It’s Tuesday night and I made it home in time to do some light cleaning around the apartment, catch up with a good friend via phone, and make dinner. What a perfect end to a great day.
If you’ve never tried Alexia Sweet Potato fries I suggest you pick them up the next time you’re in the freezer section of your grocery store.
This morning was my first time returning to the weight room post marathon. Last week, my personal trainer spent our one session just stretching me and helping my body limber up again. Today however was back to the grind. We spent the time completing a measurement session and then a diagnostic session to see where the marathon left my muscles. The month leading up to the marathon we started to cut back the heavy weights so my muscles wouldn’t be sore for my runs. Instead of using heavy weights during our session Lauren focused on body weight movements and dynamic training.
Since our last measurement session back in September, I lost inches in my triceps and abdomen and had lost four pounds! I can share the specific measurement timeline tomorrow when I have all the data but I was excited to see that our work paid off, even without the heavy weights.
I learned the importance of easing back into weights during today’s session. After an amazing warm-up run on the treadmill I was feeling especially excited about pumping some iron. After our first set of squats I asked her to “pile on the weight” because I felt strong. Luckily Lauren knows how important it is to ease back into weights because our heaviest weight today, still 15 pounds lighter than what I was squatting back in early October, left my hamstrings screaming. In fact, if Lauren hadn’t been there, I could have easily torn or pulled something. I’m going to spend time foam rolling and stretching this evening so I’m ready for my run tomorrow morning.
Last but not least, I’m starting to get excited about training for a few half marathons this Spring. While I’ve already signed up for the Rock and Roll Half in Washington, DC I’m still considering a few others such as the Manhattan Half, Nike Virtual Half, and Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati.
If you’re a runner, what is your favorite half marathon and why?
Also, check out these two great blog posts both of which are incredibly inspirational in their own way: Dori’s Surprise Marathon and 52.4 in 48 hours!
Come to Cincy for the Pig!!! I am probably running the full. And we need to meet up 🙂
My favorite half so far has been my first half. It was the Chicago rock n roll. I learned so much about myself, the importance of training, and my willpower.
Gotta do the Pig if you haven’t already! Thought Indianapolis Half is run running through the Brickyard/Indy 500 track. Also one of, if not the largest Half marathons in the US.
I’m looking forward to reading about your strategies for adding weights back in to your workouts. I am trying to make more of an effort to include both upper and lower body strength training workouts – as well as keep up with my running (for halfs).
My 2 favorite halfs are Gasparilla (in Tampa) and First Watch Sarasota. Both because of the views and the GREAT after parties. I’m adding in a few new half marathons this year – so we’ll see how they compare!
I can’t wait to hear about your weight workouts. I often struggle to keep up strength training and marathon training – any tips to fit it all in?
My favorite half has been the Jazz Half in New Orleans. There is nothing like the energy of the big easy.
I am looking forward to the Mardi Gras Half in March and the Country Music in April too.
The virtual half looks neat – how do you register for it?
I’m also thinking about that Nike half — it’s on my birthday, though, and I can’t decide if that’s a great idea or a terrible one. So far my favorite race was actually this silly little 8k in a suburb near me that was very laid-back and had a pancake breakfast at the end!
Yay for Cinci! Ohio is pretty awesome. 🙂
Thank you!!! My favorite half was Queens actually. I’m excited to do it again next year!