Ever since I ran my second half marathon on Sunday I have been thinking about the physical and mental differences I experienced with each one. Here's a comparison of the two half Marathons (HM).
1. 1st HM- I physically and mentally felt like I had accomplished this big feat and pushed my body to its limit. (I also felt this way after I ran my first 10k)
2nd HM- It was challenging but also felt like just another long run
2. 1st HM- As soon as I crossed the finish line I was in pain and every step hurt like crazy. The day after, I could barely walk and every muscle in my body hurt.
2nd HM- I felt my legs starting to tighten up when I stopped moving but they were fine after I was able to stretch.
3. 1st HM- After the race I was famished and everything tasted amazing. All day I couldn't get enough food (lucky for me it was Thanksgiving).
2nd HM- I only ate what I knew I needed to refuel. Even at lunch time I forced myself to eat something simply because I knew I needed it, not because I was hungry.
4. 1st HM- I rode the high from this race for weeks, but also had no interest in running anymore after I was done. It took me several months to find my love for running again.
2nd HM- The high from this race only lasted for the first day but I still have my love for running and am already planning my next half and possibly a full??
**The only lasting soreness I had from this last HM was in my deltoids and after looking at my pictures, I can see why. I really need to work on my running form and stop punching myself in the face.**
I agree with #1 a lot. I love half marathons but they do feel like another long run. I don't mind because now I'm not as nervous as I used to get before a half.
ReplyDeleteI guess it is nice that the nerves aren't as bad as they were in the earlier half's but that just makes me want to run more and find other challenges to conquer.
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