I started running three days after Boston. If I feel a little heavy, I'll take a day off. I'm plugging mileage & applying one workout a week. I did a 3x2 mile on the track with Ber and bod's like, whoa. It took a little longer to recover. The Bellingham heat makes for warm muscles, but sets up for whine. I don't feel mentally fatigued, just innately. Like the center of my bones want love. I think I wanted to cheat the traditional way to come back from a marathon, because I knew I had S2S coming up, and that it would proffer a full week off, so, that's what I've convinced myself of. In an ideal world, I'd heal from S2S quickly, do some track work, run the Scotia Bank 1/2, break the 1:20 barrier comfortably, not trying for anything more than that, rest a week or two, do a little speedwork, then compete at usatf club track and field nationals. This is not realistic! But then, what is real? Let's think, Longevity. If I want to be healthy and capable when starting to train for the standard, then I should reel in the enthusiasm. I've never had this much enthusiasm before. Before, I looked more forward to the second after the race, what I'd wear to the disco party, and a celebratory beer. It was more about working hard to get to the thing I loved. Now it's about loving the process, loving the work, and then, in turn, loving the hell out of the goods produced at work's end.
I was definitely a more bitch version of myself in the week before and maybe the two following the marathon, but I felt like I had a card, and if no one understood the card or didn't think I earned to pull it out, the bitch in me then don't care none. I didn't fall into a depression, which I'm so thankful for. I didn't think, What next? The girls on BDP got together and started organizing plans for Chicago, mentioning that they knew it was a little soon for me & that I didn't need to make any plans, but they kept me involved. I heard my mouth commit before my mind did - and now it's decided. Ber & I have obtained our ADP qualifications, and will be able to toe the line at the front of the field. The American Development Program recognizes amateur, up-and-comers who aren't necessarily top national or international competitors but who are vying for pb's or an OT qualifier. I haven't sat down and spent the cash yet, but the luxury in being part of the program is that they give you a hell of a long time to make a decision. This is such a comfort, these high-profile marathons are an investment, and if you can, it's nice to budget it out over time, or, you can just blow the load right at the start - hey enthusiam! where did you go? Responsible Courtney getouttahere!
I've been thinking about the Scotia Bank 1/2 marathon for months, known for it's fast course & pb potential. I dismissed it as an opportunity because it's a mere 3.5 weeks after S2S. I went for the elite application thinking it couldn't hurt - better to open doors before I close them - and now, I'm signed on to compete with elite recognition. With a support system the likes of Ber, BDP, my chiropractor, Core PT, I feel a sense of confidence but not secure in how I'll heal post S2S. Last year was my best, and despite having experience, I had calf soreness until August.
So, I decided, I'm serious.
@scotiahalf, @runcrswest, #scotiahalf, @MarathonChicago
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