Woke up, ate breakfast (oatmeal, banana, had some hot tea, drank a ton of water-- could've done without a hot tea).
For whatever reason, I get so anxious before races. Doesn't matter if it's a 5k or not, I will have to poop excessively before a race. My body totally cleans itself out. (I think it goes back to my PTSD as a child doing track and field races in elementary school. I'm shuddering just thinking about it.)
Went to my friend Hanna's house, where my sister, Hanna, Hanna's mom, and a friend from the YMCA, Monty all left from. Oh, and I pooped there, too.
Got to the starting line with plenty of time to spare, we even saw a local news woman, Cecily Tynan, warming up with her husband before the race. We all had to shout her name, of course! She was so friendly.
And then I had to pee. Like, really pee, but there was no way I was going to make it to a port-a-potty. They were swamped with people.
Before: What I had "on me" during the race. iPod shuffle & headphones (LOVE THIS THING), GuChomps Watermelon electrolyte gels, and my number 31247!
During
At the starting line, I was all hyped up and raring to go (I guess). Of course, with 40,000 runners it's hard to go fast so soon! They started off playing Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" over the speakers at the starting line. So sweet!
There were so many security officers since it was just after the Boston Marathon and all. From helicopters flying overhead, to countless SWAT team officers lining the course, I felt totally safe. So many runners supported the marathon from wearing shirts, to donning red socks, and there were stickers that said "To Boston Love Philly" on them. It was hard to keep it far from my mind.
It was a blur. I know I'm writing some of this way after the race, but it was a blur. You get in a zone, and I must've really gotten in the zone, because to this day I remember the endorphin buzz and the excitement, and I sigh thinking, "That was so much fun, the 10 miles really flew by!" Sigh.
When you run a race like Broad Street, there are just so many people that you are forced to move. You HAVE to move, or else you're getting trampled. Once you get to mile 8, the crowd thins out drastically, both on the sidelines and in the course. You become a much more lonely ranger of sorts, so once I got to South Philly, (which is a fairly unknown territory for me) it was all a mental game.
I had my GuChomps during the race, and I walked through almost every water station because I was not about to slip on those damn plastic cups.
Seeing the finish line was a total dream come true! I can still remember my pace picked up and I just couldn't wait to get there.
After
Knowing I had to ride the subway back up to North Philly was kind of exciting (free subway, yay)! I got to sit down the whole time, which I immediately regretted. I stood up and everything hurt (this is where I start to think, hmm should've trained harder).
I was so proud of myself. My legs carried me, and I felt so unstoppable.
I went home, and I was spent. I spent the day eating, sleeping and I didn't stretch or foam roll, and MAN I WAS SO SORE. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT. I'm going to take much better care of myself next time. It was horrible. At one point, I wanted to flat-out fall down the steps because it was easier than walking.
I kind of felt like I underwent a major medical procedure with the whole "recovery" thing. However, within 3 days, I was fine!
You're done your workout. You're covered in sweat, thinking about how you just want to leave the gym and go home and shower.
Don't.
Stay and stretch for ten minutes. Your muscles will be less sore and less prone to injury.
The best way I can force myself to stay and stretch is to have a stretching playlist on my iPod. That way, it's ready for me when I'm done with a grueling workout. I make a mix of heart-rate slowing songs that I love!
Here's a few songs from my stretching playlist (I keep it on shuffle, great way to keep it unpredictable):
Last Kiss - Taylor Swift
The Goldfish Song - Kina Grannis
Colors - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine
Your Song - Ellie Goulding
Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift (feat. The Civil Wars)
Stars - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Bluebird - Sara Bareilles
I'll also update my playlist about once every other week, to alleviate boredom. I also keep many different songs (up to 30 songs) so I always have an option.
Another option for music is if your music device has Wifi capabilities. I'll go on Pandora and put the Singer/Songwriter or Yoga station on and just zen out.
I allow my mind to wander while I'm lying on the mat stretching. It's so euphoric and relaxing and it's pure "me" time.
If you are looking for a great stretching routine, here are some great options:
I'm a huge fan of Cassey's stretch routine from Blogilates. It has helped increase my flexibility so much!
Love your body back and reward those muscles every day! They truly do so much for you. Remember not to push your muscles too far, or else you may strain or tear a muscle.
