MILEstones!

The "Blizzard of 2011" handed me yet another obstacle.....no school! Which equates to no school for my daughter! The wind chill complicated things a bit too. Below zero didn't seem all that appealing either! So off to the gym M and I went. Thank God for MVP and Kids Stuff! The girls that staff Kids Stuff rock! M is always ready and excited when I say its time to go to the gym! It says a lot when, not only is she excited to go, but when you walk in they welcome her by name!!!!!!! They see hundreds of kids and yet.....M is not a number or another kid....she is a child they know and love!!!!! Thanks girls!!!!! You give mom's one less thing to worry about!

Now with a place for M to play...off I went to roll out the knots in my legs. If there is one lesson that you can learn from me.....take the time to stretch!!!!!!! Don't start a run on tight, cold legs. It only sets you up for potential injuries. One year ago, I found myself sidelined just as I was feeling good about running again. Four months of rehab=no 25k! Instead....I ran the 10k. Please don't take offense to this.....I didn't settle....it's not like a 10k is beneath me....I had my sights set on the 25k....the first big race since M was born. And an injury, because I DIDN'T listen to my body, quickly erased that goal! Fast forward 8 months to a year later, and here I am.....healthier, smarter, leaner and more determined then ever!

I found a treadmill and found ESPN on the TV embedded in it! I love watching ESPN when I run.....maybe because its the inspiration...watching atheletes compete! My "good" knee is sore....a bit swollen...think I twisted it while shoveling snow! Started out slow...finding myself barely into a jog when I decided to stop and stretch again......still tender, I decided to give it a try...hoping it would loosen up after a few minutes. Luckily...it did! The treadmill is not my favorite place to run lots of miles....but it worked. I required a few walking breaks....not anything I wouldn't do on race day....but I did get bored! Nature...outside...the best distraction in the world. Today, I had the distraction of watching biking girl (she has a great body...too bad she probably knows that) doing streching and yoga moves at her bike (right in my line of view)...NOT my idea of a pleasant distraction....in fact.....it was down right irritating! Then next to her was an older woman on a ski elliptical machine who looked like a Parkinson's patient gone wrong!!!!!!! Then next to me, at one point, was a young girl who was talking on her cell phone and texting! Come on!!!!! Enough of my ranting...but let us not forget why we go to the gym! That's all! Despite the awful distractions....I managed...though not pretty....to run 10 miles!!!!!! The last 2 miles were painful. I lost my focus....my body ached......my legs were trying to give up.....but my determination pulled me through! A few extra, brief walking rests conserved enough focus to finish my goal distance! Boy am I glad that's over with!!!!

Recovery after a long run is extremely important!!!!!! Stretch, rest and refuel all adds up to a faster and more efficient recovery for your next run! I believe in post workout drinks that give you a balance of carbs and protein. Your recovery and your body's attempt to heal start IMMEDIANTLY!!!! A post workout beverage gives your body what it needs and allows you to focus on celeberation and stretching without worrying about getting a meal in your stomach! Did you know that consumption of a balanced recovery meal/drink is most important within one hour of your activity ending? Your body wants and needs fuel!!!!! And it will take it where ever it can find it.....this means from your muscles!!!!!! Not the place you want your body taking fuel from! I use and believe in Endurox R4 and Accelerade! It is a scientifically proven ratio of carbs and protein that aid in refueling your body. Ok...I agree....it doesn't taste great...but it is better tasting then other protien based drinks I have tried. I even find myself craving them during a long run! Does that tell you something?! As with any gel or post recovery diet, please do your own research...talk with your doctor if you have health issues or conditions before using or trying. With anything....don't decide to try these the week or day of a race! Bad time to experiment! Do some research too. Some of your longer races, 1/2 marathons, full marathons, iron mans, etc....provide some type of refueling or post refuel as part of the race's support. If you plan on using what the race provides, use the same brand/type as part of your training. Your tummy will thank you! And...if you find that a particular refuel upsets your stomach....you're in luck....there are lots of refueling options out there. Try a different brand! If you are looking for more information about refueling or post recovery fueling/recovery....check out Runner's World. Or...ask a trainer or your running buddies. See what they use or what their thoughts are about gels/drinks. Until our next run.....!