Run and Be Happy!

I slipped into this race at the last minute.  I was a little nervous and not sure I'd be ready for a marathon, since I'd only run about 17.5 before.  It was such a fun experience and so great to spend time with my sisters and meet new friends. 

Super hot weather in Boston - 87 degrees.  MaryMary and I changed our plan of attack and kept it comfortable.  Stopped and walked at every water/gatorade station.  MaryMary coached me through the nutrition and I'm glad we ate and drank as much as we did: Breakfast was bagel & 1/2 oatmeal, 1/2 a scone, banana, gatorade.  A little later I had a melaleuca bar, then a gu right before the start & 2 salt pills.  Jelly beans  - 2 packs up through mile 8-9, mile 12-GU, 1 more salt pill, mile 18 - GU, mile 23 1/2 a GU. 

This race was fun with lots of energy.  The spectators were incredible.  I have never been more happy in my life to see a popsicle offered to me.  They also had their garden hoses out to cool us off, ice cubes, fruit, and candy.  MaryMary and I kept an ok running paced mixed with lots of walking breaks. - It was so fun to run with her! I'm glad I wasn't alone those 4 hours.  Felt great at mile 20 and up heartbreakhill.  Mary and I picked up the pace a little.  Felt really good the last mile and wanted to speed up so I could finish sooner.

Crossed the finish and my feet were on FIRE.  Took my shoes off imediately.  Had some bad blisters and will lose a few toenails. Oh well, it was worth it!

I will try to wait at least 7 days before running agian. 

Happy Birthday to me!  I got some new running shoes for my birthday - I've worn Asics for years, but at the St. George Running Center, I was told I didn't need that much cusion or stability.  I'm going to try some Brooks that are way lighter than the Gel Nimbus and fit my heels much better.  They are super bright red/yellow.  I'll probably wait til monday to try them out.

Felt great to be able to run again w/ my friends.  I turned back a little sooner - i didn't want to push it.  My toes hurt a little with each step, but it was manageable.  My left side feels a little tight still from the marathon - needs to be rolled out more.

Only 3.7 miles - what should have been easy - felt really difficult today.  Maybe because it was 4:40 p.m. , full belly from too much food today, warm, muggy weather, and I pushed 2 of my boys in the bike trailer.  Overall my legs feel good.  My big toes are still really tender, so I think I changed my gait a little to compensate for this.  The new Brooks shoes feel good and light.  

4 miles - shortened trail run w/ friends.  I was huffing and puffing to keep up at the sub 8:00 pace - maybe that week off was not great for my conditioning.  One friend and I turned back early and slowed just a little.  My legs/hips are still feeling a little weird from recovering from my first marathon.

Tomorrow I will go longer and slower and I hope to be back into full training mode next week to get ready for Utah Valley in 6 weeks. 

 Total time: 32 mins. 

Ran with Annie today - this was a fun run around the beautiful St. George Virgin River trail system.  The weather was perfect and it was nice to start a run at a time that didn't begin with 5 something a.m.  This run was "easy" for her, but I was huffing a puffing a little more than she was.  I could still carry on a conversation just fine, so I guess the pace was fine.  My knee is a little sore after this, so I will rest it for a couple of days and then go easy on my own Mon or Tues.   

9.25 miles - AP: 8:25