Marathon Postscript
Apr3020109:53 p.m.
Its been a funny old week really. Emotionally I am still on such a high after Sunday, but this is already starting to fade a bit as I am left wondering - what next?
On Monday morning I didn't feel too bad. I took my youngest swimming and saw a couple of friends who were surprised I was upright! When I got home the tiredness really hit so I put a DVD on for my daughter while I sat and contemplated life in general. When I went to get up my legs had seized up. I could no longer move very far without wincing and coming down the stairs nearly brought tears to my eyes. After school I took the children to a playground and they were running about, so I thought I would try to run after them - ho ho, I couldn't run a step!! It felt like my feet were stuck in glue.
On Tuesday the pain was still there, but I went for a little bike ride for 45 minutes to help loosen things up. My legs weren't painful for cycling but I was feeling slightly jaded, unsurprisingly.
By Wednesday the stairs were less painful so it was time to get the trainers back just to test the old legs and surprisingly everything felt fine, if a little stiff. I did 2.9 miles in 28:30 - a bit late to nail my ideal marathon pace! But then I didn't have butterflies or wombles to contend with. It was strange though as I felt so stiff, but I must have been covering the ground.
That's been it for the week so far. Yesterday I had to re-acquaint myself with the hoover, duster, washing machine and lawn mower as the house had been slightly neglected during 'marathon fever'. I am left though wondering what to do now. I really want to keep this fitness level up but I cannot see myself doing another marathon just yet. I do need something to aim at though. I will do a local 10k in July and another half in September. We'll just see what the summer brings and keep ticking over. Maybe I will try some speed work as a new challenge, and try to get a sub 50 10k. I do know one thing though, I am entering the ballot on 4th May!
Happy recovery all xx
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Comments (10)
Russell_Nimbus 'It looks like we are all wondering what next.' added 30th Apr 2010
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Jenny1961 'Hi Sue Entering some shorter races is a great start. I already had a longer term plan ( Ironman Uk) but I actually want to do a 10k as well so have entered the Old Deer Park Richmond 10k. After my first attempt at the marathon in 2006 I felt like this and found entering some 10ks really helpful - and very enjoyable! Things will gradually get back to normal and you will enjoy finding new challenges. You will take pride in all your achievements - whatever the distance! And you know what? Its really nice knowing that you only have to run for a about an hour or so in a 10K race :0' added 30th Apr 2010
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Firefly123 'I think entering some shorter races is the thing to do. I've got one planned for the end of May and like Jenny says, the thought of only running 6 miles or so is quite nice! I hope you'll keep your blog going and update us - your posts are so entertaining! Once againg congratulations on a fantastic marathon and it was so lovely to meet you x' added 1st May 2010
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STUBLACK 'There's always Eddie Izzards 43 marathons to tackle, a great way to see the country. Last year when I had nothing to aim for my running slipped so I'm determined it won't happen again. I've got a 10k and a Half Marathon planned this year so maybe look for a few shorter races to keep you going' added 1st May 2010
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simonedumergue 'lol - I did chuckle about your housework comment in that post. Same at my end - had a 'marathon' of a housework day on Friday to try and make amends for all the lack of housework lately!! Sounds like some good thinking of the 'what next' phase. Getting a bit faster is a good interim goal - might try that myself!' added 1st May 2010
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ClareVR 'Ahh yes, what next indeed. Its an odd feeling isn't it. I am going to do some shorter things, and have a 10k in June to start with, which I would hope to finally clock up a time in the 50's for a change. I have also spent today turning the flat back to the right way up after putting practically my entire life on hold for the big M - I also spring cleaned Minni much to her horror this morning, full whisker trim, bath and tail wash! I too would like to be faster. Look forward to hearing about all your new plans!' added 1st May 2010
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Way_Too_Slow 'I've entered a couple of races this week, just to give myself some short term targets and help get a little bit of speed back after all the marathon plodding.' added 1st May 2010
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peterb 'you've got the bug ...' added 2nd May 2010
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lightninglucy1 'I know exactly wht you mean. I have forced myself to have the whole week off. It has been really difficult because I have run every week for over a year now!. However, it has worked wonders because I am now really looking forward to a 7 mile run tomoz. All that marathon training was a bit much in the end! I am looking forward to loving running again. I would do what the others suggest and go for some shorter runs - I like your idea of getting faster!. You are giving me some ideas! Focus on your amazing achievement and re-engage your love for running with the more manageable shorter distances. There, sorted! Good luck!' added 2nd May 2010
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glen_b 'I can recommend the Experian Robin Hood Half in September, starts and finishes on the banks of the Trent near Notts Forest's ground. They also do a Full Marathon on the same day......... Having said that, I am doing the GNR in September! I am also signed up for a 10k in a fortnight, and probably a 10k in June, and a local 10 miler in August that can be quite hot starting at 11am on a Sunday in the middle of August!!' added 4th May 2010
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