Saturday I met up with my friends for an easy 14 on the trails for the relay portion of the Mid Maryland 50k. Altogether we had three teams out there, everyone doing various distances. The conditions? The trails themselves were pretty dry with just a tad bit of mud appearing by the end of the second loop as things warmed up. The wind was an unwelcome visitor, but once we were in the woods, all was good. I had a ball–this just whet my appetite all the more for next fall’s 50k. I can’t wait.
After I got home, I intended to put a rush on things and try to catch the last few minutes of my daughter’s basketball game. No worries, she had Mr. Zippy there with her, but still, I wanted to at least see some of it. I came home, made coffee and breakfast, and headed off to a warm shower. I actually thought I was doing ok on time. A time check, however, as I went out the door told of another story.
I realized that no matter how short or how easy the long run is, I move like a slug when it’s all over, particularly in the winter. Something about coming back into a warm house to a warm cup of coffee and breakfast, makes me linger. Then there’s the hot shower–it’s truly a crime how long I am in there–water is NOT an infinite resource. But I can never seem to get warm enough to want to get out. The end result of all this nonsense? I go no where fast.
Most of the time, this isn’t a big deal, but next Saturday, I need to get my a%^& in gear right away. And it won’t be easy. I have a 22-miler on tap that includes 17 miles of progression. Yes, you read that right. Seventeen MILES of progression. Suffice it to say, I’m gonna be one tired old lady when I’m done. The problem, however, is that I have to be at my son’s swim meet working the concession stand by 10 that morning. (Yes, four straight hours on my feet after that run is something that can only be described as unusually cruel).
So I’m wondering–who wants to come light a fire under me that morning, say around 9:00? It’s gonna be ugly, I know.
Anyone else have trouble moving quickly post long run?
For some reason, showering right away helps keep me moving…and in the winter, I *had* to do it, to combat those post-run-chills. Maybe flip your order?
And if anything screams “calf sleeves”, it’s “4 hours in my feet after a 22 miler”. I wish you luck!
Holly KN recently posted..Chinese New Year Preparations!
Yes I do! Even though I don’t run as far or long as you do, I still get sluggish after a good run. But I like the feeling. It makes me do some ‘slow living’, and helps me get out of the fast lane of life.
Mom’ s Home Run recently posted..Streetquest app
I have trouble even staying AWAKE after a long run, let alone moving quickly, and I’ve never even run more than 13 miles. Maybe it’d be best if you didn’t sit down to your coffee next week and instead packed a travel mug all ready to grab on the way to the swim meet.
Rachel recently posted..I Ate a Doughnut Today
I’m usually good for a few hours, but then lose all motivation for pretty much anything.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..Spirit of the Marathon II
I have to have an itinerary or ‘do’ list at the ready after that cup of coffee and warm shower. As long as I keep going, on my feet and moving around I’m fine. Once I sit down to chat, review mail or write, I’m done, lethargy sets in.
Mary Lou Harris recently posted..Tales of Bostons Past – Lost in the Woods
Honestly, I’ve wondered what other people do after long runs too as I usually stay in my cozy shower extra long too, and then end up crawling back into bed. I’ve actually kept work hours AFTER my long runs lately though. The last three work weekends I’ve run 10-15 miles and gone into work…. at a grocery store, stocking, checking, etc. I’ve managed to function just fine after 10 milers but when it gets to 15, by the last 3 hours I’m a car-wreck. Good luck! Eat lots of good, high energy food! Hopefully that’ll get you through! Think of it as ultra-training! Time on your feet!
I’m being lazy on the couch as I reply to this. My long run wasn’t quite half the length of yours, but I didn’t even want to go on it. My training schedule has me running Saturdays and Sundays, which I don’t like. We have my in-laws’ mini poodle this week and she sleeps like a newborn and upsets my kids, so I’m on-edge the entire time she is here.
I’m doing a fun class at the gym this afternoon, so maybe that will snap me out of slug mode.
Alyssa K recently posted..It’s getting easier
sign me up to CHEEEER YOU ON next week.
Im in
Miz recently posted..Im a TOUGH GIRL…
I wish I had an answer for you. I’m usually pretty good for a couple of house post-long run, but once lunch time rolls around, I’m a zombie. Hubs sends me to my room for a nap.
Good luck next week!
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted..Checking in on 2013 Goals
Yes, post long run or bike, I can barely move beyond a snails pace, sometimes I am even out for the count, if I hit the couch, I may not get back up the rest of the day
Scott recently posted..Weekly Ramblings
Tends to depend on the day but I’m either full of energy and extremely productive or completely the opposite with only the couch and a nap calling my name!
abbi recently posted..Runners Seminar with Bart Yasso
I’m with you – there’s definitely something about coming in from the cold cause I just don’t have this problem in other seasons.
17 miles of progression?!? Wowza!!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..Good stuff happening
I always feel like a slug post long run too. I usually lay on the couch for most of the day and just read my book or watch hulu. My long run on Saturday was an epic fail this last weekend. I don’t even know what went wrong, but it was awful. I didn’t even finish it. :/
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Week 6: Losing my running mojo
love progression runs, and a 17 mile progression sounds right up my alley. i’m sick in the head!
the shower is always where my routine gets slowed. sometimes i don’t even realize it, but i’m basically taking a nap under that warm water post run. yesterday was no exception for me either, it was pouring rain on my 80 min run where i was soaked when i got home. ah…off to that warm steam-machine now so i can start my day!
Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl recently posted..all those other runs…
Oh my gosh, this is so me every long-run Saturday. I’m working on getting dressed and ready for the rest of the day and look down to see that it’s been two hours. What the heck did I do for two hours?! Slowly ice, shower, eat, brush my hair. On any other day it takes me 30 minutes to do all of that (minus the icing). Definitely slow motion after the long runs.
Yo Momma Runs recently posted..Mississippi River Marathon 2013 results
It’s weird. I usually have crazy energy for the first few hours after a long run, and then I completely die. You should do progression concession stand standing! I bet everyone would be impressed.
Shut Up and Run recently posted..Running and Remembering
Most of the time I’m good, feeding off the adrenaline that comes when you complete one of those long runs. It’s the next day that I’m a bit of a slug and have to force every foot forward.
Joanne recently posted..CNYEats A Taste of Utica Hj’s Chocolate Chip Family Recipe
I am the same way after a long run! I think I’m moving so much faster than I am. When I have something else going on that morning, I always seem to make my schedule too tight. It sounds like plenty of time, but it’s a mad dash like you described. Maybe start an extra 20 minutes early?? Glad you enjoyed the trail 14 miler!
Oh! Almost forgot- I met one of the guys who serves on the board of your local running group with you… now I forget his name, I want to say Bobby? (A doctor) He’ll be taking on some of the east coast RRCA courses.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
If anyone can do it, you can!! You will rock that mileage next weekend and those feet will be full of pep for fours hours after.:)
Jolene Cannady recently posted..Things I Love
I turn into the biggest couch potato ever post-long run. I even have a hard time getting into the shower! It’s pretty ridiculous. I try not to plan things for after long runs because I definitely move slower than normal (and I’m kind of slow to begin with!).
Jen @ Jens Best Life recently posted..Weekly Goals and Workout Recap: Snowy Runs, Mental Strength and Yoga Fail
Depends on the day I think! After my first half I felt awesome and put on a party lol
Kierston recently posted..GrateFUl: Smiles, Fun, Love and Laughter…
HEHE. I feel like my husband could have written this post to describe me. During the colder months I always leave an extra 30 min after all of my runs for the time it takes me to warm up, shower, etc. I often stand in the shower for a good 10 min before I start washing my hair or doing much of anything b/c I feel like it takes that long to defrost and warm my body up. HA.
Next weekend sounds insane. Although I am really intrigued about that weekend. I have 22 on tap for next weekend and may do something along these lines…hmmm. But the 4 hrs on your feet is just mean :/ Life was infinitely easier before kids. =)
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..20 miles on the treadmill + Fun in the Snow
I can totally relate!!
The shower is magic, never want to leave.
After a long workout I want to just chill, which rarely happens with kids but it’s what my body begs for. It is so hard to get motivated to get moving again.
Good luck next weekend! Only a mother would do something that crazy
Missy recently posted..Weekend Rundown
Oh gosh I hear ya! After a run of any ‘substance’ it seems I have one speed: slow. I get cranky if I’m rushed. Wow 17 miles progression–totally badass!
Marcia recently posted..Clean Eats and a DNS
Having to work concessions after a 22 miles (17 miles of progression nonetheless) sounds just plain awful!
I usually lay around the whole day after a long run. I know that’s probably not good, but I feel so accomplished after a long run that relaxation feels very well deserved.
Kate @ So Cal Runner Gal recently posted..The More I Run…
Wow. 17 miles of progression in the middle of a 22 mile run?! Sounds exhausting. For the first time ever, my long runs this training cycle include lots of progression runs that have miles much faster than marathon pace. And it is so EXHAUSTING! I’m usually not tired after an easy 20 mile run but a 15 mile run that has progression miles in the middle just wipes me out. And I can’t get out of the hot shower, either. I have started stretching in the shower as an excuse to stay in there even longer.
Kristen @ Happy Running Mama recently posted..I’ll be bald or fat but not both
Oh, and that trail looks heavenly!!
Kristen @ Happy Running Mama recently posted..I’ll be bald or fat but not both
Yes! I usually get a second wind after a long shower and if I’m up and about – but if I lay down it’s lights out! – #beastmode will do that to ya
Kat recently posted..Motivational Monday – Featured Sneakers #18
I hate getting out of a hot shower after a long cold run. I wish I had a hot tub to just sit around in after those runs. Once in a while I will park at my gym so when I finish my long run I can go sit in the hot tub there and warm up!
Good luck with the 22 miles and followed by the marathon concession stand work.
Beth @ Miles and Trials recently posted..Marathon Monday – Starting to Run Again
I know what you mean…I could stand in the shower for hours after my long runs in the winter! Can’t get the water hot enough either. Even if it’s not too cold outside. Good luck with the 22 miler and to your son in his swim meet!
Robin recently posted..Tired Runner
I am SO the same! I take forever to shower and do anything. That cup o f coffee always lasts forever for me too. I always knew when doing long runs I had to try to avoid plans for at least a couple hours following the run. Otherwsie I would be late no doubt.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Dream Killer
I’m totally the same, especially during the winter. My husband always yells at me for taking all the hot water after my long runs because I’ll stay in there so long. I always try not to plan anything too soon after a saturday run, although it’s just me and the husband so it’s pretty easy. I’m sure it’s a different story with kids
Amanda recently posted..Free Thought Friday
I plan for slugness after long runs.
Jamoosh recently posted..Will Row For Beer
You are starting a 22 miler at 9 am? How did you land that deal with Mr. Zippy? Him and wifey need to talk if that is how Saturday mornings can be spent. My 24 mile run over the weekend involved a 4 am alarm, a 5:30 start and me to BE HOME before 10.. and that’s with me running pretty fast.
Pavement Runner recently posted..#MilesOfShame Completed
wait a sec. You’re doing a 50K?
**falls on floor*”*
Yum Yucky recently posted..7 Bullets
You’re going to need lots of strong coffee next weekend. And maybe compression gear. And a comfy pair of slippers for your feet.
Char recently posted..Warning To Runners – Don’t Make Decisions in the Middle Of a Runner’s High
Oh man, those warm showers are heavenly. As much as I try to rush, I always linger under the warm water too. Plus it’s usually the only time I get 5 min of peace and quiet. Haha. Glad that you had a fun time but man 17 miles of progression sounds rough! I feel like I’m beat no matter why distance I run these days!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Memories Captured: Cousins and Chinese New Year
Dang – I would probably finish that run and head to the couch for the rest of the day!! Hopefully the concession has a soft floor – your legs and feet will need a break!!
I know you got this, though!!!
Kim recently posted..Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s Off to the Doc I Go!
I have never fully appreciated a hot shower until having a hot shower post-long run in the winter. Good luck getting down quickly next Saturday!
Mandy recently posted..Climbing out of a funk – training update
Yes! It’s like this unconscious thing that you’ve done all your hard work for the day or something like that. I started doing my LR’s on W before seeing clients (seated thank goodness!), and something about working after the run helps me get back in the groove.
Adrienne recently posted..Chasing Ghosts, Running from Demons, and Just Being Where We Are
I’m the same way…I linger in the hot shower because I know as soon as I get out it’s go go go time.
Last week when I ran a race I started chatting with a woman alongside of me. She said she had to kick it into high gear soon because she had to man the concession stand at her sons swim meet. Haha! Talk about runners problems!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Running in the Snow
I’m always cold quick after runs in the winter. The chills set in and I don’t move quick either. It does sound like a busy morning for you! Hopefully you get some good timing with everything
Christina recently posted..Marathon training week 7 and a new kitty!
Love the title of this post
I’m also such a post-long-run-slug…everything always takes way longer than it should!
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner recently posted..Is the Stride Box a Good Deal? (+ Giveaway)
I know exactly what you mean! I did a 22 miler this weekend and then had to take my son to soccer, while my husband took our other child to baseball! GAH, it was brutal, I needed toothpicks to keep my eyes open and I am not kidding when I say that I was not safe to drive that day. Thank goodness for British tea, which never fails in perking me up. You should give it a try, look in the British section of the grocery for PG Tips tea, the stuff is like rocket fuel, but never makes you jittery or keeps you awake at night. It cures most aliments and if your feeling blue, there’s no better cure. Can you tell I’m a fan? It’s a cure all and essential for cold post long run afternoons.
You are definitely not alone. For me, anything over 8 leads to sluggishness. No matter how pure my intentions are of getting things done in a timely manner afterwards. I just move slower.
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Weekend Recap and Ramblings
Ohhh I, too, can’t seem to pull myself out of a hot shower after a cold wintery run. It’s my crutch. I’m pretty sure 50% of the time it takes me to get ready post-run is the shower. Shameful.
Efo recently posted..Nairobi: tusker beer, baby elephants, and the secret to running as fast as Kenyans
first off, I’m so excited for you as you tackle the 50k distance, I don’t doubt that you will nail it!
It is hard for me to motivate after coming in from the cold, I have to keep up the post shower momentum in order to go anywhere after. Which usually involves lots of layers and super thick socks!
Molly recently posted..Music is my motivator, as well as Team Gab
I totally get that! In fact, today I ran 12 and then had a huge meal and that made it even worse! Post run slug + food coma!
Travel Spot recently posted..Golden Gate Trail 30k
Hi Ms Zippy,
I can totally relate. However, I need to ask you these two questions:
- How long have you been running?
- Are you hypoglycemic (do you get really hungry really fast)?
I think the sluggish feeling and movement is just your body’s way of trying to redistribute glucose so you have enough of it for the rest of the day or evening (just a guess here!)
It helps to have some mango or peach juice after a run, or some gatorade to spur on that glucose redistribution process.
Just a thought!
Alana