Post-Marathon Thoughts

I guess I was too gentle about the weather for Ogden in my race recap. I've spent the weekend reading everyone's experiences on our running group Facebook page and it's been crazy!! Countless people were pulled off the course and sent in the ambulance because of hypothermia. Many didn't finish. Everyone was soaked to the bone and trying to stay positive in the stinging rain, sleet, hail (I forgot to mention it hailed briefly!), and wind; which was impossible for many. I've read story after story of missed goals, crushed spirits, and hopes dashed. The conditions were about as bad as they get. It was a TOUGH race, physically and mentally. I feel really lucky that I had a positive outcome despite the horrendous conditions. One girl posted an article about how much running in the cold and being wet affects your performance and it makes me wonder how well I could have done if the weather had been great. But it wasn't, and either way, I had a great race and came away feeling extra accomplished having survived that. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

However it came with a price. My ability to walk or perform simple tasks like sitting down or standing up has been robbed from me because I am SO SORE!! And I'm sore in weird places like behind my knees and around my Achilles' tendons. Explain that? I think my calves got the worst of it though. We moved extra slow grocery shopping today. When we got home Dr. Kennedy came to the rescue to help my legs feel better. 

She checked them out and told me I needed some glue for them. Why didn't I think of that?! Duh! 

Then she checked my teeth, you know, because your dental health vastly affects the ability of your muscles to recover. 

I didn't go to the gym today for obvious reasons, but I have been keeping busy and moving cleaning the house and doing laundry. 

After my first marathon in September I would pass my race medal and get emotional for almost a week after the race. I just couldn't believe I had done it. This time, I pass it and smile, because I feel so incredible. I hope that doesn't sound cocky, I definitely don't mean it like that. I'm just in awe of what I have accomplished in two short years. It makes me really excited for my future, because I don't plan on quitting (a small hiatus will be necessary with baby#3 someday). I just want to stress to anyone who might have that small voice in the back of their head that says "I would like to try such-and-such someday", or "I wonder if I could do (insert your goal here)", to go for it! If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything through a lot of hard work. And I can attest that it is 1,000% worth it!! I almost feel unstoppable. 

I have several half marathons planned this summer and another marathon in September. My goal is to work hard all summer and see what I can do the third time around. And I plan on blogging through the whole thing. Thank you so much for all the love and support from everyone who has been by my side through this crazy journey of mine. Life is crazy, but so much fun! 

See you soon!