MORE running

Yesterday required a bit MORE effort than I anticipated. I guess 14.2 miles in one sitting is a lot to tackle. But in retrospect, after a nap, lots of icing, and ample couch-potatoing, I'd say it was worth it.

So...the background on the More Marathon is that it is a race sponsored by More Magazine to celebrate women over 40. What I didn't realize was that the majority of the women who sign up for this are either running or walking the HALF marathon. There were less than 200 marathoners yesterday, and being a second-half-pacer, I really didn't have anyone to pace. That was okay though. It took the pressure off, and it was a gorgeous day to be running in the park. Plus, my co-pacer and I had great conversations, which totally made the time fly. And, we didn't really have to hold a designated pace, so we ran around 9:30s. But all that aside, after crossing the finish line, my energy level plummeted. Later at home, I was forced to take a 30 minute nap due to closing eyes and useless body--and I don't nap except out of necessity. That helped, but wow--did this run kick my @$$! I just want to thank all the volunteers--those at the expo, those at the water stations (esp the Flyer station!), the marshalls--who consistently spouted words of encouragment, the photogs, and the announcers. When you are not one of the competitors, you really have the chance to witness just how many people work hard to make these races successful.

With that run, my weekly mileage came to just over 28.

And today...first day of spring break...I headed to the gym to start the lifting again. Even managed to get in some good ab work. Yep--it's time to jump back on the wagon. I will need all the help I can get if I want to set time goals for future races. I might throw in a half-hour elliptical workout this evening just to round things out. My muscles are pretty drained, and this might help get the blood flowing.