Still recovering...

Did my last post really say "recovery is bliss"?  It's actually really slow and pathetic!  Now that I'm nearly 5 weeks into my recovery (can you still call it recovery after 5 weeks?) I can honestly say I haven't been able to go more than 6 miles comfortably.  I am nursing my Achilles in my right foot and the pain kicks in around 4 miles.  Actually, it's immediately after I start running, but becomes bad enough to alter my stride and pace around 4 miles.  I know, I know, I need to rest and properly recover so that's what I have decided to do.  My husband and I have signed up for a local race next month to honor Pat Tillman which is only 4.2 miles (his number when he played football was 42, hence the unique distance) so I'm trying to run just enough to get through that race.  After that, who knows?  I'm hoping to get back to my 10 mile runs on the weekend soon because I sure miss running with Tina.  She is training for the PF Chang Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego June 3rd so the last thing she needs is me slowing her down since she is trying to smash her qualifying time for Boston so she doesn't miss out by mere seconds like last time.  In the meantime, stay healthy, stay strong, stay sane you Running Moms!

Recovery is bliss

It's been two weeks since completing the IMS Arizona Marathon and I'm feeling good.  The first two days after the race were agony.  I have to say I have NEVER been that sore after a marathon.  I guess it's the fact I shaved 15 minutes off my previous PR so my feet and quads were feeling it!  I'm following a 6 week recovery program where I run only about 30-40 minutes at a time and cross train with spin or swimming.  I've been doing some Pilates and yoga as well and honestly feel like I'm 100% recovered.  I am on the fence about my next race since I'm currently juggling two part-time jobs and can hardly find time to train.  I'm still managing my 3 runs per week, but the spin and swimming is sporadic to say the least.  It's really nice to be in recovery mode instead of training mode though!  Not having to log those long miles is quite nice.  I think I may stick with half marathons for a little while though.  I'm tired of the black toenails and grueling training schedule.  The half is a perfect distance for me.  It's just challenging enough without all the intense training and they are actually FUN!  Attached is a photo of my friend, Chris and I after the marathon.  What fun is a marathon if you don't have the hardware to show off right?!