Post Marathon Recovery - Picture Addition

It has been exactly two weeks from today that I ran the Boston Marathon.  Hard to believe that only two short weeks ago I was in the amazing city of Boston racing through the historic streets!  I want to go back already. :)

In the past I have made the major mistake of jumping right back into fast running and racing immediately post marathon.  Running a marathon is exhilarating and exciting and sometimes it is incredibly hard to fight the urge to jump right back in the saddle.  But this time around I am trying to be wiser and a little kinder to my body so I have taken the recovery phase a little bit more serious. 

Which has lead me to run for the pure enjoyment of running.  I am so so thankful for this recovery period to remind me why I run.  I run to explore, I run to relax and self reflect, I run for fun and because I truly love running!  Recovery has been so so good for me not only physically but mentally as well.  I will  let the pictures of my adventures tell the rest of the story.

A trip up to Maple Lake to jog/walk around with the pup.

Yes this is in my backyard.  Only 5 miles from my house. 

The week after Boston I ran as slow as my body needed to go and did not crack a 9 minute per mile pace.  It was so nice to just relax and let my body control the effort.  I ran many of the same paths I have ran before but since I wasn't focused on pace I was overwhelmed instead by the beauty that surrounded me.

Spanish Fork River Trail

Line of trees right next to my house.  I run on this road about 6 times a week.

The gorgeous sunrise I caught while running last week.

The Orchards by my house that I run in 3-4 days a week.

  I have spent lots of time exploring and soaking in the pure thrill of running.  I rarely run with music but during these recovery days I have definitely been running sans music.  The natural sounds around me and my light and soft foot strike has truly seemed magical.  Last week I naturally broke into the 8 minute pace and just ran base mileage.

Track Sunday with the pup.  No speed work here but just easy jogging.

Sunday afternoon walk around Salem Pond.

And to keep the "fun run" streak going I ran the awesome Color Me Rad race with my sister on Saturday.  So much fun!!

My Sister and the awesome Ashley before the real color festivities began.

Me and the Sister afterwards.  The picture does not even do it justice.  We were COVERED with COLOR!

In addition to resting more, running slower, and embracing the pure beauty of the Utah outdoors recovery has also included:

1.  Increasing my protein and taking an iron supplement. 

2.  Sleeping more, icing more, compressing more, rolling more, and practicing the preventative care I have always been taught but rarely abide by as a runner.

3.  More quality time spent relaxing and laughing with family.  Laughter is truly the best medicine and if you laugh hard enough it even works those ab muscles. :)

James's Mom forgot to pack his coat so Grandma came to the rescue with her sweater.  Perfect fit!

Spending time with these three little ones was so much fun and definitely helped aid my recovery. ;)

So whats up next for me?  I am recovering really well from Boston and physically feel about 99% recovered.  I am still feeling a bit low on energy but after being on the iron supplement for 10 days I can feel my energy levels coming back to normal.  I attempted my first speed workout on Saturday after 12 full days of easy running and will be trying my cards at a 5K this weekend.  Wish me luck because I have a feeling I am going to need it.