to prevent a hit to your immune system.

5. Injury Prevention
From running to weight lifting, and everything in between, rest days help prevent the overuse of muscles and joints.  Without allowing the proper rest, this overuse will eventually make you more susceptible to injury.  There is only so much our muscles and joints can take at any given time before they begin to wear down.  It is important you not only allow yourself regularly scheduled rest days, but also that you are listening to your body when it is telling you that you have had enough. Pushing ourselves through extreme fatigue and pain will only set us back in the long run because we will become injured and, of course, have no choice but to rest then, whether we like it or not.

The key to rest days is to schedule in your regular workout routine.  Chose a day of the week where it will fit best and commit to it.  If an opportunity arises for a race, workout or strenuous physical activity, plan in advance and reschedule your rest day, but don't skip it that week.  Also, it is tremendously important that you listen to your body.  Some times it will be begging you to slow down and take an extra day or two of rest.  Trust me here, a few days off will certainly not set you back in your goals.  In fact, the much needed rest will have you coming back stronger than before and ready to go out and crush it!

For additional training information, tips as well as Coach Christina's own personal fitness and running journey, be sure to check her out on INSTAGRAM.  And for more information on training with Coach Christina, be sure to check out STRENGTH2RUN.

Back To Back Races: The Good, The Bad, The Crazy

6 Days Apart: Space Coast Marathon & MOAT Off-Road Half Marathon

Last Sunday, I ran a marathon and this Saturday, I will run a half marathon.  I have done this a couple of times in my running "career" and each time I do it, I am reminded why I don't do it very often, lol.  Now, I am by no means an elite runner, but I am definitely out there pushing it each time I race.  And by the time it's all said and done, man oh man do I feel it!  But with that being said, there is also something fun and exciting about multiple distance races in a short period of time.  In fact, there are even groups specifically for runners who enjoy filling up their weekends with half and full marathons.  Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs are two groups I am aware of and I am sure there are others.  Since I know I am not the only crazy runner out there, I thought I would share, in my opinion, the pros and cons of running back to back races as well as some tips to survive both (or several) race weekends.

No Taper Madness
With such a quick turn around from one race to the next, one does not have much time to focus on a proper taper.  We all know how crazy tapering can be for a distance runner, so in a way, it may be kind of nice not to go through the 2-3 weeks of "taper madness."  The decrease in mileage and intensity, however, certainly helps prepare our bodies for the big event.  O the plus side is our mind is already in race mode, hopefully our legs follow suit!  My advice when there is no time to properly taper, do the best you can to rest up and scale back that week or two between events.  Kind of like an abbreviated version of a taper, better than nothing!  Also, be sure to listen to your body.  If your legs, head or heart aren't feeling it, a day or two off before your next event would probably do you more good than harm.

Goals (aka PR's)?
I talk A LOT about setting goals in my blogging, but sometimes I suggest throwing them out the window.  This is one of those times.  Back to back races can not just take a toll on you physically, but it can burn you out mentally as well.  Since we are not professional runners here, it's important we remember why we do these events.  The answer is typically because their fun and it's our passion.  Of course it is nice to PR and don't sell yourself short if it feels like a good possibility out on the course.  But after you just ran a half or full distance and are about to run another, you have no idea how your body (and psyche) will react to another weekend of high mileage in a high energy (and competitive) atmosphere.  So my suggestion would be to just go out and have fun, see what you can do, make some friends out there and enjoy the journey!  The is, after all, why most of us run anyway.

Bring on the Bling
If you're like me and most of the other runners out there who do this for fun, we also do it for the bling.  Let's face it, we like big shiny rewards for our efforts, hehe!  An obvious plus to doing multiple races is receiving multiple medals.  So you may acquire some blisters, exhaustion and soreness along the way, you will certainly have some pretty new medals to show for your hard work and badassery!

Eat All the Food
Again, I make mention of proper nutrition and moderation in my blog, but another fun thing about multiple races are the post races goodies.  Of course I do not suggest a week or two of a pure pizza and beer diet (I would be in heaven if I could do that), but enjoying some good eats not only serves as a reward but also helps to replenish all those calories burned out on the course(s).  My advice is to have a cheat day after each race where you can enjoy some of your favorite indulgences.  Do try your best to keep portions in check during these cheat days and once they are over, do your best to get back on track with your healthy nutrition.  Also, don't forget to stay hydrated with beer, I mean water and electrolyte drinks!

Find Out What You're Made Of
You never know your limits until you push yourself to them, and running long distances back to back will certainly push you to the limit!  Like I said above, there is definitely something exciting about multiple high mileage weekends.  Running a half or full is a big deal in itself, so to do more than one in a matter of days is a big freaking deal!  It takes guts, grit and maybe a little insanity.  But you will feel such an amazing sense of accomplishment when it's all said and done.  You will learn a lot about yourself and what you are capable of.  And if you happen to do exceptionally well at one or both races, well then all the more reason to be even more proud!

Learn From Your Experiences
Every experience in life is an opportunity to learn and running is no exception.  The more races you run, the more opportunities you have to gain knowledge, confidence and experience that can help to better prepare you for each subsequent event.  You learn more and more about what works for you for everything from training to nutrition and hydration to recovery to even your mental game, and everything in between.  Back to back races, though taxing physically and mentally, give you real time race experiences and of course opportunities to learn and grow as a runner.

Have Fun!
I know I sound like a broken record pointing out the obvious that we are not elite athletes here.  We are weekend warriors doing this for fun, fitness and friends.  Of course we would be lying if we said we don't like to push ourselves, we are crazy distance runners after all.  But all in all, we are doing this for ourselves and nothing more.  So keep that in mind.  Be proud of how hard you are working.  Feel special that you are doing something challenging, unconventional and only for the crazy brave.  But most importantly, enjoy it all.  We are so lucky for the gift our bodies give to us, so don't take it for granted, soak it all in and have some dadgum fun!

Rest and Recovery
Last but certainly not least, once it is all said and done...GET SOME REST!  Holy Guacamole you deserve it!  Sleep, eat, drink water, foal roll, ice bath, massage, yoga, lay in bed.  Whatever it takes and whatever you can make time for, do it.  Your body and mind will thank you for it.


If you need more tips on training and recovery, contact Coach Christina today.  Be sure to follow her running and fitness journey on her INSTAGRAM page.  Happy running everyone!

26.2 With Donna

It seems like I had been training for years for this one race!  It was certainly a long journey but all totally worth it.  I actually signed up for this particular race as a knee-jerk reaction after getting hurt in last Fall.  I had my sights set on a BQ at the Space Coast Marathon Thanksgiving weekend, but when a deep calcaneal bone bruise lead to Achilles Tendinitis as well as Plantar Fasciitis, I was left sidelined for over a month!  I knew it would be impossible to reach my goal even if I could run Space Coast, so I immediately hopped on the computer and found the next race I could do in the area that was a BQ race.  I came across 26.2 with Donna, and before I even knew much more about it, I was grabbing my credit card and hitting submit.  I was going to heal up and BQ at this race, simple as that.  Haha, I wish!  Well, Space Coast came around and even though I hadn't really been able to train, I still gave it a shot.  4 hours and 11 minutes later, I limped through the finish line and my body and mind were SPENT!  At that point, knowing I had just weeks until my next marathon, I made a difficult but necessary decision to go ahead and let go of my goal to BQ (for now) and just have a fun, stress free time during training and of course throughout the race.  BEST.DECISION.EVER!  This was hands down, the least stressful, most enjoyable marathon experience I have had since MCM in 2010!

I will get into a little more about my race experience but first, let me start off with a little information about the race itself.  26.2 With Donna is a non-profit organization that offers several events in the Northeast Florida area throughout the year, with the marathon weekend drawing their largest crowds.  Since it's inaugural race in 2008, 26.2 With Donna has donated over $4 million towards its vision to finish breast cancer.  Funds go to the Mayo Clinic for top breast cancer research and to The Donna Foundation to provide financial assistance to those with breast cancer.  So going into it, I knew it was for a good cause and it would be very touching experience, but little did I know how amazing and inspirational it would truly be!

I have talked a lot about my injury and training in previous posts, as well as the goals I had in mind for this race.  So as the weekend approached, I made the commitment to myself to just relax, have fun and soak it all in.  Saturday came around and it was time to leave for the expo.  The website and several people I have spoken to have claimed it to be one of the best expos in the industry.  Having been to a huge expo experience like Marine Corps as well as a local, inaugural one like the Celebration Marathon, I would have to admit the Donna Expo fell somewhere in between.  Access and parking to the expo were great, especially since parking was free.  There were several great vendors there with tons of freebies as well as great products to purchase, but unfortunately but 2pm Saturday afternoon, over a handful of vendors had already left for the day.  I know it was a long weekend for them, but it was a little disappointing, as well as rather disrespectful (IMO) to not stay until the end.  But luckily there was still plenty to see and do and packet pick up was seamless.  There was a very friendly gentleman at the entrance directing us to where we needed to go.  We first got our bib then our shirt and bag.  There were even extra bags so my husband got one.  This came in big handy since we had our two young sons with us and they wanted EVERY freebie at the expo.  My sons scored cowbells, signs to make, pens, coloring books, sunglasses, coozies, etc., so they were so excited!  With everything we needed and them some for race day, we headed out to our hotel.

I chose the Sawgrass Marriott because it was a host hotel and from what I understood, to be a stones throw away from the race start.  Pulling up to the hotel, we immediately knew we had chosen great accommodations and that they were ready and excited for Donna participants.  The valets had Donna jackets on, there was a massive banner hanging in the lobby and there was no mistaking they had rolled out the, ahem, pink carpet for the Race To Finish Breast Cancer.  We settled into our room, left to grab a bite to eat, then came back so I could everything I needed for the next morning.  The weather report kept fluctuating so I kept going back and forth on what to wear.  I decided the night before to go with shorts and even took my "Flat Christina" photo of them before going to bed.

The alarm went off at 6:07 (which is actually over an hour later than I usually get to get up, so woohoo for extra sleep).  And when I checked the temp, it had dropped even more.  38 degrees for race start, so back into my suitcase went my shorts and out came the pants.  Outfit was on and everything I needed to get going was in my nifty new draw string bag.  I kissed my babies on their sleeping foreheads, high fived and kissed my husband who had awoken, and off I went.  Well not before he took a quick pre-race pic of me.

It turns out the hotel was not quite as close to the start as we had thought.  It was about a mile and a half a way.  I chalked it up to a good little warm up, plus I met some really nice ladies who had came in from Texas to run the half.  It is always nice to meet new runner friends, it kinda helps take the edge off with some mindless chatter getting to know each other.  When we finally got to the pre-race area, it seemed a little disorganized and lackluster.  There were the several quintessential port-a-potties lined up as well as some vendors and VIP tents.  But it took me several minutes and finally having to ask someone where to find bag, which was actually located in a different area from all the pre-race tents and activities.  A little strange, but I found it nonetheless and the process of checking my bag was super simple, so no big worries.  I did however, cut it a little close and had to dash over to the restroom.  And since EVERYONE has to use the restroom before these things, the lines were insane.  And of course took forever.  I was still in line when the national anthem was being sang and I feared I would miss the start of the race.  As soon as I did my business, they were announcing it was go time.

I had to practically sprint to get as close to the front as I could but just could not catch up to my pace group before they made my "coral" stop.  The starting area was so narrow and since I hadn't gotten up to where I needed to be, I had no idea that the crowd I had been herded into was planning on doing mostly walking.  So once it was go time, I spent most of the first quarter to half mile elbowing through crowds of walkers and light joggers.  I finally broke away from that pack and found myself with the 4:15 group.  I figured the 3:45 couldn't be that much further and that was my very hopeful goal for the race.  So I sped up a little to see if I could eventually catch them within the next few miles.  Shortly after passing the 4:15 pacer, I found the 4 hour pacing, so I was moving along well.  By mile 3, however, I had yet to find them but soon realized I was going way to fast.  My TomTom indicated I was averaging around 7:25 minute miles and even though I felt amazing, I knew I couldn't sustain.  I pulled back a little and hoped to soon find the pacer to settle in with them.  Like I said I felt great, so I just kept rolling.  The course support through those first several miles was amazing.  People lined the streets with signs, cowbells, cheers, high fives and and friendly smiles.  I also noticed several runners wearing "SURVIVOR" or "I'M RUNNING FOR..." bibs and it made me realize just how many people breast cancer effects and how awesome these runners are out here showing their support or even more so how much many of them have overcome!

Around mile 6, I saw that the 3:45 and the 3:30 were practically neck and neck.  I had yet to feel any need to slow my pace down, so I caught the 3:30 and thought, hey this was my original goal, let's freaking go for it!  I pulled out my headphones, introduced myself to the pacer and the lone runner keeping up with her and for the next few miles we were cruising along great!  The scenery was beautiful, people where lining up along the streets to cheer us on, the temperature had warmed up just enough with a great breeze and I was no longer running, I was coasting!

By mile 10, I was averaging around 7:45 minute miles, chatting up a storm with the pacer like we were on a leisurely stroll and I thought to myself, "don't jinx it, you have a ways to go, but keep it up and you are going to do this Christina, you are going to BQ!"  That is, of course when things took a little turn.  The pacer informed me before that before the half marathon mark, there would be a different pacer to carry us through the finish.  No biggie right?  Well the catch was, there would be a lapse in a pacer, for some odd reason.  She didn't offer an explanation as to why, or when and where I would find said pacer but assured me to keep doing what I was doing and I would be fine.

I bid farewell to the pacer before the turn around and just kept plugging along.  The sun was fully up and the weather was shaping up to be absolutely beautiful.  I managed to take my jacket off and toss it, but did so just a little too soon, because I soon caught quite a headwind!  Luckily, around the same time, I was able to catch some beautiful glimpses of the ocean and of course continued to hear the great cheers from the amazing crowd.

Around mile 14, they had us going through some neighborhoods for a few miles.  There was nothing incredibly exciting about these neighborhoods and though multiple families had come out to cheer us own, these next several miles became very daunting for me.  I had slowed some but managed to keep a good pace in hopes to eventually find this alleged pacer.  But by the time I hit the 17 mile mark and was finally heading out of this unimpressive portion of the course, I was starting to hit that proverbial wall.

By mile 18, the course really got exciting again.  We were heading through the downtown areas once more and there was that great crowd support I was missing.  Unfortunately my pace and body where starting to deteriorate then.  I had committed to myself before starting the race that I wanted to have fun no matter what.  If at any point I questioned why I even do these, if I hated myself for doing this or if it even became painful, I promised myself I would slow down or even walk.  After mile 18, my calf was cramping terribly and I was starting to get frustrated, so I had to honor my commitment and slow down and even walk at water stations.  But I managed to pick right back up, put a smile back on my face and push through.

I will finish my recap of the race in just a minute....

Meanwhile, back at the hotel...

My husband was getting our sons ready to come see me finish.  They were coloring signs, eating donuts and having a good ole time.  I was following me on the RaceJoy app, so he had a pretty good idea when I should be finishing up.  So he headed out with our 3 and 4 year old sons to catch the shuttle at the starting line.  Little did he know (like I had to learn earlier that morning) how much further the starting line was than we had anticipated.  And if you have ever tried to get preschool kids to cooperate and move when you are crunched for time, then you know how stressful it can be.  Fortunately, they managed to catch the shuttle and get down to the finish line area with what the app indicated, 4 minutes to spare!  Once down at the post race area, there was no clear direction where he needed to go.  He asked several people but no one seemed to be able to help.  Eventually they just kept walking (poor him and our kiddos) and soon found it and was ready to see me finish!  And luckily for them, unfortunate for me, I had slowed down enough that they had even a few more minutes to spare.

Ok, now back to the race itself.  By mile 20, I was back into a good stride, all be it much slower than I had started.  Normally this is when things really start to go bad for me.  But this time, despite my insanely tight calf, I felt good, slow, but good.  I knew I only had 10k to go and I should do that just fine.  I wouldn't PR my 10k, I wasn't going to make my Boston time, but I could do a 10k.  So I turned my music up a little louder and pushed on through.

Shortly after mile 22 is where the bridge came in to play.  For the past 20+ miles, the course had been so nice and flat.  Now all of a sudden I am looking up at this bridge with people running on it and I'm realizing I would soon be joining them.  The ramp to the bridge was a pretty steep and once we made it up the ramp, we just kept going up and up.  I just kept reminding myself that I was so close and that what comes up must come down.  But this is where I REALLY started slowing down.  As much as I was slowing down though, I refused to stop.  I just kept fighting through the calf pain, the cramps, the fact that I was hot, my feet were pounding, oh you know basically all the effects of running a marathon.   It's supposed to be hard and uncomfortable, but not insurmountable.

When my watched beeped to inform me I was at mile 25, I am certain tears of pure joy began streaming down my face.  I was at the top of a rather high bridge looking over the beautiful inter-coastal water way.  Crowds of people lined each side of the bridge jumping up and down and screaming you are almost there, and for once they were actually right!  As I ran past the crowd I realized they had sorority letters on their shirt and they happened to be Zeta Tau Alpha's!  I was a Zeta at East Carolina, so I was beyond excited to see my "sisters!"  Of course I gave as many of them as I could high fives, and I'm sure they thought I was insane, hehe.   After that awesome experience, the bridge started to decline, thank goodness.  That's when I turned on my "booster jets" as my son, Nolan, likes to call them, and just stared to run like the wind.

I wasn't even paying attention to my watch at this point, I just kept running.  Judging by the larger crowd and how excited they all were, I knew the finish line must be coming up.  I turned a corner, ran under an underpass and there it was, about a 100 yards in front of me.  Since I had given up on my BQ several miles back but knew I would get my sub 3:45 goal, I hadn't really paid much attention to my time for the last few miles.  But I always like to finish as strong as possible, so I kicked it into high gear and began my full out sprint to the finish.

I was keeping my eye out for my family the whole time I was dead sprinting those last few yards.  As soon as I crossed that finish line I saw them and went straight to them.  I didn't get my medal, grab a water or even turn off my watch.  I just wanted to embrace my husband and babies.  I was crying my eyes out with so much exhaustion but mostly pride.  My husband just kept telling me how awesome I did and how proud he was of me, and that's when I asked him what my official time was...3:38:27!

At that moment in time, not a single ounce of me was in the least bit disappointed that I had missed a BQ by only 3 minutes and 27 seconds.  I had a huge PR, beat my goal of a sub 3:45, and by coming that close, I proved to myself that it is possible and WILL happen.  I gave that race my all, blew my goal out of the water and took over an hour off my first marathon time.  So as far as I was concerned, I came up short in nothing!  [Of course I would be lying if I said that it eventually didn't sink in how close I came and my mind travels to certain times I could have pushed just a little harder and I would have made it happen.  But I will use all that as motivation to push harder the next time.]

I finally went to grab my medal then Hunter snapped several pictures of me with the boys.  They were so excited for me and I was beyond elated to see their sweet smiling faces.  We started our walk to the after party and we had to walk along a narrow path of grass and trees that ran parallel to where I'm assuming runners where coming through.  We were not really certain where to go but figured if we just kept following the crowd, we would find it (kind of the theme for my husband's day).  We got to the race after party and it was very well organized with a lot of neat things going on from music to food to plenty of areas to sit and relax.  We needed to get back to the hotel to be out of our room and still had a drive a head of us home, so after picking up my bag, we headed over to the shuttles.

There were plenty of shuttles, so fortunately there was no wait and we got right on one.  The ride wasn't too long, but the walk back from the start was even farther than I remembered that morning.  By this point my legs where so wobbly and I was holding a 40+ pound 3 year old (who said HE was tired, lol), so it seemed like eternity before we made it back to our hotel.  But we finally made it, showered, check out and it the road soon there after.  I was certainly on a runners high for the next several days!

FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all it was an amazing race and one I would highly recommend to any one from first timers to people looking to PR.  Here are just a few quick pros and cons that I will leave you with in case you are now considering the 26.2 With Donna in 2017...

Pros

• It's for a great cause and the experience is incredibly inspiring and motivating.
• Entry cost is pretty average, definitely not Disney-expensive.  You can even run for free through their fundraising entry (see their site for details).
• They had great communication leading up to the event with plenty of helpful information.
• The race expo had free parking and was easy to get to.
• Packet pick up was well organized.
• Our guest hotel was awesome sauce!
• Great course support for the majority of the race.
• Excellent course that was mostly flat throughout.
• Kicking after party with great music and plenty of food!

Cons

• The expo wasn't as crazy awesome as I had anticipated.
• Getting to and from the start line before and after the race was a little frustrating.
• The starting line area was lackluster, way too narrow and not very organized.
• Very disappointed in the pace group situation.
• The middle miles through the neighborhoods were a little bland as far as scenery and lack of crowd support.
• After the finish, no one rushed up with my medal, by the time I got to the medal, the unimpressed, seemingly bored young ladies handing them out were not really helpful nor friendly when figuring out which medal was mine. (There was a half and relay too)
• Getting over to the after party with my family was a little confusing.
• If you're into obnoxiously big, ornate medals, you would be let down by the smaller finish medal.

The pros by far outweigh any of the cons and I would most certainly run this one again as well as recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Next year's race is on 2/17/2017, and I'm already marking my calendar!

My Top 9 Marathon Recovery Essentials

Months of training, hours of running, all for one shiny medal, well that an a totally awesome accomplishment to be super proud of!  Marathon training has come and gone and so has the big event...so what now?  All kinds of physically and emotionally feelings may come over you in the hours, days and even weeks following the big race.  You may want to jump right into another race or never run again, but one thing is certain: proper recovery is key.  Unfortunately it is often neglected and many runners find themselves in a bad place physically and mentally after a race (been there done that).  So here are 9 of my most helpful recovery tools, I hope some of these can help you too.

3 of my 9 Essentials: Compression, Foam Roll and Water

1. Rest
PK (pre-kids as my husband and I like to call it) I would come home from a long run and veg out on the couch, eating whatever I wanted, watching whatever I wanted on the TV and just relax.  Gone are those days, but trust me, having my babies at the finish line is a way better trade off.   Now, finishing a race typically involves me carrying one of our kids for the several mile hike back to the car, coming home to laundry, dishes, meal prepping and playing hide-and-go-seek.  Finding time for that crucial post-race rest can be a little tricky, but still absolutely necessary.  So for me, I hit the hay pretty early the night of the race and make sure to clear my schedule for the next morning to catch a couple extra ZZZ's (well that is if my kids decide to sleep through the night).  I also try squeeze in extra hours throughout the week by going to bed at least 20-30 minutes early each night.  Much of my job is spent on my feet, and of course when I get home, I'm still standing while making dinner and tending to the kiddos, but I do make an effort to sit down for rest periodically throughout the day.  In a perfect world, we would all get to recover the way I used to.  But let's face it, how many of us still get to be that lucky now that we're grown ups?  We all have to return to work and families, life doesn't stop because we ran a marathon.  But despite of all our responsibilities, it is still very important we do not neglect the importance of rest and sleep following our big run.  So if you can't veg out for days, squeeze in rest as often as you can throughout the week.

2. Food
I LOVE food!  Anyone who knows me, knows how much food I can put away at any given time.  But for some odd reason (maybe all that course GU and Gatorade), the hours following a race I cannot eat or drink a thing!  So typically no Michelob Ultra and Dunkin Donut holes for me at the post race party.  But nutrition and hydration are super important after running all that time, so in the hour or so following a run, I definitely make sure to drink down a high protein recovery shake.  A favorite of mine is Vega Sport Performance Protein.  It's super yummy and not filled with a bunch of junk that can cause gastric issues (which can be very common for runners post race).  After I start to feel better and my appetite returns, it's game on!  Bring on the food!  Of course as much as I would like to go crazy though, I definitely do my best to still make (somewhat) healthy choices as well as keep my portions in check.  Also, to help keep me from going crazy with post race indulgences, I have a 24-hour rule.  The rest of the day and half of the next following the race I enjoy post race treats but when that time is up, I try to clean my diet back up and get back on track.  We often take proper nutrition for granted.  It is vital for proper recovery to eat a healthy, clean diet.  So reward yourself for your hard work, but don't sabotage your recovery with days upon days of poor eating.

3. Water
Drink more water than you could ever possibly imagine drinking.  Once you felt as if you have had enough, drink so more.  Don't wait until you can see your veins and your head is throbbing to drink more water, keep drinking (and visiting the potty) in the days following your race.  Water helps to replenish so much in your body.  Being hydrated will help with muscle recovery, keep your digestive system in check, provide mental clarity, and over all just help you feel better.  If you're not a huge fan of plain old water, add some lemon or cucumber for a little flavor.  You can also boost your hydration with products like Nuun or Cocogo.  Avoid alcoholic beverages as well as sugary drinks like soda and juice.  Good old fashioned water will be your best friend post run so bottoms up!

4. Compression Wear
Those snazzy looking compression socks are not just to tie your outfit together on race day.  I have found they actually serve a great purpose post run as well.  Your muscles have been through a lot, not to mention what you have put your cardiovascular system through.  Lower leg compression wear helps your body recovery not only by providing support to your tired calves and shins, but some research has also shown benefit with increases in blood flow and lymph removal during the recovery period.  Of course the verdict is still out if it is just a placebo effect and us runners are just jumping on the latest fad, but if we find benefit (real or perceived) than I suppose it's worth a shot!  Hands down my favorite compression wear is Tiux Compression Socks, and you will be sure to find me rocking my super cute socks during and after my race.

5. Ice
I have never been brave (or crazy) enough to try an ice bath, but I have submerged my legs in a cold plunge a time or two.  Like compression wear, I have read conflicting research on ice baths, but again if you find the benefit, then I say go for it.  I do however, apply ice to certain regions that seem to be inflamed post run.  Having suffered an Achilles injury last fall, that is one of the first areas that gets an ice pack.  After this last run, my opposite calf apparently hates me now, so you better believe it is getting iced up too.  Ice is great for acute injuries and inflammation, so be sure to apply ice, or go for that ice bath as soon as possible post race.  Typically within 24-48 hours following the race you will receive the most benefits from icing.

6. Peppermint Oil
I don't know much about essential oils but I have come across peppermint oil and am now a firm believer in how it helps aid in my recovery.  Rubbing some peppermint oil on my sore muscles serves many purposes for me.  I am able to self massage that area, the oil seems to help "open up" my tight muscles, and the smell is very relaxing and refreshing.  Again, I am no expert on these oils, but since discovering peppermint oil, it have become a staple in my recovery.

7. Foam Rolling
Oh it hurts so good.  Digging into those tight, sore muscles post race may seem agonizing, but it is a necessary evil.  Those over worked, super tight muscle fibers need to be loosened up and using a foam roller or another tool like The Stick is one of the best ways to get the job down.  If you have the luxury of getting a full body deep tissue massage, all the better!  But for me, and probably most of us, we will have to stick to the DIY approach.  Spend about 20-30 seconds rolling out tight areas (common areas are quads, abductors, IT band and glutes) and be sure to focus your breathing to help you through it.

8. Leave It Out On the Course
You may have heard of the "Marathon Blues."  It may hit you like a ton of bricks the day or so following the race or be more a gradual process in the weeks to follow, but it happens to us all to some degree.  We spend months training for one morning of running and when it comes and goes, despite how we finish, we are left with a sense of emptiness.  The could've-should've-would've's set in as well as the so-what's-next!?!  First and foremost, try your best to leave it all out on the course.  Yes, we learn and grow from each experience, but recognizing we cannot change the past is vital to moving on.  So take some mental (or written if you journal) on things you learned for next time, but know what's done is done from this last one.  Next, as lost as you may feel now that you do not have training runs scheduled and no race to stress about, enjoy some time running and working out for the fun of it!  Reconnect with why you began doing this all in the first place, and hey, even take a few days off, I always do.
 
9. On to the Next One (Well, Kinda)
I know, I know, I said take some time to rest and also not to dwell on your last race.  But who are we kidding, you know you're going to be wondering when and how you will PR!  Of course I am by no means suggesting you find another marathon in the immediate future.  You are going to want to give your body (and mind) several months to rest up after that much distance.  So what I like to do after marathons is pick some shorter distance races to work towards like 10k's and eventually a half, before jumping back into marathon training again.  Give yourself a break from the longer distance and see what you can do in some mid distance races for a while.  Another thing I like to do post marathon is run a few events with new runners.  Last year I ran with a friend for her first ever 5k and this Spring I will be crossing the finish line with another friend at her first ever half marathon!  PR's are fun, but it's also great to get to be there for other runners.  And I guess it's just the coach in me, but there is nothing like being there to help push and motivate new runners, especially when they are your friends and you know how much it means to them!

Let the Tapering Begin

Less than 2 weeks out from marathon number 5...

The realization that my next marathon is just days a way is really starting to sink in.  Waves of emotions crash over me periodically throughout the day.  One moment I am fired up, excited and ready to attack the race to see what I can do out there.  Other emotions drown me in my own fears and anxiety.  This was supposed to be my "make up race" since I had gotten hurt and couldn't reach my goal at my last race (and the one before that one I got sick).  But when I had to jump right back into 20 mile runs two weeks after my last marathon, I quickly realized my body and mind could have used a break.  Luckily, despite my continuous training I have managed to completely heal from my injury and even build my pace (that had taken a huge hit) back up.  Unfortunately though my pace is not back to what it was nor is my desire to push as hard as I know I could if I were not so over trained.  Of course, we never know what race day brings, maybe things will click for me and I will crush it.  Or then again maybe I will be reminded why I don't run back to back marathons.  Either way, I would be lying if I said I am not excited to get out there give it my all and have some fun in the process.  I will never give up on my dream to BQ, nor do I have any plans to permanently give up the full distance any time soon, but I think a little break from marathon training will certainly do me some good.

Here is a recap of this past week...

Monday: There is a new stereo system in our group fitness studios at the gym I teach at.  For the 10+ years I have been teaching aerobics, I have always been able to pre-choreograph my classes to either music I choose or the music I am provided with in advance.  Now, with the new system, I'm having to wing it each week.  (I could go in and make a couple of playlists but ain't nobody got time for that).  So I have to admit, I'm a little anxious each time I go to teach spinning now.  But this week, the list I selected was great, the class was full with my regulars and some new folks, and we had a blast!  After class, I wanted to do my last official leg day, so I headed over to the weight area.  Knowing it would probably be the last time I lift legs (heavy) for up to two weeks, I figured why not go hard.  Kinda wishing I hadn't lol, but it was a fun. 

Tuesday: It was GORGEOUS outside.  Temps in the low 80's, humidity not too high and plenty of sunshine.  Decided go on a device-free 5 miler on a different part of the trail I typically run on.  I drove a little bit further up the road to run this portion of the trail because of it's "hills" (they're not too impressive here in Central Florida so we gotta go looking for some) and because of it's curves and changes in direction.  I figured it would be some good practice for next Sunday.  I enjoy going device free occasionally.  I feel old school and I also feel I am able to enjoy and appreciate my surroundings more.  I do, however, find it difficult to pace myself and miss that measuring tool when I do not have it with me.  But it's probably a good thing because it will teach me to listen to my body better rather than staring at my watch the whole run.

Later Tuesday evening, I attended Hot Yoga.  The class was packed, the energy was through the rough and it was probably one of the best Yoga practices I've had!  Before leaving for class, Nolan, my oldest, asked me to do some poses with him.  He is so awesome.  He just loves to learn and has really taken a liking to what Hunter and I do.  I'm sure there are not very many four year olds who can do 18 inch box jumps and know how to properly execute a clean and press.  I know he's so young and will come into his own, but seeing him eagerly want to learn everything we love and do makes us so proud!

 

Wednesday: Hunter had one of his NFL clients coming in at the time I was planning to workout, so I figured I wouldn't bother them (actually them bother me by talking my head off lol) at our gym and headed over to LA Fitness to get a quick lift in.  Since it's all upper body for here on out, I hit my back, chest and shoulders pretty hard.  Walking out of the gym, I could barely feel my arms.  I was excited and scared at the same time!  Went back to work for a little bit then headed back to LA to teach my night time Yoga class.  I had a couple of new students that evening and they did great.  I love having new people in class, it's so awesome to see people try new things.  It's a great reminder what it's like to be a beginner at something, how intimidating it can be at first, how frustrating it can be when you can't do what everyone else is doing.  The first time is always the hardest but sticking with it can be so rewarding.  You just never know what you're capable of until you try!

Thursday: All of my ambitious workouts of the week were finally catching up to me and by this day, I.Was.Sore!  Thursday was humbling.  Realizing yet again I am not superwoman, I was really needing some foam rolling in my life.  I needed to run a couple of miles but almost talked myself out of it, almost.  I figured I had 3 options.  1. Not run at all (which I knew I would regret). 2. Suck it up and go kill myself with some speed work. OR 3. Just lace up and head on an easy run from the gym (our work).  I chose 3, figured it was a good compromise of the two.  Storms were expected later that day and the wind and sky were certainly indicative of that.  It was warm and a little humid, but the wind helped cool things down somewhat.  It also made running a little difficult, but again, I need to prepare myself for anything and everything on Sunday, so I was grateful for it.  I ended up having a solid 5 miler with an average pace of around 7:40.  I started off without my watch, only because it wouldn't pick up satellite, and just focused on my breathing and strides.  I felt I had settled in to a good easy pace that I figured was around 8:30ish.  My watch finally popped on and I was running a 7:35 minute mile.  I was pretty pleased with what I thought to be a nice easy, slower pace was actually back to my typical 5 miler pace pre-injury.  My body is really beginning to cooperate but my confidence needs to catch up.  I know that sounds silly, but my mental game took a way bigger hit when I got hurt than my body did.  It really messed me up and I'm struggling to get my confidence back.  I haven't raced in so long, and I think going out and having a great race will really help start building that back up.

Oh, and also on Thursday, I figured I could use another place to run (when the weather is bad) and throw some weights around on my lunch break, so I took advantage of the Planet Fitness "Join for $1" deal that was expiring that day.  It took about 5 minutes to sign up, I didn't want the tour, and I am now an official PF member, hehe!  This shall be interesting.

Friday: Hunter left super early this morning so it was just me and the babies this morning then me running the show at the gym.  It's definitely a little hectic getting the kiddos off to school and then rushing back to get to work.  But I managed and we had a killer MetCon this morning, our ladies always bring it and I love it!  I had a ton of work to do but wanted to knock out some upper body.  Now that I have so many options as to where to work out, it was hard to chose.  But with the work that needed to get done at the gym, it was an obvious choice just to stay here.  So I quickly changed into my workout gear, put some Juicy J on Pandora and went to work.  My shoulders are super sore and my legs kinda hate me, so I figured I should just focus on core.  I did about 45 minutes focusing mostly on core but threw in some things to really get the heart rate up, including kettlebell swings and ropes.  I usually like to push it a little harder on Fridays since I won't lift again until Monday, but with the race coming up, I decided to hold back a little bit.

Friday night was our Moms Run This Town Winter virtual event.  I always love these events since I am not able to make much of the group runs and this is a great opportunity to catch up with the ladies.  Since I had the kiddos, I was able to run, but because our gym was a sponsor, I really wanted to go for a little bit.  The swag for the event was sick!  We got our medals of course and a bunch of samples and info in the bag, but we also got a headlamp, wine glass and jacket!  And Nolan even got to be a happy helper and hand out a couple of finishers medals to some of the ladies, which pretty much made his day.

Saturday: Since Hunter was out of town, it was just me and the munchkins until later that night.  That meant it would be another treadmill Saturday at LA Fitness. 

I have actually grown to like my 8-10 mile treadmill runs.  I am able to get into a great zone on there with some awesome people watching.  And some times I even have someone running next to me to chat with.  I got to chat with someone on Saturday for about 4 miles and I was keeping a 7:45ish pace, so that felt pretty good.  With the race next weekend and my body still pretty sore from the week, I figured 8 miles would do it for my last mid-distance run.  I did them in a little under an hour and was ready to spend the day with my babies.  I was pretty excited about my new Asics outfit so I snuck into the spinning room to take on of those obnoxious gym mirror selfies. 

Walking out to my car from the gym, I noticed I had been "flipped."  My MRTT car magnet was upside down meaning fellow MRTT mama had come across my car.  I figured it was form the event the night before and I didn't see it because it was dark.  But I was still excited to see I was flipped.  So of course the boys and I had to take a selfie with it.  Please excuse my youngest, Lincoln, he's my wild child!

Sunday: Hunter got back Saturday night so Sunday was our typical family day.  Grocery shopping, food prepping, soccer and of course the Super Bowl!  Nolan scored his teams only 3 goals at his game and Lincoln actually participated in his game for the first time this season and scored a goal too, so the boys were on fire!  We were so proud of them and went to Froggers to celebrate.  They enjoyed playing video games and coloring but had no interest in the funnel fries we ordered so guess who ate those!?!  Oh well, cheat day.  We had some time to kill before the Super Bowl so we went down to the pound in front of our house to throw rocks in the lake and feed the ducks.  I also wanted to get a shot of the Pose of the Day for the Runners Love Yoga Instagram challenge I have been participating in. 

 
I got a great shot of the pose but more importantly, I got a beautiful shot of all four of us at the pound.  Moments like these mean that absolute world to me.  There is nothing extraordinary about setting at a retention pound throwing rocks in it, but to our sons it was one of the most exciting things they got to do.  Hearing their laughter, seeing their smiles and experience the world through them is a feeling like no other!

This coming week will be full out Taper Madness!  Easing off the heavy lifting, lighter and shorter runs and a lot of focus on sleep an nutrition for me this week.  No risk taking not to injury myself, lol, and just trying to relax, stay positive and focused.  I have no idea what to expect on Sunday.  I will have no control over the weather, the course or the competition.  But I do know that I am prepared, I am a strong runner, I am confident in my ability to finish and I will be proud of my for crossing that finish line, regardless of the outcome.  So marathon number 5, I'm coming for you!