11 Weeks to go! Post-run self care, and MM 6.5 to MM 8.9

 So much for the weekly posting stuff.  Life moves fast, and with football and other fall festivities, there’s barely time for training much less blogging.

But here we are, only 11 weeks to go, and time to get serious.  Hopefully you’re getting some long runs in and getting some miles on tired legs.  Being able to get out there and run after thinking you left it all out there the day before is a huge step towards surviving in January.

Thank God that run is over- now what?

The key to running on tired legs is taking care of them after every run.  No matter how long you’re out for, every run should end with some walking.  While those leg muscles are still warm, be sure to keep moving and cool them down gradually.  Do some high steps, long steps, other funky steps to stretch out your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles.  For those longer runs, take a little extra time when you’re done to stretch the joints out too.  Hip, knee, and Achilles stretches will keep things from tightening up too much on you.  

If you’re aching anywhere, ice for 20-30 minutes is key to disrupt any inflammation from setting in.  An ice bath (or at least a cold shower) can be a great way to reduce muscle damage and speed recovery.  

Don’t forget about hydration and nutrition!  Get some calories in, preferably some complex carbs.  Electrolytes can come from liquids like sports drinks, but salty snacks can be great sources as well.  

Finally, get a good night’s sleep.  You’re back at it again tomorrow, so rest well!

MM 6.5 to MM 8.9

You’ve passed the Car Care Center, and likely for the first time are seeing something that might be a little depressing- people heading the other direction.  Runners from corrals ahead of you have finished their Magic Kingdom loop and are almost at the halfway point while you’ve just about hit the quarter mark.  Don’t despair- the fun part is just ahead!  

It’s a little dark around mile 7 as you wind between the Magic Kingdom parking on the right and the Magnolia Golf Course on the left, but soon enough you’ll see the lights of the Polynesian and the huge Polynesian DVC tower come into view.  You’ll likely see some monorails as well, and by mile 7.5 you’ll start to see guests from Shades of Green, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian along the road cheering you on.

At the 8 mile point, you’ll be out in front of the Grand Floridian and will be getting ready to turn into the resort.  It’s a narrow and twisty little section that winds you through the end of the parking lot, past the last building, and onto the pathway toward the Magic Kingdom!

Chances are by this time dawn will be breaking enough to give you a beautiful early morning view of the Seven Seas Lagoon with the Contemporary off in the distance.  The path to the Magic Kingdom is a little narrow and not too well lit, but hopefully there will be some special lights in the lagoon to brighten it up a bit.  Once you get past the boat dock for the Grand Floridian/Polynesian shuttle, you’ll empty out into the plaza, make your way under the monorail tracks and through the entrance turnstiles and then under the train tracks.  No matter how tired you are or how much you’re hurting, all these months of preparation are about to be worth it as you turn the next corner.