3 weeks post marathon

Seems longer than that because mentally, I am past it, my body has not forgotten though. It's truly amazing how long a full recovery can take (usually 4 weeks) and at this point I've got great marathon and half marathon fitness but no short distance speed. Time to change that.
I start adding in some strides this week, scheduled a 10k for June 11th, similar to last year I will be running  the Women's Mini in Central Park with my running partner in crime: M.E. Here is a picture of us crossing the finish line together last year. M.E. on the left myself on the right in a hideously ridiculous 80's lime green tank:

Good thing you can't see my face, that 49 hurt!

I'm looking forward to increasing my run mileage this week but at the same time, I promised myself I would be more of a multisport athlete, so I have to remember not to get stuck on the numbers. Last week I got in 2 swims, 2 rides and 2 runs. Nothing long- everything felt great but I could still feel the leftover heaviness in my legs from the marathon. Come on snap! Come back! If you are recovering from a similar long race it can be frustrating because it feels like you are back at square one: no fitness, yet just weeks ago you were at peak fitness. Where did it all go? Did you use it up? Yes and no. If you pushed yourself really hard, past the point of fatigue, willed yourself on when your mind was begging for it to be over then your muscles need time to repair. You did some damage, I know I did, after all, the last 5 miles were a cramp fest for me, no such thing as a 'feel good finish'. It was more like brute will to continue as my legs and core muscles buckled as I simultaneously fought with my mind's urge to stop. This is the lure of the marathon though, it comes down to that final 10k and it's also what makes the finish so sweet, knowing I continued on, staying mentally strong through the finish regardless of what my time was. Interestingly though, that's the first thing someone asks you, "what was your time?". "Good for the day" is my response, and that time frame differs for everyone. My four hours is someone's PR and another persons failure. It is all relative people, just give it your best. I did, therefore it is acceptable. Onward, hopefully to faster short distance times as soon as my body finishes adapting to the stress of three weeks ago, it will pay off, you can't go wrong with a great aerobic base and the marathon training gave me that.