Marathon « Ariana Hilborn

7Jan/10Off

Ahhh… Recovery…

Silly me. I thought I recovered well from marathons. Ran a PR at Boston, was walking fine the next day, same thing at San Diego.

Tucson kicked my little tail. I don't know if it was the wind, the hills, or what, but I literally felt like a truck ran me over twice. Maybe even three times. I took a full week off (!!!) and ran 20 miles total the next week. I *may* have run those 20 miles a bit faster than advised by my new, wonderful, coach. Just *may* have done them at around 7:14 per mile rather than 8:00 or slower. I couldn't help it! I swear!

So here I am three weeks later with my legs still achy when I run. The obvious thing would be to slow down, I know. But it is hard. I have a lot of energy! So, what's a girl to do?

These are some of my favorite recovery tools, and I am hoping that they continue to work so that I am ready and speedy for my next race.

Ari's fantastic [some weird] recovery musts:

1. Ice bath. I try to ice bath after every run longer than 12 miles. Usually it involves me simply jumping in our pool. However, on days like today, where I swear the pool water could have been frozen, or in the summer when the water is 90 degrees, I fill the bathtub with the cold water, take all of the ice out of the freezer, dump the ice in the bath, put on 3 sweatshirts, a hat, make some hot cocoa, and make a huge production out of getting in the tub. This involves screaming, whining, and other general merriment. I sit in it and call whomever I can to make the 15 minute 'soak' bearable. Ahh, ice baths. My lips are usually blue when I get out. So not normal.

2. COMPRESSION SOCKS!!! I love, love, love my CEP compression socks. They were a gift from my most lovely friend Shannon. Every runner should have these things. ( And a friend like Shannon!) Mine are black, but I am thinking I *need* the white ones too...oooo...or maybe hot pink! They are so fantastically tight and make my legs feel so good. I wonder if they make a compression full-body suit?

3. Magic Mountain Witch Doctor Cream. Ok, ok, I kid. It is actually Winter Crest Cream. But it has been blessed by a spiritual healer or something totally nature-y like that. (which I love! ) This stuff is so amazing. A little pricy, so I need to save my pennies to get some more, but it is fantastic!

4. Badger Balm- My second go-to cream when I am out of wintercrest. Note: DO NOT put on legs after shaving. Wait 24 hours, at least. Holy cow, that hurt. (There is Cayenne pepper in it!)

5. Phiten necklace. I have to admit here that I purchased one because Kara Goucher wears them. If they are good enough for her, they are good enough for this girl! Turns out she purchased them because Paula Radcliffe wears them. So... not quite sure if it is working or not. Maybe I need more than one. But apparently, they are covered in titanium to aid in recovery. Who knows, like the article in the link says, athletes are superstitious!

6. Foam Roller- Very painful, but does the trick. Must. do. tonight.

7. Matt's famous Smoothies. My husband makes me a great recovery smoothie every day. He puts in yogurt, Trader Joe's Omega-3 carrot juice (it is cinnomon-y, so good!), rice or whey protein, flax oil, and frozen fruits. Perfection!

So, what are your secrets for recovery? Do you wear Phiten? If so, do you think it works?

Runningly Yours,

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Tagged as: Marathon, Product Reviews, Recovery 7 Comments

2Jan/10Off

Cheers to 2010!

Happy New Year! With this new year came time to work on a few goals, one of which being creating a site that documented my training. I am hoping that this blog can serve as an inspiration to you!

A little about me: I started running a little over 2 years ago. My first marathon was in January of 2007- PF Changs Rock and Roll Arizona. I crossed the finish line at 4:36 and never looked back. I am not going to lie, it was a very painful experience, but I was already planning my next marathon soon after I was able to walk again! After discovering what training should really entail (skipping long runs is not advised, for example!) I have made some big adjustments and improvements. Now, 6 marathons later, I have run a sub-3 hour marathon!!! WOOHOO!!!!

I really feel that running and the marathon have changed my life in the most positive way. Prior to running, I was a casual smoker, did not eat well, and probably imbibed in wine a bit too much! Running in general, has made me a better person both inside and out. This may sound dramatic, but I cannot imagine life without running. I adore this sport! My thought is this- If I can do it, so can you!

MY BIG GOAL: I have worked really hard to get to where I am now. My dream goal is to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Trials. I just ran a 2:58:54 at the Tucson Marathon two weeks ago. Running a marathon under 3 hours was a huge breakthrough for me. However, I have a ways to go as I train to meet that qualifying goal of 2:46:00, but I know I can do it!

I have the most wonderful support in my husband, Matt, and through my friends and family. As I continue to post blog entries, I will tell you more about myself, the people in my life, and my journeys of running, eating, and chasing down my dreams.

Thanks for reading and I hope this blog is useful to you and that you will continue to follow me in my journey. Now, I am off to set out my running clothes for tomorrow mornings' run- the first of many in 2010!

Runningly Yours,