#32 and 33 - Another Double Header and RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RUNNING BACK TO BACK RACES

Since I shared my blog publicly last week, I have receive some really helpful suggestions that might make this a little more useful and interesting read! I will try to write more about what I do to prepare for, run, and recover from a half marathon. In fact, I'll pick an issue each week and give my opinions. That got me thinking about it, and I realized my racing has been a low priority in my life. I mean, I don't spend much time thinking about it. I spend most of my time trying to raise 2 kids with my husband and running my business (I am in independent consultant and CPA). I am excited about where this heightened awareness may take me! If you have questions or suggestions, please let me know.

#32 First Call Spring Half Marathon (5/10/14) Saturday's run was the First Call Spring Half Marathon. It is my third half on this course with the First Call Running Club and I am really starting to like it. It's flat and scenic, and now I know a few people that I can chat with while we run. I ran with my dog, Hero. He has become a very nice running partner. They gave Hero his own medal at the finish line!

#33 Mother's Day Half Marathon (5/11/14) It was a beautiful, sunny day in Kirkland on Sunday. The course was rather undulating. The second half of the race was along Lake Washington and I enjoyed the views. Plus, I got a lovely medal at the finish. I spent the rest of the day with my family. My mom lives in an Alzheimer's home and has been there since February. My dad brought her to their house for the day. Even though she lived in their house for the last 13 years, it was obvious that she didn't really recognize it. But she was happy and that was good.

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RUNNING BACK-TO-BACK HALF MARATHONS IN TWO DAYS. I have done 9 back-to-back halfs (2 days in a row--18 races) so far. I also used to do relay races where I ran 3 times in 24 hours. And with those experiences, I have learned that eating a big, healthy meal as soon as possible after I run is really important for getting ready for the next run. It is my number 1, most important thing that I do. My favorite meal is spaghetti with meatballs. I believe in taking in carbs and protein together.

Two, I hydrate. I don't like to drink water but I find that it goes down easier if it's not cold. My urologist taught me that. I thought it sounded gross to drink room-temperature water but it really does work for me. 

Three, stretch lightly (as opposed to not stretching at all). I will discuss my stretching routine and strategies in another post.

Four, rest and sleep. Try not to do a lot of housework or yard work after the first race. Rest your body and go to bed and get 8 hrs of sleep. I am not very good at following number four. Watching a movie or two after the first race is a great way to get myself to relax and stop moving.  

Five, sometimes I have sore muscles--hamstrings, calfs, quads. So, I've soaked them in Epsom salts. I will also write more about soaking in another post.

And that's all I think I do for back-to-back races, I think.