Destination 13.1

During training season, Saturday mornings are early and unavailable for anything else but running. So when we received a Birthday party invitation from friends for a party at 9am at Jungle Java, I knew it would be a hard one to attend. Thankfully Jeremy agreed to take all three kids to the party and I decided I would go too but be a little late. If you don't run, it sounds crazy. You can't run 13.1 miles and just jump in the car to go somewhere. I have a ritual after the long run to help my body recover. It's a MUST to avoid injury.

After I run I do the following.

Walk and reflect on the run and usually cry too. The end is always emotional for me.
Recovery Drink
Recovery Bar
Stretch
Make coffee
Lay down with feet way up in the air resting against the wall
Drink a cup of coffee
And if I am really feeling I need it, ice bath.
Then a warm shower.
Rest

Well today I could not do that. I decided I would run to the destination of the party which was 10.8 miles away and run extra once I got to the area. Jeremy brought my recovery bar, recovery powder and a jacket for me to cover up my sweat and keep my muscles warm. I stretched outside before coming in. It actually turned out to be a great run. Incredible run! Oh and the weather is kind of weird right now so I layered and 30 minutes into the run began to undress! :) I picked up my gloves on the way home from the party but the gloves are only $1.40 at WalMart for two pairs! 5 weeks until the half! Very excited!

For fun I thought I would post pictures of how I prepare for the long run the night before. I have a routine. It can't be broken. :) I've become a little obsessed with having everything ready and it also motivates me for the run as I get everything ready.

Today was an awesome 13.1! The wind was INSANE but the run was incredible!

Destination Running,

Amanda

(P.S. I just found out in the latest edition of Runner's World that I should not be taking Ibuprofen before I run like I have been. But I think i can take alieve.)

41 more days

well, i wish i could tell you that i am glad i had a weekend off. but that would be lying. my skin is crawling and every fiber of my being wants to leave now and go do the long run. but kids have been sick and i have not felt good either. this was the first time i have missed a long run in my training and it has me totally down and out. instead of enjoying the time off, i've been miserable. i can already tell that tapering is not going to be easy for me. i will hate it with a passion.

tomorrow it's back to a full week of training in preparation for long run on saturday. oh how i love saturdays. i can't wait to get back at it tomorrow! watching some of the nyc marathon did not help my blues. it made me crave a body that aches all over after running! crazy!

crazy running,

amanda

thank you lord for running. thank you lord!

beautiful long run of 9

it's a beautiful day and i had a beautiful 9 mile run!! even though my throat hurts, the run was great!!! this morning i began to see vision of me running the half in december! the finish line will be incredible! can't wait! my husband will be running, my best friend will be running and me. what could make a better race?

beautiful running,

amanda