Swag

This was in the half marathon swag. A snack of tuna that was last night's entree, a small hand towel that will prove useful for sweat during spinning and a sample magazine that includes an article on hip stability. Along with my lazy ass, I also have weak hips. I have been doing single leg squats a few times a week for the last few weeks. I certainly notice when I've been doing them - hello! training effect, but as the article suggests because I can't do them without my leg wobbling everywhere I've got a little way to go. It also suggested to add other exercises which I plan to do.

I've pulled up ok from the half. My quads are a little sore, but nothing too major. I may have done myself a disservice in the ITB department. My left ITB at the hip is somewhat painful. Thankfully I have a massage tomorrow!

I'm not entirely sure what event is on the cards next. I'm looking closely at a recreational ride in mid November and then potentially the Sprint triathlon series. I also, along with 3 other friends put my name in the hat for next years Berlin Marathon! Eeep!

Until decisions are made there's yoga and swimming on the cards for some active recovery. The plan is also to start running again later in the week, but I'm on the search for a beginner's speed plan!

Yoga: 1hr | Simply flow

Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne

Sometimes it's just nice to walk. And that's exactly what we did, through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. I've been meaning to get there for years and I'm so glad I finally did. It's beautiful and well worth the visit. There's quite a bit of development/new planting going on I can't wait to see how it all pans out.

Gumboots were handy, an umbrella was a must. I can't wait to go back in springtime when everything is in bloom and the weather is that much nicer to be out and about in. Bikes are also allowed on certain paths, but jogging is not permitted.

And next time I will take a dSLR!

Tues; strength: 15m. Planks & squats
Tues; walk: 30m

Recovery

I felt surprisingly good straight after the marathon, usually I feel a little nauseous but it never set in. I took a couple of anti-inflammatories that night to ease the pain in my quads and I slept like a log, for the first time in a week. In fact I've had no problems sleeping since the marathon, the same cannot be said for prior. Very happy that resolved itself.

There was however lingering pain in my quads and only my quads. Like someone had taken a hammer to them. Going down stairs, sitting down and standing up were the biggest challenges. The work around for the stairs was going down backwards. Sitting and standing required us to suck it up.

By Wednesday the majority of my pain had gone and we were ready for Byron Bay's coastal walk to the lighthouse. It was slow and a touch challenging for the tired legs, but so very beautiful watching the splashes of a whale on the horizon, dolphins catching waves and a diving sea turtle.

Good mail day!

Just in time too, I ate my last Gu yesterday. And now I'm stocked up again. I'm looking forward to trying out the Powerbar Sport shots - I haven't had the lemon before. I get hungry on long runs, so the physicality of chewing and eating something solid might help.

The marathon training plan calls for a rest/cross training day today and I'm enjoying it. I've done a little strength, a little walking and of course yoga. Fingers crossed some good sleep will put me in good stead for tomorrow's speed session.