Lessons Learned Part 2
Check out these photos!!
Yes I knew the photographer was there and I took full advantage of it!!! I think these photos were around mile 5. Doin’ good!!!
In my ‘day after’ post yesterday I forgot to mention how sore I am!! I am absolutely in pain and I think I definitely need to prepare better next time for the ‘after race’ stuff. Eating, resting, baths, stretching – the whole lot!!
What do you do to recover from a race??
When I got to work today I found a sweet card and pressie on my desk!! My Teaching Assistant said that she was so proud of me for accomplishing the race that she bought me this:
The inside:
Wasn’t that just so sweet?? I have the most supportive people in my life!
Tonight I have done a lot of marking:
…and catching up with Lauren on The Hills. Is she leaving the show or something? We’re so behind here.
I do adore watching The Hills but sometimes it is way too much drama for me. In fact, once in a while it reminds me of my life lol. Do you know how many times my friend Carley and I have said to each other “omg did you see that episode? That was so us.” Don’t pretend like you haven’t done it too!!
Right, so I was supposed to talk about some more things I learned training for this half marathon. There are definitely a few more to list. If you missed the first half of my list, go here:
This part I will title:
Lessons Learned Part 2!! Fitting, right?
So..
Basically, i’ve learned a few more things:
- Don’t use race training as a weight loss method. Yes, running will get you in shape, but I soon found out that I was running so much that I needed to eat to fuel myself for those runs, otherwise they would basically in one word: suck. You need to eat to give your body the energy to run all those miles, therefore trying to cut back on calories and train for a race- just doesn’t work. For me anyways! I have found that i’m in better shape.. my legs look a bit more toned along with my stomach and arms but as far as lose weight- no it didn’t happen.
- Research how to prepare before the race but also AFTER! I cannot stress this enough. I have found it much more difficult than I thought it would be to recover from this race. Honestly, I can barely walk up and down the stairs on my own at the minute. Forget going to the washroom normally. Sitting on the toilet takes lots of patience and practice. I’ve touched the toilet seat with my hands way more than I’d like to admit. But, if I sat down normally – I do risk tearing a few more muscles in my legs.
- Even though i’ve said it before that running can be very challenging mentally, there is also a point where your body gets tired!!!! I have always said just to tell yourself to go for it. Mentally prepare yourself for the hills and the distance. Running is way more mental than it is physical (how many times have you heard that?!). Well- let me tell you- it IS just has much of a physical thing. There is a point where your body just has enough. I think that was around mile 11 for me when my legs started cramping and I felt like I had bricks for calves.
- To echo the above point and try to prevent fatigue from setting in: train train train. I do wish that I would have ran more than 8.5 miles at a time for my “long runs” before the race, but hey – live and learn. It’s not like I choose not to run a longer distance, things just got in the way (like 30 degree heat) and I couldn’t fit in longer runs than that. Next time however, i’m going to make it a goal to at least run 10 miles a few times to get my body used to the distance.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned over the years when it comes to exercise?!
It doesn’t have to be for race training- but exercise/fitness in general??
Great race photos, Leah! I love your lessons learned. I noticed similar things with my 10K (I would never compare the two as obviously a half is quite a lot more work, but I had similar feelings)…definitely not a weight loss plan, and I had no idea what to do afterward. I think I also went into a weird emotional place afterward…no longer having a “project.” And yeah, I was way undertrained. I hadn’t run more than 4.25 miles! Ahh!
I really do want to do another race at some point, but I don’t know when I’ll be ready.
I am so proud of you! Hang in there with your toliet troubles
Look at you – you look gorgeous mid race!! I loved reading your lessons learned. I’ve never run in a race and if I ever plan on it, this info is good to know!!
Treat yourself to a niiiiiice long bubble bath and a glass of wine
GREAT tips on running!!! Those pics are awesome also!! I agree with the post above – bubble bath & wine would be a well deserved post-marathon treat!
Those photos of you ROCK my world!!! =) I love it!!
Those are some amazing race tips, you can be sure I am going to implement them for my 10 miler coming up! I hope I can walk after! lol. I am planning to stretch and take more cold showers. Last time I put the cold water directly onto my muscles and it helped so much. Also Ibuprophen helped me TONS. 1 tablet a day was all I needed to reduce inflammation.
Congratulations Leah on your marathon…how exciting!!
xo
Training for marathons, I definitely have learned that I am NOT going to lose weight. Or if I do, I will feel lousy and weak and not able to run. . . which is what I am trying to do! I have also learned that LOTS of rest is important as is listening to my body.
Finally, when it comes to running, I have learned that I am not going to the Olympics or going to win or come close to winning major world races, so I just need to relax a little about it!
Graet photos and lessons learned! You must have such a sense of accomplishment right now!
Awesome photos!
Those photos are too cute! I think the biggest lesson i’ve learned is to give my body rest!
Great pics girl! All my race photos feature a half open mouth and sweat soaked bangs. I need some pointers on looking cute while running. How did you learn that, might I ask?
As for running for weight loss, nope you can’t do that and train for a race. No way. Not me anyhow. My body screams for fuel the more I push it.
You look gorgeous on those photos!
The very biggest lesson I have learned, as I think I’ve shared with you before, is that it is never good when I push myself too far! Running too often or too far will only result in physical injuries, or mental burn out. I have found this out the hard way.
Hope you arent too sore tomorrow!
Hey Angela, I think you have to watch out with Ibuprofen – I’m guessing taking a tablet a day for one or two days wouldn’t matter, but there has been some research that shows that it actually impeeds recovery in the body. But I’m sure you’re not the kind to go overboard, *lol*.
Leah – aww so cute those photos! Hmm lessons learned – I think the weightloss thing is a good point. Somehow my brain just is gone at the end of a race or a long run and it reverts back to “oh you burned so many calories, don’t “waste” them!” Definitely have a meal planned beforehand. In fact, maybe think about it right now: what would your plan be for food & recovery after a race?
The photos are great, it looks like a really scenic route. Where abouts is the race you’re thinking of doing in October? I’d love to do a half, but I really can’t see myself ready by then!
what great photos! I think your tips are great, and stretching and baths definitely help.
Great photos!
I agree with you on bullet point #1. I definitely got more toned from training but didn’t necessarily lose any weight that way.
AWESOME photos!!! I’d definitely frame a few of those!
Haha, yeah I watch The Hills. But I totally agree that all that drama can get old pretty fast. Although the show has a little to much to be believable, I can definitely relate to some of their situations. And hey, it’s entertainment.
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned with exercise is BALANCE!!! You have to be able to listen to your body and be willing to take a day off every once in a while. Life happens, and sometimes you aren’t going to get in that 5 mile run (or whatever) on a certain day, but that’s OK!!
xxoo
Heather
Lauren is done after this season as far as I know. I think Kristen might take her place on the show because the last episode (Heidi and Spencer’s wedding episode) really focused on her. Who knows though.
Oooo next time take an ice bath after the race, the day after my marathon I wasn’t sore at all!
thanks for posting the lessons learned. very informative! and that was so nice of your co-worker
great lessons
ALL most definitely true! You’re such a stud with the half marathon! congrats girly
Congrats on the half marathon! You did great.
I’m still trying to lose a few extra pounds, and I think that’s what’s been keeping me from registering for a half. Thanks for the tips though, I will keep them in mind! Hope your muscles feel better soon!
I love the photos! You look so happy! I think your lessons learned are spot on. Indeed, sometime it is physical (and not just mental!) I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is to rest when you need it (your body isn’t a machine) and that protein is your friend after a weights session!
Belated congrats, Leah!! And awesome race tips
I’m a little late, but CONGRATS on your half! You deserve to take full advantage of the photographer and you look Simply Fabulous.
With training for races I’ve learned that I need a lot of cushion time wise to prepare and I need to increase milage SLOWLY.
Hi Leah! I just wandered onto your blog from OSG… Congratulations on your half marathon!!! Your time is AWESOME and you look great in the pictures! I’ve signed up for a 5K in October and am really enjoying getting ready for that. Congrats again girl!
I found your lessons learned really helpful…thanks so much for posting them. I related to a lot of them too, although like Lara I have never run as far as you.
Re. your previous post, I also think it’s pretty normal not to have much of an appetite after running a long distance or running hard for a while. The challenge for me is balancing not being very hungry with the subsequent crash if I don’t eat/drink enough! I’ve found liquids (smoothies etc) to be my best bet in that regard…also helps a bit with the re-hydration component. But it’s trial and error I think!
Thank you for writing this Leah – my first half marathon is next Sunday and the most I’ve done so far on my “long runs” is about 8 miles, so I’m doing 10 this weekend! Definitely!!