So I hadn’t originally planned for this to be three days in a row of blogging, but having done the day before my half and the day of, seems only logical I would write, real time, about what I’m experiencing today, the day AFTER my half marathon.
First off let me say to my looney tunes friends who ran 2 half marathons in 2 days, you most likely think I’m being a huge baby about my day after stuff. But truly it effects me and weird stuff happens for me the day after (and I think it does for most people) so just accept that you are exceptional human beings. And I mean that seriously. Great job.
OK, so here we go. Here’s what the day after feels like for me:
1. I’ll be up between 4 and 6 pounds on the scale. I’ve read stuff (how’s that for expert advice?) and it has something to do with water retention after your body has exerted an unusual effort. It will last just a few days, but there’s nothing like burning 1400ish calories to get on the scale and find yourself up 6 pounds. Ignore it. It doesn’t mean anything.
2. I will need to drink tons of water today. The day of is important for hydration, but the day after may be even more important and I always forget that. And then can’t figure out why I feel kind of dizzy and off. Water. Drink lots and lots of it.
3. I will be incredibly tempted to irrationally sign up for another race TODAY. Almost happened this morning, I promise you. I am so darn proud of myself that I think I’ve turned, overnight, into Deena Kastor (with her professional status and no full time job outside of running). DON’T sign up for another race the day (or even the week) after your last one. Seriously cannot tell you the kind of trouble I’ve gotten into with active.com because of day after a race high. It’s dangerous. And potentially expensive. Step away from the computer, Jen. Seriously. (ETA this has a twin cousin if race day was a disaster called “I’m never running another race again as long as I live”. Less expensive than the first option but equally deceptive.)
4. I’ll over eat. Because I can. I’m OK with it so you should be, too.
5. I’ll be tired and off for about a week (this doesn’t actually happen to me much anymore, but it for sure did my first few halfs so I’m including it so you don’t think you’re sick or crazy when you don’t want to get out of bed for the next 7 days).
6. I will work into every conversation “I ran a half marathon yesterday.” For example (conversation at church this morning): “Good Morning! How are you? Yes, I’m fine. Considering I just ran a half marathon yesterday.” (yes, it’s obnoxious, but I think I’m OK with it)
OK, no more time to blog. Must go have some ice cream. It’s been fun spending the weekend with you all – I hope we can do it again soon!!
Next race on the books is the Dumbo Double Dare in Anaheim on August 30, so things might get quiet and boring around here for a bit but I’ll try to find something interesting to write about. Or at the very least, blog often and loudly about how horrible it is to train in TX in the summer:). And maybe do a section on starting out and being new to running. Because I’m ALWAYS about new people joining the ranks!
Happy Running!!
Jen