Rejuvinated

After two great workouts yesterday and today, I feel like myself again. I think I was in a post-marathon funk last week. The post-marathon days were a strange transition time for me. Monday morning - as I rolled stiffly out of bed and walked like a pigeon-toed caveman to the bathroom. I felt like the feat to which I had devoted 10 months of my life had been conquered. So...what next?

I didn't work out any last week - except for my daily walks with Emma. I felt terrible - sluggish, overweight, lazy, etc. But I was too sore to do much activity and I wanted to save myself from any injuries I might incur from starting back too soon.

But alas, there was light at the end of the tunnel. As the week went by, my post-marathon blues lifted. I mapped out a training plan for the Fall/Winter, and also found a Hal Higdon plan that I am going to use for the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in April 2008. My goal is to get a little faster through the Fall/Winter/Spring - and be in top form for my 2nd marathon debut in November 2008.

I've already decided that I am going to do the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington is only about two hours from Lexington, and I've heard that it is a great marathon that is well-directed and has plenty of aid stations! I've also heard that it has one of the best post-race parties around with pizza, hamburgers, etc. Sure sounds better than the one stale Hy-Top sugar cookie I was able to get from the table at the post-race "party" at the Louisville Marathon...but I digress.


However - the main reason I have chosen the Marshall U. Marathon is because of this notice I found on the race website:

Worship Services Available

It’s unfortunate our event is contested on Sunday morning, but due to traffic patterns and safety conditions, event permits and venue availability our event is held on Sunday mornings. If you are coming to Huntington from out-of-town or even if you live in the area the Marshall University Campus Christian Center is located on Fifth Avenue beside the Memorial Student Center. The Center will be open on November 3rd, Saturday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 PM for those who wish a time of prayer or reflection. No services are provided. There will also be a prayer service tentatively scheduled for Sunday morning at 7:30 just inside the Cam Henderson Center (next to the starting line). Ask at packet pickup for details on this.

This really impressed me. Also, the marathon falls under the umbrella of HealthyHuntington.org - an organization that is striving to increase health and wellness in the tri-state area of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. The group also organizes a triathlon each year.

I'm really excited to have another goal set before me. Next fall, I know I will run a 4:30 marathon.

Marathon pictures to come soon - I promise!