I’ll admit that before I started this adventure, I was pretty well convinced I’d end up injured or walking many miles or both. Amazingly, neither happened. Not sure if any of my “necessities” will work for you, but here’s how I held my body together for 5 races.
Pre-race
- PB&J. Nuff said.
- Glide. Anywhere I could think of.
During the races
- Animal crackers. Seriously. Real food as fuel rocks when you are running slow and long. (My usual choice of gummy bears? They are hard when it’s below freezing…)
- Gatorade and Nuun
- KT-Tape – I’d never have made it without KT Tape on the balls of my feet.
- Compression socks. I didn’t run a single step without a pair on. I used CEP, ProCompression, and Recovery Socks and they all worked well.
- Start slow. With the exception of the first day, my first mile was my slowest of the each race. I tried to embrace the “start slow and go slower” mentality. I found I did well just running easy until I couldn’t and then running easier. This strategy allowed me to push it a bit on Friday.
- Take it one mile at a time. Or sometimes, one step at a time.
- “You can always walk.” Somehow, knowing that there was no shame in walking during these races, made it easier to keep running.
Post race
- Nice, long, hot as I could stand it, soak in Epsom Salts.
- Subway. What? You thought I was just eating there because that’s what I could find? Nope. A 6 inch ham and cheese sub with every.single.veggie (ok, I left off the jalapenos) and mustard was the best recovery meal ever. I still crave them. Beer Geek, on the other hand, may never be willing to eat there again.
- More compression. I had compression sleeves under my jeans every.single.day.
- Riding from place to place with my feet up on the dashboard.
- A small hike or walk every single evening as part of our sight seeing.
- Going to bed stupid early every.single.night.
I did foam roll a couple of spots once or twice, but I didn’t do that with any consistency. I think the true key to finishing without injury and without residual soreness was embracing the slowness.
If there’s one thing I learned about this journey it’s that it’s about finishing, not how fast you get there. And I can’t wait to do it again!
Hmm – interesting grammatical question – is it “five halves” or “five Halfs”?
Congratulations!
Great tips! They may come in handy if I ever run the TransRockies Run (http://transrockies-run.com/), although I don’t think I will have access to a bathtub or Subway.
Congratulations again on such an amazing accomplishment.
Lisa (Mom to Marathon) recently posted…Rave Runs San Diego: Vacation running at its best (part 1)
Congratsulations on surviving 5 halfs in 5 days that was an amazing accomplishment.
This spring I am running two halfs and a full.
So far I have covered both halfs without getting injured and my full is on 4/6
GOOD JOB.
Art@Fit at Fifty recently posted…Older Runners
WOW, what an incredible feat. I can’t even imagine the mental preparation that went into this! You rock! 🙂
Kristina recently posted…Took My Half Marathon Training Outdoors!
*me, furiously taking notes*
Stimey recently posted…Team Stimey Takes Virginia!
I think the fact that you told yourself it was OK to walk any time and as much as necessary probably helped take a lot of the pressure off. Seems similar to telling yourself you can eat the candy bar – just knowing it’s OK is sometimes enough even if you never do!
I’m still in complete awe!!
You survived because you told yourself you could.I’m still wickedly impressed with your adventure.
I tell myself to take things one mile at a time, like all the time. It really helps get through runs!
Laura recently posted…It’s a Good Friday Indeed
AMAZING! My husband will probably freak but I want this to be my goal for next year 🙂 it’s too awesome to resist!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted…Ask 700+ Runners || Making Time for Fitness
Great job and great tips!
Jen recently posted…Healthy Easter
That is a pretty amazing accomplishment! Congratulations!! I’ve been thinking about compression socks…sounds like they might be a good investment!
Michelle recently posted…My Life as a Sports Mom & Why I Wouldn’t Trade it for the World
FIVE in FIVE days?! That’s insane! I give you major kudos!!! I’m running my first half in about 8 weeks. Definitely taking notes from your success!! Stopping by from the SITS Sharefest btw 🙂
Marissa @Barefoot Colorado recently posted…What Happy People Do Differently
You are amazing. One day I may get to the point that you are but for now I’m sticking with my first half to see how I do. Thanks so much for keeping me motivated.
Holy cow! 5 half marathons in 5 days! Here from Sharefest… might use those tips to do ONE 5k 🙂
Kate recently posted…From A to Zzzz….
That is quite an accomplishment, congratulations.
Kristia recently posted…Hydration | Week 4 of 10 Weeks to a Half Marathon
Wow what an amazing feat, congratulations. Also I love Subway post run and now I’m craving animal crackers LOL.
Krista @ Read.Bake.RUN.Repeat. recently posted…Easter Goodies
awesome tips. i’ll be keeping these in mind as i prep for my 6×6 foray to insanity.
amy recently posted…Introspection on training
Wow, fantastic accomplishment! And bonus that you didn’t pick up any injuries – whooop!
Karien @ Running the Race recently posted…Ten years; five lessons