Post-Race Post

The post-race post. The race last Saturday was probably one of the hardest runs I’ve ever had to complete. The race course looped itself three times. But I think the hardest part was that there were two hills, one at 7% and the other at 8% inclines, that we ended up running up and down three times each. The race was also on asphalt (better than concrete) but by the end my knees were pretty much shot. I was exhausted the remainder of the day and spent it either sleeping/relaxing on my bed, couch, or lawn chair.

However, I accomplished my two goals. 1) Finish the race. 2) Run the whole race. I can’t say that I ran especially fast for the hills but I kept going. I watched lots of people finish ahead of me, but I also watched them walk up the hills and I was determined not to be one of them. Sunday I took the day off of running and Monday I eased back into it with a nice four mile run around Wauwatosa. We’ve been having exceptionally beautiful weather in Milwaukee so I’ve been able to do all of my runs outside the last couple weeks.

This weekend I will headed to New York City for a trade show, so I’m hoping to do my long run in Central Park this Saturday, as our hotel is only about four short blocks south. Hopefully the weather there will be just as nice as it has been here!

I’ve also recently started running without music or earbuds. I’ve always been a huge proponent of having tunes while I run, but I think I’ve crossed over to the other side. I’m not one that likes to have a conversation with someone while I’m running, I just really enjoy the quietness and solidarity, even while running in the city. I would encourage people to try sometime. Don’t think about how bored you’re going to be, think of how you get to shut off everything electronic in your life for just a bit (even though I run with my Nike app) and listen to your own thoughts.

Alright, I suppose that’s all for now. Stay tuned for more about running, music, and life in general. This Saturday makes six weeks before my Half Marathon! Eeks!

Live, laugh, love,
Andrea