Physical healing
Thank you all for the comments on my marathon. You all are so nice, and the support means the world to me.
I’m doing really well physically. My legs felt tight the day of the race. But the next morning, I woke up and the only lingering marathon symptom I had was overall fatigue. No sore legs and no problem walking.
This kind of upset me 
I know I didn’t give all my legs had on Saturday because of my stomach. And I took lots of walking breaks which I’m sure helped my legs feel better. But I missed that "I just ran a marathon" feeling. One day I will race my heart- and legs- out again and I’ll cherish that achy, accomplished sensation 
My goal has been to take it easy this week. That’s actually my goal until New Year’s resolution time. This is the first time in a year that I haven’t been following a training plan. I'm trying to treasure every minute of my break.
But for me, taking it easy does not mean no exercise. I heart physical movement too much to sit still. In fact, the day after my race I yearned to get my blood flowing. Very oddly, the only thing that sounded fun was biking. This was the first time I hopped on my bike since my Olympic triathlon back on August 1.
Someone took my bike apart during my hiatus so he had to spend about an hour putting it back together...
It felt weird to even want to get back in the saddle and it was frightening. I was scared I wouldn’t remember how to clip my bike shoes in the pedals, scared my quads would burn, scared I’d get hit by a car. You know, the usual me being dramatic ;)
But there’s a reason people say “it’s like riding a bike, you never forget”. My fears were unfounded. I had a great time.
We rode 8 miles in 32 minutes. This is about the pace I used to keep back when I was tri training. How I did this after a 3 month break and one day post-marathon dumbfounded me. My legs felt so good, too.
Why I ever thought giving up biking and swimming during marathon training was a good idea is beyond me. Cross-training does a body good. I’m going to get back into it… slowly 
For now, I'll just keep doing what my body wants.
Sunday that was biking.
Yesterday it was walking the furball.
And today I laced up my shoes for an easy 20 minute run, which was the perfect amount of time. My body is still tired and did not want to go any further.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
How do you determine what your workouts will be when you’re not following a training plan?
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November 2nd, 2010 - 16:32
my workouts as of late have been sprinting to class when I parked like a million miles away!
November 2nd, 2010 - 16:58
I just listen to my body…. I love going to classes at my gym so I take the opportunity to try every class I can! Once again, great job on your marathon, you are hard core!
November 2nd, 2010 - 17:06
haha you can take my sore feeling. I couldnt walk up the stairs saturday and I scooted down on my butt. so not kidding. tell Pirate I love his purple shorts
good job on the bike ride!
November 2nd, 2010 - 17:08
Oh this is always difficult for me. I struggle finding the balance between too much and too little after big races. Usually I find a schedule of classes to get into at my gym and just go with the flow. It is nice to not have to think about my workouts so much. Just following the instructor is a nice feeling.
November 2nd, 2010 - 17:10
I love being able to just take each day as it comes, but I adore the structure of a training plan more. I find that if I stay in 10K shape I feel great and am able to fit more yoga and biking in.
November 2nd, 2010 - 17:45
First of all, why do your posts not show up in my reader for hours?? Sometimes I just check your site on a whim and am surprised (happily) to see a new post!
Anyway, as someone who is currently experiencing that achy-ness I can tell you that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, haha I can’t wait to feel normal again! But, in all seriousness…I know what you mean, and I also have faith that you WILL feel this way again. In fact, if I were a betting girl, I’d put my money on March 27, 2011.
I think it’s great that you’re allowing yourself to take it easy and just do whatever you feel like. I love the discipline of a training plan, but I also rejoice in those in-between times when I have nothing to follow. It’s a little break and it allows you to get back into those activities (like biking!) that you forget about when you’re training for something else.
And finally — that picture of your pup with his lead makes me laugh! What a cutie
November 2nd, 2010 - 19:38
Picture of the fur baby = epic cuteness!
My favorite activity when I’m not training for an event is a combination of spinning, rock climbing, and walking. Those are all activities that feel good to me and that I enjoy.
November 2nd, 2010 - 20:37
I’ll be honest, the lack of structure after my marathon was difficult to adjust to. I really miss the sense of accomplishment that comes with working through the training plan week after week. It’s probably why I was consistently following one for so long!
That being said, my body was more tired than I thought after the race and I needed the break. Now I am enjoy stress-free workouts. I know I’ll be anxious to train again when the time comes.
I am looking forward to hobbling through DC with you and Lauren on March 27th
November 2nd, 2010 - 21:43
You’re so funny. I haven’t followed a training plan in so long, but I remember when I first had to quit running how difficult it was to plan my workouts. Sometimes it’s nice not to have a plan hanging over your head, but the structure is also useful on days you don’t feel very motivated.
November 2nd, 2010 - 22:21
I have a hard time figuring out what to do when I am not following a training plan, to be honest.
November 2nd, 2010 - 22:22
yea, i’m totally lost without a plan to follow…
sounds like you’re being smart, well-rounded and flexible. which seems like the best plan ever! i need to figure out a way to successfully navigate the next two months without a plan. hmmm…
November 3rd, 2010 - 10:07
I miss my bike! We’re kind of on the same page – I have been training for something for the last 11 months, so it will be interesting having to decide my workouts instead of following a plan. Usually I make mini-goals for each week, such as strength train 3x, 30 minutes of cardio for 5 days a week, 1 session of yoga, etc.
November 3rd, 2010 - 10:39
I wrote a whole post about my “training” vs. “not training” mode and how I like and dislike certain features of both. When I’m not in training mode (like right now for example!) I try to embrace it and remember that I need a mental break from the rigidity of a training plan. I embrace that I’m not too tired to do yoga 2-3 times per week, and that I can take fun classes at my gym, and of course still go for a nice run when I feel like it.
November 3rd, 2010 - 22:26
PIRATE! Ahahah I so remember that!!! lol That was some funny stuff! :0)
The bike ride sounds like fun! Hope your stomach issues resolve soon! I know that has to be miserable!