Friday, October 18, 2013

Marathon Hangover

Posted by CheapRunnerMike

So I've been basking in the afterglow of the Chicago Marathon all week -- which basically means I've been eating whatever I want to eat -- but it doesn't mean I've been totally slacking either.  After driving home from Chicago on Monday afternoon (almost 8 hours of driving, who knew working a gas pedal could hurt so much!) I was back into work on Tuesday and out for a 5K shakeout run at lunch.

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The legs responded pretty well but it wasn't like I was pushing them.  I also was able to rep my race shirt and I have to say it is probably the nicest race shirt I've ever received…nice job Nike!  You know you have to use up that marathon glory as long as it lasts!

It was over to Michelle's mom's place Tuesday night for a late Thanksgiving turkey dinner with her aunt and grandmother as well (Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving), so I had a good feed there before heading off to play some beach volleyball.  We won all three of our games and have only lost once this season!  I was worried how Thanksgiving dinner would sit while jumping around but my stomach was fine…my legs on the other hand were beat.  I got home and had a thoroughly enjoyable soak out in the hot tub…aaaaahhhhhhhh.

Wednesday we had to take Kennedy to an appointment at the hospital as you read about in Michelle's post yesterday, and that night the kids were off to the Wednesday night program at the church.  Michelle and I decided it would be a nice chance to slip out for a quick 5K and then follow it up with coffee at Starbucks.

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It was a cooler night so the coffee afterwards was especially welcoming.  We picked up the kids and went home for our dinner…I made my homemade pizza, yum!

Thursday the kids had their swimming lessons at the Y, so I took my workout clothes and did some cross-training while they swam.  I did a solid 20 minutes on the elliptical and it felt good to get some nice low-impact work in…wished I could have done a bit more but the lessons were wrapping up at the pool.  The setup there is pretty cool; the gym is on the second floor and has a glass wall that overlooks the pool, so I can go on the elliptical or the spin bike and watch the kids while they swim.

We met up for half-price appetizers at Kelsey's with Rhoda later that night where I was able to get my nacho fill.  It's always a good time when we meet up there and last night was no exception.

I have another run on the schedule for lunch today, I'm hoping to get about 5 miles in, maybe even a 10K.  Will just have to see how the legs are feeling, but everything seems to be pretty much back to normal.  I think it's safe to say that the marathon-hangover is just about over and that means it will be time to get my eating back to normal as well.  All good things must come to an end!  I'll leave you with one last picture from Chicago…we passed this Minion fire plug a few times and Jackson kept wanting a photo with it, so finally on Monday morning we made a special trip there just for him.

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How long should the marathon hangover last?
I think a week tops

What's your favourite way to cross-train?

12 comments:

  1. I usually give myself a week, and then slowly start getting back into normal groove. I love that picture of you and Michelle, really awesome couple! Glad you are enjoying your post marathon time, although I'm sure you are already planning on which one is next :)

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  2. I bet you will be ready for more by next week!!!

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  3. True enough, already scoping out other races :)
    Got out for a great run at lunch today, my legs feel back to normal. Deciding whether or not to try a longish run this weekend...

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  4. Ummm did you forget it's your birthday weekend?! No "back to normal" eating until at least Tuesday;)

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  5. cori @olivetorun.comOctober 18, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    I am late to telling you on here but CONGRATULATIONS for an amazing race!! You rocked it!!

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  6. Right you are...two slices of homemade pumpkin pie would also agree with you!

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  7. Thanks a lot Cori! That accomplishment will never get old...

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  8. That pic of the kiddos with the minion is way too cool!! I don't blame J for wanting that.
    I love how you & Michelle make time for each other when things are busy. <3

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  9. Yes he was very insistent that we get a picture...it is cool. Never enough good street art!
    We try...easier said than done sometimes. You need to guard your time selfishly!

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  10. Sugar Coated SheridanOctober 20, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    A run with Starbucks sounds wonderful!

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  11. Oh it is! It's great having a reward at the end of a run.

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