Scheduling a marathon on a Saturday makes so much sense. It gives you a whole day to recover before heading back to work. As for my recovery, it gets easier with each marathon.
The US Air Force marathon was my 5th marathon. I was feeling great but since I’m running marathon distance again on October 7, wanted to allow my body some running time off. Sunday, relaxed in the car, driving home. Monday I walked the dogs. Tuesday, I did a light weight workout then went for a longer doggy walk.
Beginning Wednesday morning with another quick, light weight total body workout which included some lunges and leg extensions, I took both dogs for a short run.
Zoe-Bean went out for her first 1 1/2 mile run. Zoey wants to run like an Olympian so it was work to keep the pace slow. After Zoey, Shane’s turn for 1 1/2 miles. An easy 3 mile run which wasn’t so easy. The last mile felt like mile 25 in the marathon. The result is some hip and hamstring pain. Maybe too soon for a weight workout? Maybe just a light jog would have sufficed? Whatever, the damage is done and I’m just hoping the pain will subside and I can try for another easy 4 tomorrow – less any lower body gym work.
What’s next? Barring any serious aches and pains as well as subject to change based on energy levels, my plan for the next couple of weeks is this:
Finishing this week: Friday fly to S.C. and a day off. Saturday run 1 1/2 to 2 hours easy. Sunday a 50 minute recovery run.
Peak week: Monday, speed work. Tuesday, OFF (travel back to NY). Wednesday, 50 – 60 minute easy. Thursday, 90 minute easy mid range. Friday, OFF. Saturday, long run of about 16 – 18 miles with a fast finish attempt. Sunday, OFF.
Taper week: Monday, 60 minute run. Tuesday, speed work. Wednesday, 30 – 40 minute run. Thursday, OFF. Friday, 40 minute easy run. Saturday, OFF. Sunday, MOHAWK TO HUDSON MARATHON.
I’m excited to see how my body deals with back to back marathons. Should be interesting.
Ever heard of the appetizer “Squash Flowers”?
Zucchini flowers or squash flowers, what ever you have available for this lightly fried/sautéed appetizer. You don’t have to sadly watch the flower bloom then die, you can watch it bloom, pick it in the early morning (when it’s closed) and enjoy it for dinner!
Serves 4
- 12 fresh zucchini or squash flowers (with stems) *Wash and dry
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. juice from pickled hot cherry peppers (optional but this gives the appetizer so much more flavor)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 3 TBS whole wheat flour
- olive oil to cover the bottom of a large pan
Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Add pepper juice (if using) salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cheese.
Add the flour until the mixture becomes thick like a batter (not runny).
Dip the flowers in the batter to coat lightly.
Heat the oil in a fry pan over medium high heat then cook until golden brown. Place on paper towel to cool.
Enjoyable little treat.
Not much nutrition in the squash flower, just pure enjoyment.
What’s your favorite, but somewhat unique, appetizer?
Make sure to let those muscles heal before you start anything too intense again. I think if you do that you’re going to be golden for October 7th!
Congrats on your 5th marathon. As always, you inspire me. Those stuffed blossoms look amazing. They are one of my favorite things to have in the summer. Such a treat.
Wow my friend, train hard but relax as well, and I look forward to reading about it! Your dogs are the cutest ever 🙂
And LOVE the squash flowers!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru