I had this post completely written and scheduled before my race last weekend. Except I scheduled it for Friday the 7th, totally missing the fact that last Saturday was actually the first Saturday of the month. So I’ll be a little late to our coffee/tea date . . .
Pull up chair and mug with Coco and Deborah and me for the ultimate coffee tea date.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I would tell you my running friends were in a tizzy about the weather for my 17 miler (although I wasn’t planning to run with them). On Friday thunderstorms were forecast for the early morning hours.
It was raining when I got up, which I knew it would be, but the chance of thunderstorms were taken out of the forecast. Running in the rain when it’s warm can be really nice — but running for 17 miles in the rain? In the end, I didn’t get rained on although I looked like I had because of the extreme humidity.
Some of my friends ran later; some planned to do their long run on Sunday, when there was no rain in the forecast.
The forecasters can’t forecast for the next hour, much less for the next day.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you I was surprised by how quickly I bounced back after those last two really long runs. I was definitely a bit sore and quite tired after the 15 miler — too tired even to go out to eat — but I was fine the next day.
After the 17 miler? While I felt like I’d been run over by a truck immediately after the run, in a few hours I felt fine. And I felt completely fine the next day, too. Ditto with the actual race. But I’m not unhappy to be back in Half training mode!
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you that aside from a slight bout of runner’s knee after being sick in the winter, I haven’t taped my knees at all during the last two training cycles: not for my 12 miler, my 15 miler, or my 17 miler.
Yet I’ve continued to tape for my races. While it would be nice not to tape, it gives me peace of mind. Not only that, it actually does help you recover faster, much like compression socks do.
I was quite shocked, though, that not only did I get through those really long runs without taping but that I felt fine afterward (and I didn’t wear compression socks, either — which I really should, but darn summer humidity!).
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you that the day after my 17 miler, I did feel completely normal — aside from the fact that Gizmo started pacing, meowing, and scratching at our bedroom door at 2 am so I didn’t get quite as much rest as I’d hoped to.
In fact, I felt good enough to go for a hike. I also knew that this was not in my best interest. Luckily the heat and humidity was still killer, so even though I sort of wanted to go for a hike, it was an easy decision to stay home and continue my recovery.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you you should always carefully read through the race FAQ and Website. No matter how many times you have run the race. Don’t assume that there are no changes — and the Website may not call attention to them.
I almost talked Mr. Judy into coming to Camp Chingacook with me because we could take the dogs. He’s a sucker for most things that we can take the dogs to. Granted, four years had also passed since I’d run this race.
Luckily I did reread the FAQ, because dogs were no longer welcome at this race. Turns out that one of my friends almost brought her dog, too!
And of course I also missed the fact that Freakin’ Fast Half (read about it here) wasn’t chip timed — not that there was really anything I could have done differently that morning to change how the race went.
Tea? Iced Tea? Coffee? Decaf? Green smoothie?
Do you feel fine after a long run?
Do you do a recovery run after a long run?
Do you even look at the FAQ for races?
I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I’m a tea girl myself. Just a cup or two of unsweetened green tea is my jam. I’m just getting back into running after a little much needed break so it’s been a while since I’ve done a race. I’ve got a 5k next month and a half in November. Four+ miles is my longest run so far but I know I could go farther. I’m trying to really ease into it though. I was definitely sore afterwards which makes me chuckle. Four miles used to be my short run distance. Baby steps!
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The nice thing about running, even though it takes a while to get back there, muscle memory does eventually kick in — as long as you don’t rush it!
Baby steps are the best way. 🙂
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For sure! I ran twice last week and hope for three this week if the weather cooperates.
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Congratulations on your super-long runs. I’m so happy for you.
(I am once again our of the running picture. These past two incidents to me were indications that it is time. This year I am okay with it. On to walking).
I love the photo of your furry ones. They are all quite handsome.
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Well, at the moment the furkids are having all sorts of health problems so it hasn’t been a lot of fun lately. 🙂 OTOH, they’re mostly happy, so that’s good.
Walking is great exercise!
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Do you feel fine after a long run? I am usually exhausted. Hashimoto’s does that to me.
Do you do a recovery run after a long run? I will do a short & easy run. Keeps stiffness to a minimum.
Do you even look at the FAQ for races? Always to avoid unnecessary surprises.
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It’s really interesting how different we all are!
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It’s so great that you are recovering from your long runs quickly! And that you haven’t needed to tape your knees! I am like that with compression socks — I rarely bother to wear them unless I’m racing, then they are essential!
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I was really shocked that I could run 17 miles untaped. I still didn’t chance it for the race. I’m not sure I ever will!
Interesting side note: you can’t really see the tape in the photos of me — I guess because I’m tan (for me) and it actually blends in pretty good.
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Glad to hear that your legs recovered well.
I run when I have time. Sometimes it’s the day after a long run and sometimes the day before. So far my legs have been good to me.
Sometimes I check the FAQs but often there are no FAQs or they are not up-to-date. I find race reviews more accurate but then again they change the courses (such as for Montreal).. Usually just play it by ear. The weather is more of a factor than whether it is chip timed and I can’t control that. It seems to rain for most of my halfs.
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1812 was also a new course this year.
Apparently Cape Cod will be changing its course NEXT year — more scenic & flatter. Oh well.
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No worries in being late I was late myself! So glad to hear that you feel your recovery is better after Long runs. I miss long runs and hope to get back to them soon. Thanks for linking up today
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Well right now enjoy your vacation! Shoo! Shoo! 🙂
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That’s great you’re feeling so good post-long run. I don’t blame you for wanting the tape for peace of mind. Whatever works, right? I seem to recover well after long runs and feel quite normal the next day. If I really push the pace though? Yeah I feel that the next day.
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Normally I don’t really push the pace on a long run, but Rachel has some progressive long runs on my schedule this cycle . . . should be interesting!
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Iced coffee for me!!! So far my long runs haven’t been too long since I’m “just” training for half marathons. 🙂 I usually feel OK after a long run. I like to have a protein shake afterwards for recovery and to get something in my stomach before I shower.
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I actually do love my smoothies, but not generally after a long run. I actually need some solid food immediately after! Not a lot usually, but I gotta chew. 🙂
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i don’t drink coffee, just tea 🙂 i have a cup every morning and i had powder collagen.
That’s amazing that you are recovering much better after those long runs and that you haven’t had to tape your knees!
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I don’t drink coffee either. But tea. Lots of tea.
I really don’t know why my knees seem stronger, I haven’t been doing anything differently than I have for years. Except having a coach. 🙂
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Oops, I missed this one. Coffee in my green smoothie sometimes depending on whether I want a nap
Your fluff balls are adorable. That caught my attention in link up — whose floofs? So cute
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You probably missed it because I linked up really late. 🙂
They are cute, but they are also all seniors (Gizmo being geriatric, really) and definitely have started to have problems. 😦
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