DONE. One full marathon under my belt. Cross that off the To-Do list and that was a major to-do. I also think that To-Do list just got longer because now I want to add to it along these same lines – qualify for Boston (3:40 for my age group), run the NYC marathon, run the Chicago marathon. I can’t help it – one thing done and time to start planning the next. Not that I’m not happy that the race is over or happy with my accomplishment (3:58 – not bad I guess )but I like continually set goals for myself so it gives me something to work towards. Same with planning things. I like to always have something fun planned so that Monday is never just Monday – it’s the Monday before the beach or two Mondays before Coachella or five days before a trip to Mexico. It just keeps everything exciting I think it’s funny that people who are closest to me know this about me too – after talking to my Mom after the race she said “okay, so what is your next goal because I know you set it right after you finished.” Little did she know, I actually set it at mile 25. Get stronger and take more Yoga classes so my hips aren’t as tight near the finish and train my butt off so that I can drop a few minutes off my time in either NYC, Chicago, San Antonio or Philly (all fall marathons, one of which I’m doing).

So Blair asked if I was suffering from post-marathon blues. I don’t think that’s the case, but I will say it’s actually harder not to run this week than I expected. I’m actually craving getting out there on the trail. I miss it! But, from what I’ve heard, your muscles are worn down much more than you feel or even realize so it’s not worth it to get back too soon. I’ve heard a couple different things but think I’m doing everything right. I’ve had Sophie out for walks a couple times but nothing too intense and got a great massage yesterday (thank you!) and feel really good so think I might try something so small like two miles tomorrow and then yoga or stretching this weekend. I’ll start up with some 5-7′ers next week but don’t want to get back to Gazelle workouts until March. I’ll be counting down the days!

A couple things I took away from the first race:

• Up until mile 18 I felt incredible. When 20 hit, that is when the tiredness set in. I think I also wanted to punch the guy who held the sign that said “20 mile warm-up, only 10K finish.” Um, do you want to get out here and finish these last 6.2 and tell me how you feel?
• Shot blocks are so much better than goo’s for me. I was wondering why everytime I tried to take down a goo during training I’d have to stop myself from throwing up. Not normal.
• I could hear Gilberts voice in my head when I was climbing the hills. “Pick up your knees.” Such a small thing but some of the best advice. I finally realized what he meant by saying that during so many Wilke workouts. If you approach a hill, maintain your same pace and just pick up your knees more.
• Seeing my friends throughout the course and Gazelle’s cheering along the way was so encouraging. Seeing my friends at mile 23 was one of the greatest feelings and was like the rock that helped me get through the last trek. I didn’t realize how much I needed people there for support.