17 days until the Mayor’s Marathon. . . . đ
I am very excited for this marathon! Probably the most excited I’ve ever been for a race. Yet, there is a little bit of anxiety because I know it is going to hurt!!
And some of you are probably wondering why I would voluntarily put my body through something so brutal?!?! Well, I’ll just say this: run a marathon yourself (or any race for that matter) and then tell me you don’t want to do it again. The feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration is like no other when crossing the finish line!
(I’m not sure why the quality of this photo is so poor. No, I am not an apparition.)
Today’s run:
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1:25
I felt much better today compared to yesterday! I didn’t recap my run yesterday, but on Monday I was still quite sore from my 21-mile on Saturday—even though I had taken a complete rest day on Sunday—so I just did an easy 7 mile run on Monday. I wanted to do a track workout, but as soon as I got up Monday morning, I knew that was not happening!
Today was another long, easy run. I enjoyed the pace, the scenery, and the time to think and pray. đ
Breakfast #2
Tropical Fruit Protein Smoothie
orange juice + 1/2 banana + 1 tablespoon protein powder + frozen fruit (mangos, papayas, pineapple)
I purchased this bag of frozen fruit from Costco, and I love the variety of fruit in it.
I like simple foods after running. Don’t give me complicated foods with a lot of flavor—just keep it simple.
bread ‘n’ butter
My mid-afternoon snack was some trail mix: almonds, peanuts, yogurt covered raisins, and dried cranberries.
This afternoon I had an appointment at Tieszen Chiropractic. (They also do massage therapy and Rolfing.)
I had an appointment to have the Graston Technique performed on my IT (iliotibial) bands.
While I have been fortunate to never have any problems with my IT band, they are very tight! I decided to give this technique a try to help loosen them up and hopefully in turn improve my biomechanics when I run.
This is what the tools for Graston Technique look like. My chiropractor joked they looked like medieval tools.
(Source)
First my IT bands were heated for about 10 minutes. Then the chiropractor rubbed a gel on the area he was going to work so the tools easily slid across my skin.
He then ran the tools along my IT band breaking up any knots or adhesions like the picture below shows.
It didn’t hurt any more than the foam roller does. There were areas where I was more tender than others, but overall there was only a slight level of discomfort.
(Source)
I will be very interested to see how I feel tomorrow. The chiropractor said I might bruise a little, but I am encouraged to keep running and do everything I would normally do. đ
~~~~~~~
Question
Have you ever heard of Graston Technique or know anything about it?
Yes! My husband is a chiropractor and he does it to a handful of his patients. He says that it is pretty painful but incredibly effective when necessary! Hope it helps you! Excited for your marathon! Hope your training continues to go well!! I have my second marathon in November, so my training will start up pretty soon as well. Reading about your training has pumped me up about my own training! I hope I am as committed as you are! đ
Good luck with your training!
your marathon is getting so close! i’m excited for you đ
After finishing my first half marathon, I think I will do a few more of those before looking into doing a full. It’s a huge commitment! Kudos to you and hooray for just over 2 weeks left! đ
I did a handful of half-marathons before jumping to the full.
your not an apparition your an angel. đ
I have never heard of Graston Technique, but it must feel somewhat good if it’s like foam rolling. I’m odd like that. I think foam rolling hurts so good.
It does hurt so good!
Your race is getting so close!
It’s sometimes disappointing when people react to the idea of running a marathon in a bit of a disapproving way. It IS hard, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t LOVE to run. Non-runners often think of running as self-punishment and don’t realize it’s not like that for everyone.
Now that I’ve finished a marathon, I can definitely relate to that feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration. I’m ready to sign up for another!
I’ve never heard of the Graston Technique. I’m eager to hear if it helps with your IT band tightness.