The Aftermath: Marathon Recovery

We're home! I'd like to say I had a super productive week after all that vacationing, but that would be just plain false. I've needed a week to recover from vacation. My mother-in-love always takes an additional vacation day after a trip or big event before jumping back into her work routine. She's a smart lady. Apparently when you run a marathon at the end of your vacation, you need a full week off before regaining your energy.

I taught a handful of lessons last week, but mostly I focused on recovering: resting, stretching (I also love this essential oil blend for relieving post-run soreness!), and fueling my body with the best nutrition. And watching tons of Murder, She Wrote!

Recovery is, in fact, one of the most overlooked parts of "training" for a marathon. By no means is it unimportant! I remember watching my friend, Erin, recover from her first marathon, and it seemed like a full-time job! Recovery begins as soon as you cross the finish line, but at that moment it's hard to think of what your body needs. Did you know it takes about three weeks for the body to recover from the stress of a marathon? Some say even longer. With the start of a new school year right around the corner, I knew I needed to be as intentional as possible this side of fall semester.

New medals are up! October 2014-August 2015

I'm totally playing favorites with this one.

Bib number on my board!

Recovery smoothie for the win!
Coconut water, kale, spinach, RAW Meal, chia seeds, homemade ginger honey,
matcha powder, banana, blueberries, strawberries, and mango.

My homemade kombucha during the second ferment! Update: it's delicious!

Going crazy with mason jars! My adaptation of this tasty zoodle recipe!

Eat all the colors!

The best kind of recovery!

Monday and Tuesday were total rest days. I walked and practiced a little, but that was the extent of my physical activity. Not going to lie: I was sore and tired.

Mid-week, I transitioned to active recovery - easy and low-impact workouts.

Wednesday: 11-mile bike ride

Getting my Tri-Hubby ready for his September race! Next summer goal: 70.3?

Thursday: Rest (again)

(We were going to ride, but instead we made an impromptu trip to Green Grocer. Because sometimes DFW beer, Austin homemade ice cream, the best multi-colored popcorn in the whole metroplex, and our favorite British TV show sound a lot better. You'd pick dark chocolate, olive oil, and sea salt ice cream any day over melting in the 105-degree weather, too.)

Friday: 2-mile run, 1 mile-walk, 22-mile bike ride

First post-marathon run. The Weimaraner thought "recovery" and "laziness" were synonymous.

Saturday: Ab circuit and 800 meter swim

Sunday: 10.75-mile bike ride

I also managed to do my grocery shopping and food prep for the week. (I really didn't want to, and everyone was really in my way at the store. Grr.) BUT! I'm also really excited about this week's superfood salad! (Adaptation from this recipe.) I started with an apple cider vinaigrette dressing (coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, Citrus essential oil blend, lime juice, dijon mustard, ginger, raw honey, salt, and pepper), and then I layered the jar with cashew pieces, chia seeds, blueberries, quinoa, strawberries, kale, and spinach. I plan to top with fresh avocado slices each day!

And finally, the best way to celebrate recovery week...

Meet my Glycerin 13s.

Ready to Run Happy! Can't wait to see where this pair takes me!

Happy Monday, friends. Time to put my nose to the grindstone, er, fingers to the keys. Grad school, year two is about to commence!