As my taper starts for the Erie marathon I start to think of all of the things I could have done during this training cycle. Should I have pushed a lot harder during that speedwork a few weeks ago? [probably] Should I have ran slower on my long runs and focused on endurance? [maybe] Should I have gone to the gym twice a week to lift weights like I always say I want to? [absolutely]
So of course my first reaction is to hit the gym. It started out well because there was a new guy at the front desk checking people in and he complimented me on my sweater! And then he said, “oh, or that a blazer or a vest?” I don’t hear that every day from a guy at the gym!! 🙂
< Random side note… I got carded the other day when I was buying beer at the grocery store (yes, I’m 47…) and the guy checked my birthdate from my drivers license and said “4/20, best birthday ever!”. Ok, who says stuff like that when they are working?? >
Anyhow, back to the gym story. I went to the gym on Tuesday and lifted very little weights. For some reason I was starving and was a bit shaky so I just did the minimum.
Come Weds, and I’m sore!! I know, you just can’t lift weights once a month and expect some sort of miracle. So for my running rest day I decided to go home on my lunch hour and do some yoga to stretch out my legs. I typically don’t have the patience for yoga, and it makes me feel like an old person because I can’t touch my toes, but I did find this which was good and helped quite a bit…
After that, I decided to find a good foam rolling instructional video, just to see if there was something I was missing. This was the really good one that I found…
Let me tell you, that foam rolling was the bomb!! My legs were still a bit sore from this week’s runs and this really hit the spot. Literally. Pain, but oh so helpful pain. Anyone who has foam rolled knows what I’m talking about!
So there you have it, two short videos that can help you out with some sore legs, glutes and more.
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Q: Do you practice yoga on a regular basis? If so, for stretching or for centering yourself… or both?
Q: Do you foam roll on a regular basis?
I sure will do it a lot more now that I have done all of these moves!
I get so excited when I get carded! I can only hope I still get carded when I am 47 but somehow I doubt that will be happening!
I don’t do yoga but I stretch for a full 20 minutes after I run- mainly him and glute stuff. Foam rolling I do my IT band as needed.
Good luck on your taper! Trust your training, you have earned this taper!
Wow, 20 mins of stretching is awesome! I have a 5 min routine that I adopted a year ago (after a visit to PT!) which really helps my glutes. There are times when 5 mins seems like a long time!
I save TV shows to watch while stretching and read blogs. I used to NEVER stretch but now I really, really, need to or else I am in pain later. Believe me, I would do less if I could get by! It really cramps my style!
How exciting to be so close to your next marathon!!!!! I know you will rock it!!!!
I do stretch after running, but probably not like I should. As far as foam rolling, I really like it when I do it, but do I always? no! Just can’t fit it in !!! UGH!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
Exciting… or scary? haha Well, the marathon will be here whether I feel ready or not! I was wondering how you liked your foam roller. They really do work, but like you, it’s just a matter of doing it!
Great post! I got a chuckle out of your meme, “in 2020 it will be 4/20 all month!” LOL