This weekend I ran my very first SPRING half marathon! I’ve never ran a ‘spring’ half marathon because I’ve always been cautious of the weather and having to train long distance in the snow and ice is just not worth it to me. Of course I sign up for a spring half marathon this year and it was one of the worst winters in Indiana!!
Go figure!  Therefore, all of my training was done on the treadmill.  Awesome!!  Kidding….it took a lot of mental strength!

This is my fourth overall half marathon. I was very concerned with how my race was going to turn out because of the treadmill training, weather, and constant rolling hills in Carmel, Indiana. I had no intentions of going for a great time until I was standing in the corrals listening to the National Anthem.  (My pre-workout drink must have kicked in at that moment!)  My first half (6.55 miles) of the marathon went exceptionally well!!! I was approximately three minutes ahead of schedule and super excited!!! Then…. all good things must come to an end, and I had some issues.
1.My skin started to chaff in different spots than normal (ouch).
2. My music player started playing Christmas songs (worst music ever to run to).
3. My energy drained.
4. My brain got bored.
After about 1-1/2 miles of this, my carb chews kicked in and I perked up.
However, damage had been done and I had lost those three minutes. I did not go into this race expecting to have a PR (Personal Record). However after the first 6 miles I knew it was an option, and I got really excited.  The next 7 miles were filled with thoughts of ‘go, go, go’ and I felt like I was late for my own funeral!!

It’s a mental game one must play while running long distance.  Just ask any runner….. we all have different strategies to get us through!  Well, I ended the race 14 seconds shy of a new personal record. I was disappointed at first, however I now realize that I am proud of my time due to the time of year, treadmill training, the hills and my asthma. My lungs do NOT enjoy working harder to power up a hill!!
As fitness freaks, we abuse our bodies.  We put it through some serious training and are hard-core during the race event.  The race may have ended on Saturday,  but my recovery continues well through Sunday. My lungs are tired, I’m coughing up junk, my skin is sore, and my feet/toes are blistered and bruised. My energy level is low, and I’m mentally worn out. What’s your point, Lisa??   >>> Just because you’ve accomplished a goal or your race or sporting event is over >>>>  does NOT mean you stop taking care of your body!!!!  I still went to church, attended my nephew’s birthday party,  and I’m continuing to make sure I eat enough protein, complex carbohydrates, and fluids today so that I can heal and get back to my normal strength training workouts this week. I do not want to spend the next two days sore, tired, and grumpy because I cannot work out. Many of us like to work out hard but that also means we have to remember our bodies need to be taken care of especially as we age.
Lesson: Take care of your body, be proactive, and help it heal so that you can continue to stay active!!  It’s worth it!!

What I do for recover: I make sure to take an ActiVit multivitamin, I drink ‘Rest & Recovery’ formula as a recovery drink (very important), 1 Shakeology meal today to ensure my body has enough nutrients to heal itself, lots of water, BioFreeze on the sore muscles, ice bath as needed, and sleep.  I was able to take a 90 minute nap late this afternoon… just what the therapist (me) ordered!!  🙂

I really want to become a ‘Half Fanatic!’  That means running 2 half marathons within 2 weeks or 3 within 3 months.  Unfortunately, my schedule isn’t going to allow me to get another one completed in the next 2 weeks.  If I had unlimited travel funds, I could do it….. but that isn’t happening.  So…. looks like the 3 month plan may be an option.  🙂
Be Active.  Dream Big,  Lead By Example.
Wishing you all the best for your fitness goals and treat the body well during recovery and always! — Lisa

If you are looking to lose weight >>>  May I recommend the 21 Day Fix through Team Beachbody?  It will TEACH you food portion sizes, clean eating, and some basic workouts for all levels!!  No weighing your food.  No counting calories.  No strict diet plans.  No magic pills.  You will learn to feed your body and your family in a healthy manner!!  And… as parents, it’s our job to teach our children proper nutrition!!!  Contact me for more info.  My ’21 DayFix’ challenge group starts April 24!  HURRY!   Bashford.Lisa@yahoo.com