Holistic Healing

Most runners you talk to will discuss how getting a massage should be considered "a regular part of training". Yesterday afternoon, I did just that.

I went to Symmetry, which is located in the health club S.W.A.T. I indicated my legs were sore (which they were), and got up on the table in hopes of feeling much better in an hour. I knew that I was sore, but the exact locations surprised me. I found that my hip flexors were sore, as well as my left hamstring, and right hamstring.

During the massage, there were several times I wanted to jump off the table, as I was that sore from my training. I could feel my body loosen up throughout it.

As I was being treated, the therapist and I started discussing Kinesiology Tape, and what it does, curious, I had her tape my feet, to see how it felt. It's common for muscle pain and soreness, and was used by many athletes in the Beijing Olympics. It is waterproof and sweatproof, and can stay on for several days. Needless to say, I'm curious, and I scheduled an appointment for taping more of my legs the day before my first 20-miler. If it works, I may have to consider getting this done before a hard run.

Another thing we discussed was baths in Epsom Salt. It helps the muscles remove the waste from muscles, as well as give the body magnesium. I've discussed with Erin about taking ice baths after a hard run, but I'm curious to know how the Epsom Salt works!

Marathon Training- Two Months in

At this point, I've been training for two months for the race. Here's where I'm at, then compared to two months ago when I started

-Distance: I started running around 20 miles per week, now I'm double that to nearly 40 miles per week

-Pace: I'm actually probably running my long runs faster, from about 9:45/mile down to 9:30/mile

-Eating: I eat nearly every 2 hours when I'm awake now. At a minimum, at least 2 granola bars is a snack

-Weight: Despite the eating, I'm down about 10 lbs. I anticipate another 5-10 leaving me by race day

-Work: Work has been picking up. I've been traveling a lot, and had a lot of office work.

-Injuries: I have some bumps and bruises, but so far, so good.

-General Feeling: I'm tired all the time. When I'm not tired, I'm hungry. When I'm not hungry, I'm running. When I'm not running, I'm working. Thats my life.

It's Been a While

It's been a while since I posted a blog, and I've been putting on a lot of miles. Things have been going exceptionally well.

-Spent a week and a half in Chicago, ran the CARA training group with Erin

-Having unbelievably great mid-week Wednesday long runs

-Speed work is tough, but I'm getting it all in

-Ran 16 miles yesterday

Yesterday, I was tired when I woke up from a trip to Lansing on Friday night, and we ran from the Kal-Haven Trail. When I arrived, everyone had numbers on, as identification that we had paid to be on the trail. I found my group, and we started running.

We had to go nearly 3.5 miles between water stops due to misplacement of them, which was tough. Thankfully, the trail was shaded, which kept us cooler, despite the humidity.

As I turned around at 8 miles, I was having a tough time mentally, knowing we'd have a long break in-between water stops, but thankfully the people that I was running with kept me going. We kept running, and found that a water station had been added, which was helpful. I still had a tough time, but the group pulled me through to the finish.

They gave us bagels, bananas, and string cheese at the finish, which was great, as I am always really hungry when I finish running.

A Year Ago- A Comparison

The last two weeks, we ran routes that I remember running last year, and cause me to reflect on where I'm at running wise.

Last Saturday's KVCC route I remember distinctly from last year. I hadn't had a good July of running (Saturday runs), and was debating whether I should run a Marathon or a Half Marathon. I switched up my morning food intake, and ended up running a great run, being focused on the run, and feeling better about things.

This year, I was able to cruise for most of the run, and pulled myself through a tough last 2 miles.

Yesterday, we ran from Plainwell for 15 miles. It was cooler again in the morning, and we ran through the country. I felt strong, and confident, and was pushing the pace. Similarly to last year though, I had a tough last 2.5 miles, which I attribute yesterday to not taking my GU at the proper miles. I still feel good about the run, and ran a good time. Last year, I was still worried about whether I could complete a marathon, and this year, I feel strong and good about it.