How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
September 27th, 2012 | Author: Alysha
Thank goodness it’s Thursday. This week has just flown by. And after Sunday’s Half Marathon, my body is feeling as good as new. I thought I felt OK after the race (not too sore), but the 1 1/2 hour car ride back to Milwaukee made me so stiff that I felt like I morphed into an 80-year-old woman.
However, I feel that slowly amping up my activity helped a TON. Here’s what I did this week:
Monday: Walk 30 minutes
Tuesday: Walk 30 minutes in the morning, walk an additional 60 minutes during lunch
Wednesday: 20 minutes on the elliptical, 25 minutes of weight lifting
Thursday (today): 25 minutes on the elliptical, 25 minutes of strength training, 60 minutes of walking during lunch
I also did my fair share of foam rolling and BioFreeze rolling.
Although I have been running for years, I didn’t try BioFreeze until ordering it from Swanson Vitamins about a month ago (They also have a huge selection of vitamins, supplements, organic foods, natural bath/beauty products, eco-friendly cleaners, etc.). Swanson contacted me about trying some of their products. Of course I picked up an assortment of goodies from Bob’s Red Mill, Justin’s Maple Almond Butter and Stevia.
I love the fact that it’s so much cheaper to buy BioFreeze from Swanson’s. It was only $10.32, which is at least $4 cheaper than where I have seen it elsewhere. Basically, it’s a roll-on pain reliever that helps with arthritis, muscle, joint and back pain. Since I can’t walk around with ice packs on my legs at work, this really helped with my pain. It was cool and soothing. I definitely think that this, in combination with foam rolling, light activity and stretching, helped me bounce back quicker after this half marathon. I can’t wait to run on Saturday (it’s supposed to be 69 here and sunny).
Speaking of the race, I decided to reward myself for doing such a great job and beating my 2 hour goal (I finished in 1:59:43).
I was trolling through Lululemon’s “We Made Too Much” section and stumbled on these Sun Sprinter Crops. I figured these would be perfect for fall running because they are form fitting (no flopping pant legs I can trip on). There are also panels of Circle Mesh to keep me cool.
I think the back side may be even cuter than the front. I love the slight details like the zipper in back for my Gu’s (or for Oliver’s poop bag!). Regularly $88, I snagged these babies for $69! I know that is still crazy expensive, but I LOVE the quality of Lululemon (like my Run: Shorty Shorts). I’m still waiting for these to ship to my house, so I’ll give an update to let you guys know how I really like them.
Question: How do you reward yourself after you reach a goal (big or small)? Although I am a total sweets lover, I’ve heard that you should not reward yourself with food. I still do, of course, but not very often. With running especially, I feel like new workout gear or accessories are a great reward because they make me feel good when I’m using them (like my Garmin 305 watch) – unlike a cupcake, in which the effects would be gone after eating it.
Disclaimer: I was given free products by Swanson Vitamins. I was not given them in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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I don’t think I reward myself enough. Lol. I need to work on that!! Lululemon is a great reward!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Pumpkin Flax Molasses Waffles
I think we all need a reward now and again :)
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
Love the running pants! I rewarded myself with a pizza from Brick 3 after my half :) Would you recommend the BioFreeze for knee pain?
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie recently posted..Overnight Pumpkin Oats
I’ve always used ice and ibuprofen for knee pain. But I would use biofreeze on the circumference of the knee cap and it did help too. But honestly, the thing that helped my knee pain most (I’ve had runner’s knee on and off for years), was buying birkenstocks (instead of using cheapo flip flops) and PT exercises. It’s really a combination of things.
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
Lululemon sounds like the perfect reward for your accomplishment! Their items are expensive, but worth it!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..WIAW – Week 29
I completely agree. I think I’ve just been officially converted!
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
I love those capris, I still have yet to use my giftcard. Guess I know what I want to try on. Great way to ease back in!
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Sticky Notes Required
You are SOOO lucky, Alex!! I would definitely get a “bottom” because I think you’ll get more wear out of it….and they don’t get as sweaty!
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
I love those pants! I am crazy about any running attire with zippered pockets. It makes it so much easier to bring your keys and stuff. And thanks for the info about the lulu lemon extra thing. I didn’t know about that!!
Brigitt @ Cook With B recently posted..Macaroni and Blue Cheese With Kale and Bacon
You are missing out, Brigitt! That’s how I find all my stuff! I actually check that section a few times a week. But if you find something you like in your size, you have to jump on it.
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..How I Recovered From My Half Marathon
I also try not to reward myself with food, but it happens to be one of my favorite rewards! :P
Some sort of purchase might happen. When I stuck with my cardio goals, I let myself buy a HRM.
I’m glad to hear that you’ve been resting after your half. Well-deserved!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Moving
Those capris are the cutest Alysha! I love them :) It is great how healthy your approach is to letting your body heal after doing a big race. And what a great reward for such hard work!
Chelsea@Ahintofhealthy recently posted..Dark Chocolate Protein Bites!
I like those pants! I usually tell myself that I’ll buy myself new fitness gear or a pedicure once I accomplish a goal, but the truth is, once I accomplish it – I usually just cheap out and bask in my runner’s high instead.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Empty House to Guest House
I award myself with a pedicure! Especially if your legs are sore from a run, the massage is amazing. I also throw in a trip to Coldstone Creamery if I’m feeling extra deserving ;)
Coldstone sounds like an awesome reward! I love their cake batter ice cream.
Alysha recently posted..Canning Cranberry Apple Butter
I use Biofreeze as well and it definitely feels great on sore muscles! I’ll admit, I use food treats to reward myself after a particularly tough workout or race. While training for my marathon, I rewarded myself with frozen yogurt after my 20+ mile runs. It definitely helped me look forward to the longer distances!
Sun recently posted..Lakefront Marathon is 3 Days Away!