Princess Half Marathon Training Update & Why I Love my Foam Roller

A few weeks ago I made a promise to myself that I would use Tuesdays to write updates about my training for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon and even though I had really good intentions I didn’t follow through. What’s worse is that I didn’t avoid writing about my training because it wasn’t going well, I just simply didn’t make it a priority. Even though today isn’t Tuesday I still wanted to write an update and to express how suddenly freaked out I am feeling because in just TWO WEEKS from today I’ll be boarding a plane to Orlando to run my first half marathon. While I feel like my training has mostly gone well, there have been many days when I feel like I have no business thinking I can run 13. 1 miles. When I think about the last year, though, and look back at the miles I’ve run and the milestones I’ve accomplished I feel incredibly proud, especially since I’m achieving these personal challenges as an over-40 woman. Accomplishments feel great at any age, but for some reason the ones I’ve succeeded at since turning 40 have meant more to me, but the doubt still lingers.

Since my first post about my half marathon training I have not only managed a 7-mile run (my furthest at the time), but I also completed a 10-mile run. Ten miles! It wasn’t pretty and it took me two hours on the treadmill, but I did it and I can honestly say I felt pretty good afterward. I learned earlier in my training that proper recovery that includes stretching and rest is equally as important as the run itself. I never appreciated those two things so much in the past, but I really think it makes a huge difference. Here are a few other things I’ve gotten in the habit of doing after a run, especially a long run.

• Drink a tall glass of chocolate milk because it’s a great recovery drink that also makes me feel like I’m getting away with something sinful.
• Torture myself with a foam roller. Seriously, this was the single best investment I made when I started running. It hurts like heck, but my IT band is always grateful for the attention.
• Soak in an Epsom Salt Bath with Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Relaxing and good for the muscles. Need I say more?
• Massage and stretch my foot arches with a tennis ball. This is truly one of those things you don’t realize is beneficial until you actually do it and then you are like, “OMG, I need do this every single day!”
• My last favorite thing to do is slather my achy legs with Arnica Gel. In the 80’s I loved Ben Gay for the same purpose. I’ve come a long way since then.

This weekend my goal is to run another 10 miles and then it will be time to taper before the big day, which is only about two weeks away. Wait. I mentioned that already didn’t I? Did I also mention that I’m freaking out just a little?

See ya soon Mickey Mouse!