Monday, October 24, 2011

Pass the carrots.

A week after the big race and it has been a fully lazy relaxing and indulgent seven days. It was nice to sleep in, spend evenings on the couch and enjoy the most sinful treats without any guilt. I watched my favourite shows in real-time, stayed up too late slightly later than my usual granny bedtime, slept in, ate out with friends and family - all without worrying about accommodating my training schedule.







I did get out for two short runs (8K on Thursday and 10K on Sunday) with my training group, for purely social reasons. It was refreshing to run just because I felt like it, although my legs were feeling pretty heavy and stiff.

As of today I'm ready to get back on track with some sort of training regimen - still no expectations or pressure, just doing what I love because it makes me feel good. I am also ready to clean up the diet and start eating and hydrating properly again.

First time bringing a packed lunch to work in a week!  


Ready for success all stocked up on fresh produce:



Do you catch yourself falling off the healthy wagon after a big race? 
What is the best thing about getting back on track?

22 comments:

misszippy said...

Well deserved time to be "bad"! yes, I always do that in the week after a marathon. Then I have to catch myself and get back on track..it's not always easy! Good luck with it.

J said...

You definitely deserved a week "off" from all things training and good eating! Sometimes it is just so nice to do that and enjoy it! I love the feeling of eating well again and also sweating. I miss a good morning sweat when I am in recovery mode!

Fran said...

It's great to read that you took a relax week in which you did what you want and ate what you want. You totally deserved that!

Robin said...

I'm not really "on" the healthy wagon when I'm training, so not much for me to fall off of lol...however I enjoyed the week of rest as well. It was a well earned break for you that's for sure, you had quite a year! Happy training and can't wait to see what 2012 brings you.

Anonymous said...

u deserve to be bad once in a while!!! looks like you had some great treats there!

I am back on the health bandwagon as well!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Why must you tease me with cupcake goodness so early in the morning?

Unknown said...

Speaking of falling off the bandwagon, I went to a cake "tasting" party Saturday and brought home a huge plate which mostly disappeared by end of day Sunday (*urp*)

Rena said...

I definitely lose the motivation to train after a big race. I combat it by signing up for a different goal race. And taking a short break if I need it mentally.

Runners Fuel said...

I'm getting back to it, too. I've been way to unhealthy lately.

Laura said...

I can lose some motivation specifically after our clinics end as there is a period of a couple of weeks where there are only 'social runs' twice a week and I do need my group to keep me in check sometimes.
...but a little bad is never TOO bad a thing...

Jason said...

Well yesterday after the race I ate this:

1 banana
2 veggie burgers with lettuce, tomato and pickles
2 ice cream cups
3 cookies
1 large decaf coffee
5 bottles of water
1 smoothie
2 rice cakes with nut butter and cherry jelly
1 bowl of granola with almond milk

Today I had 3 pancakes and 1 pear with nut butter.

I am already ready to focus on my diet but this week will be all recovery training.

1 short spin tomorrow
1 short swim on Wed
1 short run on Thur
Off on Friday.

Elizabeth said...

I'm always the same way the week after a marathon. It's nice to relax and just let loose after hard training cycles! I'm glad you enjoyed your break!

Joanna said...

I know it's going to be like a year before I have one, but that margarita looks good! But, getting back on track just makes me feel better about the world, my health, etc. It just feels good.

Gotta Run..... said...

My sweet fangs are getting the best of me! These holidays candies are NOT HELPING ;)

Glad you enjoyed your well deserved OFF week. ;)

Char said...

After our half marathon in Melbourne we certainly spared no calories. But, hey, we were in Melbourne which is known for it's food and coffee. So we indulged while we were there and once home it was back to the old, fairly healthy diet.

ajh said...

Things taste better in moderation but having said that I don't always practice it.

Anonymous said...

The {well "deserved"} indulgences here and there are what brings it all into balance! :) That cupcake looks decadent. Mmmm...!

macnic said...

Well deserved. A week here and there keeps you sane!

MCM Mama said...

I need to get myself back into better habits as well. My last two weeks looked a lot like yours, except maybe more frosting LOL. Back to normal tomorrow (I'd say tonight, but I've still got some beer in my glass...)

Anonymous said...

I totally catch myself falling off the wagon after a big race. I always justified "oh I just ran a big race so i can eat this or that". I loved all the fun pics though..that margarita looked soooo good!

Richelle said...

I totally get lazy with my eating habits after a big race, but after my wedding, I got really lazy and am still struggling to get back on track.

One of the best reasons to get back on track is knowing how good you feel when you put healthy stuff into your body. I need to remind myself of this more often.

Run Jess Run said...

That's quite a large marguerita you've got there...hope it was as good as it looks!