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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Double Hangover

Coming off last weekend's double (Alabama & Georgia), I have a bit of a run hangover. I was slightly exhausted. Yet I couldn't stop reminiscing the events that went down... which brought about smiles and laughs. The endorphins have now settled, but I have a couple realizations from the Double weekend...

I love Half Marathons. 
Oddly enough, I hadn't run a half marathon in over four months. Last weekend's Double restored my love for the 13.1. I was full smiles at both finish lines without feeling completely spent. Sure, I needed strength and endurance to make it the 13 miles, but there was never that crushing wall of hurt that I feel in a full marathon. Once I get past the Eugene Marathon (April 28), I may take a break from 26.2 for awhile... which means I better PR at Eugene.

I need to challenge my Half PR.
When I ran a 1:56 last spring, I didn't think there was any way I'd come close to it again. But I gotta admit, my mind was whirling on Saturday after nearly missing a sub-2 in Alabama... on a rolling course without really pushing myself. It gave me food for thought... if I train specifically for 13.1 again, could I get under 1:55??  I'm thinking of making a return to the flat and fast Fox Cities Marathon (Sept) to do just that.

I want to Double again.
I seriously enjoyed the challenge of back-to-back half marathons, and my body didn't respond too badly either.  I thoroughly enjoyed a whole weekend dedicated to running. Impossible to maintain, but fun maybe twice a year.  Lucky for me, we have another Double planned for this October... Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Plus Kim and I are already looking at a Vermont - New Hampshire Double for Fall 2014.

Recovery is key.
Learning how your individual body responds to running is critical. I practice recovery measures after every long run, and have learned well what works for me and what doesn't.  I took the time after the first Half to do the deeds (stretch, ice, compress, walk) and it paid off the next day.  In hindsight, I probably should have iced one more time before bed, but us girls were too busy chatting...

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Don't forget... Today is the START of the 3rd annual #JellyBean virtual race! You have 12 days to complete one (or all four) events. Good Luck! Anyone is welcome to still join in ... right up to the last day. Free participation!  All the details here.

17 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 20, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    Yeah hoo for VTNH in 2014! I'm so glad you've been pulled in to the double half vortex. You did great this weekend!

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  2. Lisa JMarch 20, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    i'm not just saying this to be nice (clearly you can tell from my personality that i'm not a placater)- you ROCKED the double marathon weekend HARD. My first double weekend I could barely walk afterward, forget about trying to teach a spin class a few days later. It took quite some time before I thought about doing one again, but i think anyone that completes one should feel like a complete bad ass. Congrats again!

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  3. UnknownMarch 20, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. UnknownMarch 20, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    Thank you. You are giving me more to ponder and aspire for.

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  5. Average Woman RunnerMarch 20, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    I want to do a double in 2014! I was so happy to have doubled with Kim & LJ this past October too. I had never dedicated an entire weekend to just running and I loved every second. The only negative part was feeling kind of empty after I got home, I just wanted the girl run party to keep going!
    As for that half PR, if you want it then you will do it.

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  6. Average Woman RunnerMarch 20, 2013 at 11:50 PM

    Oh and if you want a super flat, fast half, check out the Indy Mini in May. It's the more fun, well-organized, well-attended race I've ever done. PR heaven.

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  7. JessieMarch 21, 2013 at 5:27 AM

    I am from the Fox Cities - now live in NC. I am not sure we have anything flat here :) You are an inspiration running those races back to back. Great job!

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  8. fancy nancyMarch 21, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    With a flat and fast on your schedule you are sure to hit your 1:55 goal!!! You rocked your double weekend!! I'm excited for you to do CT and RI! Coming on over to the East coast!!!

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  9. JessicaMarch 21, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    You give me such inspiration! I have decided thanks to your website to go for 50 in 50 states and I want to do all halfs. Anyways, I know this isn't a double but I am running my first half on October 19 and my second one on October 27.

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  10. JodiMarch 21, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    i find if i dont do ice baths or use the foam roller, my legs hate me after a long distance :)

    You amaze me, doing two halfs back to back. wowza

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  11. christaMarch 21, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    Yay for your VTNH double. I had never heard of that half, I'll be checking it out. The Middlebury Maple run is my favorite half in Vermont!!

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  12. CassieMarch 21, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Great job! Okay, Jess...how do you make your shirts?? I want to do one (in memory of Dad) for my first marathon next month!

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  13. TeamarciaMarch 22, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    Ah yes, the crushing wall of hurt. That we keep signing up for. I ran my best half when I was trained for a marathon. Actually I PR'd a half 6 days after running a full. I definitely think you can crush that 1:56.

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  14. cori @olivetorunMarch 23, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    I definitely want to double up on 1/2s... do you know which double you want to do next?

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  15. MindyMarch 24, 2013 at 12:07 AM

    You inspire me!

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  16. MindyMarch 24, 2013 at 12:17 AM

    You inspire me!

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I appreciate your feedback and comments!