How to Recover Quickly From a Marathon

This WORKS you runners and triathletes out there! So listen up and give it a try.

I finished the London Marathon on Sunday and as of yesterday (Wednesday), I was mostly recovered. Today (Thursday) I feel like I could actually run again. OK to be fair, I did more of a walk/run this race, but it was still 26.2 miles. Anyway, I have also run a 3:36 marathon and used this same practice to recover.

So here is the secret: THE COLD PLUNGE.

I know what you are thinking, "But Amie, you hate, despise, and detest the cold." Why yes, I do! However, you have to remember the other important part of the recovery plan: ALTERNATING HEAT IN WITH THE COLD SO AS NOT TO WANT TO DIE.

Here is the sitch. On Tuesday, I went to the Porchester Spa, which costs all of £14 with my Westminster Resident Card (awesome). It is really more of a Turkish Bath, but spa has a nicer ring to it in my opinion. A photo of the cold plunge is there on the right.

Anywho, here is what you do:

1. Spend about 10 to15 minutes in a hot sauna or jacuzzi to really get your blood flowing. I like to stay in there until I just about pass out, I love hot. 
2. Get out of the heat, and hot into a cold plunge  (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) up to you waist for at least 5 minutes (or as long as you can stand it, 5 minutes is it for me and I imagine if I had balls I'd stay in for even less time).
3. Repeat several times. 

 I am telling you, this works. After the first cold plunge, my legs felt amazing. All the soreness in my quads and hips was gone. While I still have a little residual soreness across my shins today, that is probably a function of my weird gait while walk/running and trying to keep from aggravating my sore posterior tibial tendon. The rest of me is just fine, thank you very much.

For all you Bay Area runners wanting to give this a try for yourself, here are a few places with cold plunges:

Watercourse Way in Palo Alto - see the photo there on the left. I love Watercourse. You can rent a tub room for 30 minutes or an hour and it is totally worth it.

Jin Healing for Women in San Francisco.

Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg (duh)

Burke Williams in San Jose - not sure about a cold plunge here, I haven't ever been to this spa. Anyone out there know?

You're welcome.

Dear Oakley - This is Not Cool

Dear Oakley,

My new sunglass case looks like it should be for tampons or something. I know it comes free with the glasses, so I shouldn't complain. But really, come on - this is pretty ugly.

I cannot in good conscience take this thing out of my purse each time I take off or put on my glasses. I'll get weird looks, and I get enough of those already.

The weird white case is going straight to Goodwill unless someone out there needs a new tampon holder.

Sheez, I expected more from you Oakley.

Love ya bye,

Amie

Victory is Mine - London Marathon 2013

Wooosh. Well, I finished. It wasn't fast, it wasn't pretty - but I did it! Thanks to everyone for your support, it really was inspiring to know you all were behind me! Battersea will get 2022 GBP thanks to you.

I came in somewhere around 5 hours 53 minutes and I couldn't be happier, considering I wasn't really even sure if I was going to do the race until just beforehand. After all, the day before was spent eating brisket and drinking gin and tonics - I'm sure that is exactly how Paula Radcliffe prepares - at a going away party some beautiful friends threw for us. Various funny business ensued:

Nice.

Better.

WTF is even happening here?

So the race started at 10:00 and there were very limited trains to the start. Of course I missed the train I was supposed to get (along with 2 other runners) and thought of just going home and having coffee while watching the stupid race on TV. But then I thought about the people injured and killed in Boston, and the fact that I am leaving London in just over a week, and all the people that were cheering me on in London and the USA - and I knew I had to get out there and try. So I hopped the 9:53 train (along with the 2 other late douches) managed to get to the Greenwich station at about 10:05. But guess what, the "start" is still about 3/4 of a mile from that train station......uphill. Fuck, sorry but that was the only appropriate word for what I thought at that exact moment.

Anyway, I fought my way to the start line through the crowds of spectators walking BACK to the train station  - feeling like a total idiot because the race had ALREADY started.

But hey guess what: when 37,000 people line up for a race, it takes a long time to actually "start". I casually walked into the starting chute at about 10:15 and still didn't pass the actual starting line until about 10:20. Awesome. Sometimes, the running gods are kind!

"See you at the finish", let's hope so.

A funny thing happens when running 15 minute miles in a gorgeous town, with giant crowds cheering, on a sunny day. You really enjoy yourself and take in the scenery, instead of stress over your mile splits and nutrition. I brought my Ipod but didn't even listen to it because there was so much going on with bands, DJs, people playing music from their front yards, and people joking and talking on the course.

Plus the costumes!!!!! OMG just Google it. The Brits absolutely adore "Fancy Dress".

At mile 15 I had to take a pottie break (and you go in the potties when there are giant crowds like there are in London - also, see the sign). I had to wait in line for about 20 minutes and really, amazingly no one (else) gave a crap. The runners were all so patient. I had to restrain myself and not yell, "WTF are you all doing in there, just do your business and get out and forget fussing with the damn hand sanitizer dispenser in there."

But then I realized, finishing in 5:50 or 6:30 really doesn't matter. Just enjoy the break from running, chill-the-eff-out, and sanitize your goddam hands.

View from the back! Sorry, these were all taken with my crap phone.

One of my favorite parts, crossing the Tower Bridge. Insane crowds on both sides.

I got a bit misty-eyed passing the apartment that we stayed in when we first arrived in London, it is near The Monument. OK the building is behind the ugly scaffolding on the right there, but I am a nostalgic person so it didn't matter. Commence blubbering.

Yes we are all walking and yes that guy is dressed as a chicken.

I think that guy in the giant costume beat me. At least it was interesting scenery.

So close! Big Ben in the background chimed 4:00pm as I ran by, blubbing again.

And then I FINISHED! Similar to the Barcelona Half Marathon, no pizza, bagels, burritos, pasta, blueberry cake, etc. at the end of the race. Here is your apple, an ill fitting t-shirt, and some Lucozade (Gatorade). That's it. Hit the pub if you are thirsty/hungry.

And so I did. Here I am at the pub with a Sierra Nevada (OK that's very American) and some weird apple cider vinegar crisps (those weird things were British for sure). Recovery complete!

Today I feel OK. My walk/run/Advil plan (not recommended - the Advil part, I mean) served me well. I think I will take the next few weeks to recover properly, I will be in PARIS for a month after all. The perfect place for a proper duck-fat-fueled recovery. You can hate me now.

It's Go Time - Bust out the Advil

Well sort of.

I went to the Expo. I have my number. I have my pace chart. I have a few Cliff Bars for the race. We have raised almost 2000GBP for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (but am still a bit short of my goal if you want to help me).

I am ready to go!

My mind is willing but my foot is just......not..... able.......to run. I have an aggravating case of posterior tibial tendonitis, probably from skiing in Zermatt in March, so don't feel too sorry for me.

It is not an injury you want to mess around with though. I swim with a hip and knee surgeon, he told me yesterday that if I ran and tore the tendon it would eff up my knee, hip, and spine. And I would be in for surgery with him in a year or so.

Shit.

But all is definitely not lost everyone. I can walk without any pain at all. I consider this a blessing, especially in light of all the effed up stuff that went on in Boston this week. To not do the race because I don't want to walk 7 or 8 hours is just plain wussy.

Therefore, I am going to finish this effing race if it is the last thing I do. It may take me forever, but that's OK. It's for the dogs, and for Boston, and to say goodbye to the city that has been my rainy home for the last 2 years.

 I will finish!

Plus, I just got a good luck email from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with these cute photos attached (see below). And I found out that a greyhound named Shadow that I love, who was at the Battersea for 260 days, JUST GOT ADOPTED by a family in the country. All those donations fund happy homes for dogs, so give if you can.

This is Shy, he will get a new home because of Battersea.

Stop it Clem, you are so cute!!!!!

A Letter to My Poor Abused Feet

Dear Feet,

Though my husband says you are hideous (whatever), I would just like to thank you for carrying my through all those races, long hikes, and uncomfortably stylish high heels. I am lucky to have you sturdy guys as my feet.

Remember that photo on the right? Belize. You were so happy then. We were all love, warmth, flip flops, freedom, and comfort.

So what is up with y'all now, you are ruining my life!

OK calm down, let's be fair. While I must apologize for that brief stint I had with "barefoot running" shoes (left), that was mean, I think I have treated you fairly well. Not too much toenail polish or goopy shit. Lots of time in the jacuzzi on cold nights, lots of thick socks. And just look where we are now.......what happened.

You have caused me a lot of agony over the last 2 years. There was the very nasty and unrelenting plantar fasciitis (TWICE).

Then the blisters - WTF I have been running for like 22 years and NOW blisters. And not just in one spot, I have several of them on each foot. And that is pain you really cannot "run though" without risking lots of blood and nastiness, and I don't want to do that to you/me.

And now posterior tibial tendonitis. Really! And I have been told the cold weather makes is worse by further restricting the blood flow to an area of the food that doesn't get much blood flow anyway. In other words, very slow healing. Great.

I see what you are trying to tell me. You are tired of being cold and running on flat pavement.

Well I am here to tell you that we are moving back to the Bay Area just in time for flip flop season. I would just like to apologize for making you move to London. You have been locked inside of boots since September, and over the last 2 years you have seen very little of your best friends - the flip flops. And I think you got pissed.

But please, be nice to me now. The London Marathon is in just over a week and I can't finish without you guys!

Your feet will again look like this post 12-mile Rancho run......very soon.

If anyone has any advice on posterior tibial tendonitis (taping, treatment, etc.), I'll take it....... Thanks!

How I've Changed

Well, I've spend about 22 months living in London. I still think I am very much the same person, really 2 years is not all that long. But there are a few things I have noticed about myself or how I view the world that have changed: 

Holy Crap I am White
I caught a glimpse of my bod in the mirror at the pool locker room today. Wow, I am pale. There is no tan line or differentiation between the color of my ass and the color of my arms. I haven't been this white since those long, dark winters growing up in the Midwest. Frightening, though probably excellent for my poor skin.......

I Wear Fewer Solid Colors 
Americans wear a lot of solid colors, like one big Gap ad. Have you ever noticed that: brown pants/yellow shirt or blue jeans/green top (see Dave for an example). Here in London there are so many patterns and mixes, and there is way less of a cultural "standard" for dressing. This holds true for both men and women. Dress crazy and wear whatever - matching or coordination is completely optional. My sister Kait would fit RIGHT in here.

I Speak a Bit of German and A Lot More French
Best thing I did while living in London, lean more languages!

I "Like" Tea
I had never had a proper cup tea in my life before living in the UK. While I don't love the stuff, I can appreciate it. Though really, I think I mostly drink tea to stay warm and not cry when it is cold and dark out all winter.

I Think More About What Is in the Foods I Eat 
Full disclosure - Dave has always had some pretty crazy stomach issues. To be fair he eats total crap a lot of the time, but it is clearly more than that. As in, we cannot leave the house if a Stouffer's lasagne or Kraft mac and cheese has gone down his throat in the last hour. His stomach would often go crazy after restaurant meals in the U.S. too (especially if the meal involved any sort of cream-based sauce or soup). Here in London, his stomach issues are non-existent. It's crazy. It makes you realize they use a ton of crazy-ass chemical fillers food in the U.S. They just don't use them here in the UK, at least - not yet.

I Drink Waaaayyyyy Less Diet Crack (Coke)
Probably because it is cold here and a frosty beverage would likely push my internal temperature further below where it is now- and then I would die of hypothermia. I have gone from drinking two cans of  Diet Coke per day to drinking one every other day. I hope to keep it up after I get home because that shit is really not good for you.

Now I Know What a Sad Social Welfare System Looks Like
When I hear people complain about "welfare" in the U.S., I wish I could show them the worst of the system here. It is entrenched, hopeless, incredibly sad generational welfare - beyond anything you have seen in the U.S. But they have started putting U.S.-style reforms into place and ended the incentive to have MORE kids while on government support (thank GOD). Let's hope it works.

I Think Heath Care and (Some) Higher Education Should Be Nationalized
I just do. Mainland Europe has so many things right, in my opinion - but again, that is just me. I know not everyone agrees, which is cool too.



I Am Not Intimidated to Eat Out Alone or Travel By Myself
I had to travel all alone a lot of the time, otherwise I had to face a lot of time in our cold, basement apartment all by myself - not cool. I have never really traveled independently before, EVER. I have been with The Davester since I was like 12 (OK 21). We have always traveled together. Let me tell you, walking into a crowded restaurant, by yourself, where no one speaks English can be intimidating - but also kind of thrilling in an "I am a mystery woman" kind of way. While I still have a weird paranoia about getting roofied at a bar while I am by myself, I will never hesitate to have an amazing dinner out "tout suel" ever again.

More From Biarritz

I think of this diagram (a friend posted it on Facebook but I am not sure where it is from) whenever I am trying to get the nerve up to do something and I really prefer to just sleep in: a long ride, a race, going into a packed restaurant by myself where no one speaks English, etc.

There is some real truth in this simple idea. The best moments of your life almost always occur outside of your little comfort zone.

I stepped out of my zone (I really wanted to just take a nap) and went surfing yesterday in the cold water here in Biarritz. My body was fine and comfortable, but my feet were really cold. I loved every second of it. I'll probably go again today since it is SUNNY again. YAY! I am finally dethawing after a long London winter and my system is being flooded with vitamin D - also YAY!

Anyway, off to enjoy the day and do some German homework down on the beach. I will look back very fondly on this trip when I am sitting back at my desk in my office in June.......

Day 1 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Well, after a very long train ride from London, I made it to Biarritz last night. Luckily, I made my train connection in Paris with time to spare, there were cabs at the train station when I arrived in Biarritz (it was Easter and the French take their holidays VERY seriously, so I was worried), the hotel door code I received via email worked, and the key was waiting at the front desk for me. Woosh!

 Really, I worry about all this shit to a probably unnatural degree.......and it all worked out. However, traveling isn't always perfect. It has its ups and downs, and goods and bads.

The Good

• I stopped off in Paris and the most amazing lunch at some brasserie across from the Montparnasse train station. Really, only the French can put smoked duck and foie gras on a salad (which is what I ate) and still stay thin. I love this country.
• I had some time after lunch before my next train, so I went over to Luxembourg Gardens - lovely. This was Easter Day, so everyone else was in the gardens too. Here are a few photos.

Buy yer mom some flowers eh, it's Easter.

Made me miss Dave, except there is a small child at the front of the statue.

If I was a bee, I would live in Luxembourg's apiary. Posh! Little roofs and everything.

You want pony ride, yes I did.!

Mother effer, remember the damage you did on this on your childhood swing-set.

 

I love me a train station. Does this hat look like the Harry Potter sorting hat?

•  Oh good god - the food and wine, definitely good. I wandered into a tiny place for lunch today in Biarritz. It was PACKED, always a good sign. Then there were the adorable waiters - also a good sign. I had a mountain of tapas/pinxtos, 2 glass of local red (I told the hot bartender to pour me what he liked), an orangey liqueur for dessert, and an espresso. This extravagance cost me all of 13 Euro. God bless Biarritz.
• Also good, the view at night from my hotel room:

I dream of charcuterie!

• And la plage (the beach), that was pretty good - especially at night!

 The Bad

• I took a bus east to Bayonne today, both to check out the historic town and maybe escape the driing rain. Well, I didn't know when exactly to get off the bus. Then, all the sudden we passed the town and were driving off to the middle-of-NOWHERE-suburbia. Finally, the bus stopped altogether (oh shit) and the driver looked at me funny (dumbass tourist). He went out and had a nice long smoke, and we retraced our route back - woosh. I made it to Bayonne, just 45 minutes late. I actually didn't mind the detour because it was pouring rain and windy and cold outside, and I hate all that. 
• When I actually got to Bayonne, everything was closed because of the Easter Monday holiday. So I walked around a bit, lost feeling in my hands because of the cold, went to the cathedral and cloister, and took the bus back to Biarritz. Not really a stellar morning.

Not too bad, except for the rain and cold.

The Ugly

• There was a drunk French guy that wouldn't leave me alone at dinner, annoying. But when you are traveling alone, the waitstaff is always super nice to you. They ended up kicking the weird dude out and I finished my dinner in peace. He wasn't THAT bad, or maybe I have just been harassed by worse. Hmmmm.

So surfing and more eating tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.