Recovering

So my marathon was 1 1/2 week away and, according to some, you're "supposed" to rest for one day per mile so in my case, 26 days. Some define rest as being on the couch eating potato chips while others think a short recovery run is just what the doctor prescribed. While I didn't run, I walked a lot and also did the potato chip eating, and the butter tarts eating, and fast food eating... yes, I did it all. By the 4th day I was fed up with it, wanted to run but I didn't. I decided to wait. Instead I went to hot yoga on Saturday.

Monday was the return to my usual routine so spin class followed by YogaFit Sweat, a vinyasa yoga in a room slightly cooler than hot yoga so 94 degrees instead of the 104. I like it because it increases my tolerance to hot conditions. I admit to have to force myself sometimes but I am convinced that it will pay off in the end.

Tuesday I decided to head over to the Running Room to do a tempo(ish) run with the clinic. I had no idea how well it would go so was happy to head out prior to the clinic with two fellow runners. First km was good, then tightness came on, stayed with me for a km or so then it loosened up nicely. I was very happy to have them with me as I'm not sure how well that would have gone if I had been on my own. We finished strong. I felt good.

So yesterday I was even more looking forward to running while remaining cautious... after all you hear about the injuries that creep up after a marathon because someone returned to running too fast, too soon, too much. Then I started doubting just how well I did my marathon... did I push? no I didn't. That I know. I didn't want to because I wanted that experience to be good. I wanted to finish it and want to do another one. Will I push one day? Probably. But not right now.

Right now I have to recover while doing a bit of marathon pace running. Because I have another race to do. Yes, I decided to do another marathon. Shhhh don't tell me... 2 marathons in a month is too much. I know, I know... and I'd be the first one to tell someone they're crazy to do that. But... but... but... this one won't be a race, it will be a run. I will have fun, I will take pictures, I will high five every single person who will offer me their hand. I will be happy, I will rejoice in the knowledge that I can do this. And then I will rest, promise.

Because I have to think of the big prize, Paris.