Sunday, June 17, 2018

Recovery Mode (WW # 150)


Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
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FITNESS RELATED POST with us!





I flew from Denver, Colorado -- where the marathon started on Echo Mountain at 10,507 feet -- to sea level on the beautiful, sunny Florida Panhandle.  My intention was to do nothing but lay on the beach for a week to recover.  And... that's pretty much what happened.  Plus, I consumed a lot of seafood.  Piles.

Steep downhill running definitely produces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).  I looked quite geriatric when I moved and the family had many laughs poking fun at me.  However, it was no worse at the marathon distance than at the downhill half marathon distances I'd raced before.  For that, I was grateful.  Perhaps those wall sits helped after all?


My view for most of week one.

The first few days I barely moved from my beach chair.  Walking was difficult...so I did as little as possible.  Mid week, I finally moved from my beach chair to play Frisbee.  I was surprised that it felt good to run around a little in the sand.  Besides, it was the only way I was going to catch that Frisbee in the wind.  There were a couple of after-dinner competitive Putt-Putt games too.  Hey, at least I was on my feet...

You don't have to tell me twice!

By Friday, I was definitely feeling more like myself.  So, our middle son and I went on a flat, easy two hour morning hike in Conservation Park; probably covering six or seven miles.  We did not see a gator.  We (he) found a snake, a tortoise, a bunny, and a black widow spider among other critters in addition to numerous wild flowers. 

There are many boardwalks inside the park
I was amazed by the flowers in the swamp.




By Saturday I was ready to tackle a new adventure.  The family went kayaking in Holmes Creek where the highlight of the trip is to stop at Cypress Springs.  We swam in beautiful, clear, icy cold spring about 20 minutes into our 2 hour paddling excursion.  We wished we had brought snorkeling gear.  We did see a small gator long after leaving the springs and near the end of our journey.  I paddled a wee bit faster.

Our Crew Leaving Cypress Springs


After returning home from the beach and settling back in to the normal work routine, I was finally ready to test my running legs on the Wednesday morning of recovery week two.  I kept this run nice and easy.  But on Friday's five miles, I pushed the pace just a bit. 


Five miles!  My first run since the marathon.


Pushing the pace in oppressive humidity

Speaking of testing the legs, they were put to the challenge at the lake on Saturday.  The water became very choppy while we were there, but it was a good start to the season nonetheless. 

I.Am.Home.


Sunday morning's 6 mile run wrapped up my week.  I slept late (which felt luxurious) but this run was super hot and humid.  The only thing that got me though it, besides the walk breaks, was the thought of this:

And that's a wrap!

Tell me, what are you training for?  Or, are you just running for fun?

Did anyone have cool runs this week?  (If so, I'm jealous!)




85 comments:

  1. I'm loving that kayaking expedition! When my sister and I went to Austin, we kayaked the Colorado River (different than the one out west) to a springs also. It was clear and cool. Very fun! You definitely did recovery right!

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    1. I was very pleasantly surprised by our kayaking trip. The springs were so pretty and clear!

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  2. Oh, my sedate lady running post has got on this link thing all on its own - is that because I added it to Wendy's first? CONFUSED NOW!

    It's really good for me to read about marathon recovery as that's something I'm a bit unsure on. The first one I did, I was FULL of energy when I got home, did some fast runs, zipped around then BOOF went for a run a week later and ran out of energy and went home and lay down. Second one wasn't so bad, third one I was shattered from being ill and did a bit too much too soon.

    Love the pictures and the different types of activity you did that week.

    I've linked to this post in mine so hope I'm all good there. Let me know if I need to do anything else!

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    1. Yes...this link appears on both of our blogs and you can link from either one. So far, my marathon recoveries have been different; sometimes sore sometimes not. But, I'm always happy when I have no lingering issues.

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  3. The waters in Cypress Creek look magical. Florida was invented for R and R. And seafood, all the seafood. I could never live in land.
    I'm definitely running for fun this month. I don't have anything longer than a 7M on the immediate horizon and may not do another double digit ish until December's 15K or February's Half. I'm OK with that, summer is not meant for double digit training runs for me.

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    1. Summer isn't meant for running long distance for me either. But someone twisted my arm to do RnR Chicago in July. LOL. After that, there will be no double digits for a while!

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  4. Sounds like you had a great recovery time in Florida! That kayaking thing sounds fun although I am absolutely petrified of gators (no thank you) and I probably would have been to chicken to get into the water. lol I don't even like the thought of fish bumping into me!

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    1. I didn't notice any fish while in the springs. I did in the ocean though. They were bumping my legs when I waded in. I don't like that sensation either.

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  5. I like your version of recovery much better than mine ;-)

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    1. Lucky for me, our beach trip coincided with my marathon recovery time!

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  6. Well that looks like a perfect recovery week to me! I love kayaking and that looks like a gorgeous spot.

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    1. I'll definitely be doing the kayaking excursion again. The springs were beautiful!

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  7. Now THAT'S the way to recover from a marathon! :)

    (also I am super jealous that you can jump into a pool after a hot run)

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    1. I liked how our plans worked out for my recovery! Sometimes the thought of that pool jump is the only thing that keeps me going.

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  8. The beach, seafood, and Cypress Springs - that's the perfect recovery to me! Beautiful pictures! And I know you're happy to back out water skiing!

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    1. Yes, I'm happy I could finally get to the lake. With bad weather and other travel plans, I did not get an early start like last year.

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  9. That kayaking adventure looks so beautiful! I remember kayaking a few days after my marathon too. I wasn't ready to run for a few weeks though. I'm not training for anything right now - just getting back into running after birth. It's tough with a newborn now, but I hope to establish some sort of routine soon

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    1. My hat is off to you! I can't imagine running with a baby. I think back then I was just in a zombie state for a few years (b/c we had two really close together!).

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  10. The water looks so blue!! Glad you got some R&R this week!

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    1. It is amazing to be paddling down a brown creek and all of a sudden come upon the beautiful spring water!

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  11. That sounds like a great way to recover! Glad you relaxed and slowly got back into running again.

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    1. Originally I was in no rush to start running again. But oops, I signed up for a RnR race in July. I need to try to make peace with humidity.

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  12. Sounds like a perfect week in every way! I'm happy for pool-jumping season and wish I could join you!

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    1. Jumping in a pool makes you feel like a kid again! I'd love for you to join in!

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  13. The kayaking looks gorgeous! Sounds like a wonderful and well deserved recovery. Wish I had a pool to jump into post hot run :)

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    1. The pool is definitely a treat after a hot southern run!

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  14. Sounds like a fun time with the family. I probably would have not felt compelled to run the 6 miles on Saturday though..lol. you deserve a little more rest. Kudos for doing it!

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    1. I had originally planned for more miles, but it was just too hot!

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  15. I did have some relatively cool runs this week, but that's all changing right now. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up on the treadmill tomorrow because I can't get out early enough to beat the 95 high forecast.

    I'm actually really impressed with how fast you bounce back!

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    1. I was going to ask you to run with me at the Crossings at 4 pm...guess not LOL

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    2. I think since I was unable to "race" the second half of the marathon, I wasn't too terribly torn up and bounced back pretty quick. I wish we'd have a few more cool mornings!

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  16. It's always good to see a blogger who actually recovers from a marathon instead of going out and busting out a crazy run right after. I hardly moved this week too, but not from a marathon (from a PRP injection- much less fun and no medals involved).

    That alligator sign is so misleading! We have some gators around here but I've never seen one with a wide open mouth like that. I still don't like to see them!

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    1. I felt I owed it to myself to take a small, complete running break!

      Maybe they showed the "scary" gator to get people to actually read the sign? Who would feel an alligator? Nuts!

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  17. I love your approach to marathon recovery - from the beach, to easing back into a little running, to the kayaking - looks like an awesome week!

    I've had zero cool runs, and I'm in ramp-up mode for Chicago. Thankfully it's been long enough since I've run a marathon, I'm actually excited about it despite the hot/humid conditions.

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    1. I trained for two Chicago marathons (only ran one). It was so hot during those training cycles. But, I'd do it again.

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  18. Now that is the way to recover! Your kayak excursion sounds heavenly...minus the gator though. Lol!

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    1. It was a small gator but we figured its mama was probably around there somewhere...

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  19. Love your Florida Pics! Why is it that legs feel so much worse after a downhill marathon than a flat one? My first marathon was Steamtown in Scranton, PA. It is mostly downhill, and my quads were killing me afterwards! I thought that was normal. Then I ran my second in Chicago, and felt so much better afterwards! Hope you are back to normal soon.

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    1. I had ZERO ill effects or soreness from Chicago and signed up for another marathon just a few days after that race. LOL. As long as soreness doesn't linger, I'm OK. Thankfully it was gone in a few days after REVEL.

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  20. Nice way to recover! That kayaking adventure sounds like a lot of fun!

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    1. It really was fun and a Florida activity definitely worth repeating!

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  21. Going to the beach sounds like a nice way to recover. The kayaking looks fun too. Great you got water skiing in too. Looking forward to seeing more water skiing pics. :)

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    1. I hope to have more water skiing pics soon. I got a really late start this year!

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  22. Looks like you had the best recovery week of anyone! I love the way the dogs are watching you cannonball in the last pic ;) I challenged myself to complete a two week video workout plan, and I did it!

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    1. I took a video of that pool jump. The dogs scattered when I hit the water! It was funny.

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  23. Recovering from a marathon by relaxing at the beach sounds absolutely perfect to me. And jumping into the pool post run also sounds amazing. It may have been hot where you are (its also hot here in Virginia), but you certainly had some cool ways to recover post run.

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    1. Right now, it's all about how you can stay cool!

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  24. Sounds like the perfect place to be post marathon! It's smart to take marathon recovery seriously.

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    1. Having a week of vacation just after a marathon was perfect. I'll have to do that again.

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  25. I just started 100K training. I saw a snake on Saturday during my run and that was scary enough (it wasn't poisonous, just startled me). I can't imagine seeing a black widow or alligator!

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    1. It is amazing how hidden these creatures can be. My son is an expert in spotting critters!

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  26. Looks like a perfect week except for the recovery part.

    Today might be the first day running in the heat and humidity of summer. Wish I had a pool to jump into.

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    1. You can always jump in at the lake! That would be refreshing!

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  27. There's no better feeling than having a freaking marathon done and dusted! IMO anyway, haha! Your recovery activities look fab. Yeah not cool here. At. All. This 80+ overnight shizz is for the birds.

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    1. It's going to be a long summer... Especially since we've already had about three months of the shizz.

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  28. That cold spring looks gorgeous! Sounds like a great way to recover from that downhill half.

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    1. It's probably the most fun recovery I've taken!

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  29. Looks like a great recovery week! That sand looks so soft! Florida sand is so different than California sand. Kayaking looked like a lot of fun too.

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    1. It is soft and fluffy...like powdered sugar. But, that makes it difficult for running or walking too.

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  30. Cypress Springs looks beautiful with the kayaking adventure but ugh, alligators, one reason Florida looks like no fun! Thanks for hosting again this week!

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    1. Thankfully, this small alligator was just minding his own business.

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  31. You know where I live...no cool runs here! It wasn't a bad training week though. It looks like recovery is going well for you! Your adventures in the swamp and springs look fun! I love seeing gators. Even though I live here. I think they are cute. :-)

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    1. They say there are gators in our local rivers and lakes. But, I've never seen one. Urban legend?

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  32. I'm off running for a few more weeks (Im 3w postpartum) but not missing it today - it's 90+ and humid! WTG for still getting in those workouts. Being on the water must be so great in this weather! Cheers to a good recovery!

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    1. I hope you are enjoying time with the new baby!

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  33. I would say that you definitely had a great approach to your recovery week! i like all the pictures of all the fun and relaxing things that you did last week!

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    1. We try to find something different to do when we visit. The kayaking was fun!

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  34. Sounds like a great recovery week to me! That kayaking trek looks like fun - what a pretty spot!

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    1. I bet your boys would love the kayaking excursion!

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  35. Your week at the beach sounds delightful! We've decided to push our time on the Outer Banks to September this year so it will be cooler. And like you, we'll be eating lots of seafood and drinking lots of yummy drinks after 5 PM (or earlier). ;-)

    It was 59° with low humidity when I ran a 6 AM on Saturday! Friday was equally as delightful as Saturday, but the heat and humidity have come back. Ugh!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I'm so jealous of those cooler mornings you had recently!

      Any month is enjoyable at the beach!

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  36. Sounds like your FL plans were perfect for recovery!
    That paddling adventure looks awesome! I would be nervous about the gators too!
    Way to get back to it after a nice break!
    I feel like jumping in the pool everyday just because it is so hot and sticky here! Lol

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    1. I may plan my next marathon the same way...with a vacation week after. It does help with the recovery!

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  37. Kayaking and piles of seafood sounds like the perfect recovery plan!

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    1. I so enjoy eating seafood when at the beach. I think grilled oysters is probably my favorite!

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  38. Love the new profile pic! Gosh, those kayaking pics look fabulous. I'm ready for a little kayaking myself. It's good to feel 'normal' again and get back to working out and running ...the memory of the pain is already beginning to fade. Lol

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    1. It's funny how that pain memory fades quickly! I've already been stalking other downhill races. At least we know that pain is temporary.

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  39. Those are some beautiful photos! It looks like you had some much deserved relaxation after your race.

    I'm currently on week four of marathon training for Wineglass!

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    1. I've always wanted to do Wineglass. There are just so many great races and so little time!

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  40. Sounds like Florida was a great place to recover after your marathon! Love that you can jump into the pool after a run! That would be a great incentive for me to finish a run too! :)

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    1. I'm so focused on jumping in that cold pool that it's hard to remember to take off my shoes and electronics!

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  41. My marathon last Saturday was wonderfully cool! The mist off the lake was refreshing to run through and thankfully the severe storms held off till that night. Your son saw a black widow spider?! I'm not sure what I'm more scared of... the gator or the spider. Nasty!

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    1. I now sure how he even spotted that sucker. But there it was in a web very low to the ground and just beside the trail. Scary!

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  42. sounds like a divine week of recovery! I would have flipped out about anyone near me seeing a black widow!!! and alligators, paddling would have been turned on to turbo at that point...

    I just started marathon training so still nothing major going on - some short runs, technique and intervals going on (oh and a long run). I still have 15 weeks to go.

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    1. I saw the black widow too. We took pics that I should have included. He can amazingly spot anything. Personally, I think ignorance is bliss...

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