Chocolate & Ice and Everything Nice

Another long run is on the books, or in the blog – ahem. It was supposed to be a drop back week for me, that means 16 miles, but I actually did 17 to help me prepare for the 21 miles that are coming this Saturday. That will be my longest run of my training and I’ll begin to taper back the miles leading up to marathon day.

I was up at 5 a.m. getting ready to run.

Early morning pre-run pic. Don’t let the smile fool you, I’m really not that awake.

I ran the first 5 miles then we did 2:1 run/walk intervals for the rest. I LOVE the run/walk method for long runs. I was so skeptical about including any walking at first, but I’ve found I feel better (it’s not as hard on your body), I’m faster now (that’s relative, people. Ahem.), and I don’t feel like I’m going to die when I’m done. Since I’m doing this for fun I figured I should enjoy it, right?

Immediately after my run I picked up these goodies for recovery.

Once I learned chocolate milk is a great post run recovery drink I was on it! I’ve been known to bleed chocolate.

I also picked up a big old bag of this …

Which led to this …

That’s right, ice bath number two. Gasp!

I’m so sold on the ice bath. It makes a HUGE difference in the way my legs feel. Not sure I’d be walking the next day without one.

I’m resting today because I felt some knee pain on Saturday. I think it’s because I need some new running shoes. Mine have way too many miles on them. Oh, darn, that means I have to go shopping.

Winks & Smiles,