I think the hardest part of training for a marathon is what to do with yourself after the marathon. I am consciously choosing not to sign up for any races yet as to give time for my brain to relax but it seems to have the opposite effect on me.
In my second week post-marathon, I have been trying to diversify my exercise routine. I’ve been to barre and spin classes, and ran a couple of times this week. I even signed up for the I <3 Barre Challenge at Local Barre. As a part of the challenge, I will need to attend six open barre classes and six specialty classes all by December 22nd. Tonight was my first of the 12 – wish me luck!
Also, with all this new found free time, I spend a lot of it at work but when I’m not there, I’m thinking about all the cool new gadgets, races, and running related items that I am interested in. Sure, I already celebrated my birthday, but hey the holidays are on their way! (just kidding!)
My official running related wish list, in no particular order:
- New blog format – I’m not 100% sure what I’d like to do with the blog but would like to clean up the format and maybe even create a cindyruns logo.
- Exercise ball chair – I’m obsessed with trying to build a stronger core and if I need to sit at a desk for 40+ hours a week, I might as well be multitasking! I need to do more research, but the one I am initially interested in is the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair.
- Nike fuel band – Since I am trying to incorporate more cross training into my routine, I’d like to track my overall activity. Nike already has me tied to their Nike+ website with my GPS watch, so fortunately or unfortunately, the fuel band was the only way to go. We ordered the pink one tonight as a belated birthday present and I’m excited to give it a try. I am worried that it will be too big for me to wear all the time but check back for a full review once it arrives!
- iPod shuffle (or at least find mine and see if it works) – When I was struggling during the NYC Marathon, I ran into Coach Glen on the course. He gave me the push I needed at least for the next half a mile. After the race we were talking about tricking the mind when you’re struggling in a race. While I try not to run with music, especially not during races, he mentioned how a playlists can really help push you through. I usually run with my phone for emergency and tracking purposes, but I don’t think I would enjoy having it on my arm, so I think if I were to listen to music, the shuffle may be the way to go.
- Running playlist – Along the same lines, I’d have to build a running playlist. Right now, I just have some songs I like, but not all of them are upbeat enough that I’d want to listen to on a run.
- Races – I have to yet to give in and sign up for a race yet, but on my race wish list are:
- Pittsburgh Turkey Trot (either 5K or 5-miler) – just because I’ve always wanted to run in a turkey trot, the name is just so cool!
- Fred Lebow Manhattan Half Marathon – not that I don’t think I’ve run enough loops of Central Park, I think this race will be a good excuse for me to continue running in the cold and to justify all the food I eat!
- World Marathon Majors – of course, I don’t plan on running all of these in the next year, but they are on wish list for one day…
- New York City – done!
- Chicago – this might be the next one, a couple of teammates and I shook on this the day after NYC even while we were all in extreme pain!
- Boston – if I can ever qualify by time, maybe when I’m 60+ years old and still running as fast/slow as I am now!
- Berlin
- London
- Tokyo
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| The “official” handshake |
And oh, today is my one year anniversary of my first marathon. A year ago, I ran my first marathon in Philadelphia. It’s been such a crazy year – who knew I would end up running four marathons in less than 12 months! I assure you this next 12 months will not be filled with as many marathons… at least, so Josh hopes… 😉
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| The face says it all… pain and injury, and what would possess me to do it again, and again, and again? |