How I am going to recover from the marathon and Disney day #2.

I was sore for 2 days after the marathon but I am not running AT ALL for 1-2 weeks after the race.  I am not dealing with any injuries but I just don’t see the point in jumping right back into running so quickly after a marathon.  It isn’t going to do any good but it probably would do some bad (for me at least:).  

Marathons put a TON of stress on our bodies.  

My body was very kind to me and preformed the way I wanted it to during the marathon so I should return the favor and do something nice for my body—>  give it rest and let it rebuild itself.  

I am excited to see what I can do in Boston this next year with some speed work and a better base than what I had for SGM.  Training smart for Boston includes taking the next little while off, then taking it easy with my running, strength training and building a good base to start officially training on December 28th.

Don’t feel pressure (especially from social media!!!) to start running again quickly after a tough race.  What’s the point?  

Think long term with your running! 

No shame in taking some time off and eating an apple fritter or two (**please note, I am not even close to a nutritionist and I just have a problem when it comes to donuts) after a hard race. 

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Just another beautiful day in California (pretty sure it was like 85 degrees or something crazy like that).

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We ended up meeting all of Brooke’s favorite characters yesterday.

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We went to bfast with Minnie Mouse.  I have mixed feelings about it.  The food was okay, it was super busy and $$$ BUT when Minnie and the guy above came and visited our table at the end for a few minutes it became all worth it to see Brooke so excited about it.

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Very grateful that my mom came with us… such a help and so much fun to have her here!

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My good friend Pam met us at Disney for a few hours!!! Love her.  This woman is a running machine (ps we met through the blog 4 years ago).  

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And my aunt and Brooke’s second cousin also came for a little bit!  These two are just a few weeks apart and met for the first time yesterday.  

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Good thing I inherited my mom’s tastebuds so that we are able to easily decide on which apple we should get to share. 

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The time I realized that I can no longer handle rides that spin:

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MANY MANY of you told me to try the Disney corn dogs.  I did during the parade.  Kind of a once every five years food for me but it was INCREDIBLE.

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It was a great day.

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How long do you take off after a marathon? Half-marathon?

Who will be at Boston next year?

Favorite caramel apple toppings?

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world right now… where would you go?

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96 comments

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Love your thoughts on taking it easy with recovery! It can be tough with social media not to compare our selves to others, totally agree! I only took 2-3 days after my halfs, but I actually took two weeks after my marathon, not because I was hurting, but because I was just so mentally exhausted!

Your Disney food pics are getting me excited for some yummy fair food I get to taste tomorrow!

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I definitely haven’t taken as much time off in the past as I should have. I usually take 3 days off completely and then start back with easy running. I plan to take more time off after my nov marathon.

That candy corn thing looks insane and I need to hide the computer screen from my kids!

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You deserve the time off! I always look forward to my time off after a season. It feels great to do NOTHING!

I can’t get over how expensive the Disney restaurants are. So outrageous. But it’s so cool when the characters come out!

Do you know that guy photobombing the 2nd to last pic? lol!

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YES! i am so glad to read this! Rest and recovery is SO important and there are waaayyy too many people out there who jump straight back into it. People find it hard to believe that I take a full 2 weeks of NOTHING after a big race, but your body needs that time to rebuild, and your mind needs it to reset. Mine will begin on monday, and I will enjoy every second…..of course other than the two days after….those are usually pretty painful, like you mentioned, but if I run a sub 2:43, it will be WELL worth it!!!

SO jealous you got to enjoy disney!! Love those corn dogs….shhhh :P

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LOVE Brooke’s sunglasses…! Glad you’re having such a good time – ENJOY!!

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Good for you on not running. When I ran my only marathon I felt like I needed two weeks off. I took two weeks off and then waited until I really wanted to run. There isn’t a pressure to get back into shape or run another race. They will truly always be there so I applaud you taking the time to rest and enjoy life. Plus can’t argue with where you are recovering right now :-)

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As I’m training for my first marathon in March and I’m only 16, it’s really helpful to hear how to go about this from such a pro like you ;) thank you thank you thank you!! it’s making this journey a lot easier for me and less nerve racking :))) btw once again Brooke is SO adorable. I just need to say it again. She melts my heart over a computer screen.

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I usually train consistently thru the year, but I’ll take a week or so off after a race. My base is already built up, I’m not going to lose it by taking some time off and my body always appreciates it! Definitely a good idea to rest up, eat some donuts (or ice cream. or cupcakes. or brownies. maybe cookies too) and enjoy not having to get up early to run for a few weeks!

I wish I was going to Boston! Haven’t been since 2012!

I want to go to Maine. It’s on the bucket list for next year’s racing! :)

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I usually take 1 week off after a race! I wish I could transport myself to Disney right now. Please and thank you.

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Yes to resting! We under value too much the value of rest. We only have one body. We need to cherish it nor abuse it. My boyfriend and I went to DusneyWorld last year. I realized I can no longer handle rides. Took me weeks to recover from that fun.

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Dude, so true about the spinny rides. The last time I went to Disneyland I got physically ill on those tea-cups, like Phil on Modern Family lol. TOTALLY RELATE. No more.
Looks like you guys had a great time!!! :) Those corndogs give me liiiiiiife.

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Really smart recovery plan! I have been in awe of your ability to walk through the parks, but I bet in reality all the walking has helped your legs shake off the marathon! At first I thought “omg I’ll never walk/run/move again” but yesterday and today I started feeling better when I do move around a little bit!

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I read your race recap…you rocked it girl! I LOVED your attitude! Congrats on your finish!

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Boston is in my five year plan- I have to get through marathon number one (SUNDAY!) first, then buckle down and work on my speed to qualify- but I will get there! I plan to run when I am not sore anymore, but I don’t know when that will be :)

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Do you think your training start date (Dec. 28th) will be my due date?

I always take a week off. It just feels right to not run and eat delicious food.

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Looks like so much fun!! I’m really bad about taking time off after a half marathon. I’m usually back at it a couple days later….and usually injured shortly there after. :(

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That looks like so much fun! You’re giving me the Disney bug!!!

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Social media makes it so hard to take time off to recover – but it sounds like you have a great plan in place! I usually take a full week off after a half marathon and I took 2.5 weeks off after my marathon.

Favorite caramel apple topping: peanuts – very boring, but I love it :)

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Congrats on your marathon.

With your hair styled that way you look a LOT like your sister, btw.

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Do you feel tired and thus you are giving it a rest, or are you just giving it a rest, giving it a rest? Just curious!

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I feel tired but I also feel like going for a run so I am forcing rest a little bit too!

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Ive never been to either Disney but it looks fun! Today’s my birthday so dont forget to have a cupcake for it :) Brooke and your mom too!

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Ahhhhhhh Macy!!!!! Happy happy happy birthday! Have the best day ever and you better believe we will all have a cupcake for you!

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omg I am dying! I would love to go to Disney a million times a year! I’ve only been to disney world twice and disney land a few times, but I only have vague recollections of everything! It was so fun to go back to Disney World when I was 20 to see everything I remembered!

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I am so glad you guys are having a great time! I usually take about a week off after a half marathon. That’s my distance of choice. When I did marathons u would take up to a month sometimes! Marathons are brutal. If I could be anywhere right now I would want to be in Hawaii, lounging, sipping on a tangy drink. I’ve never been so hoping to go soon.

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Your pictures are REALLY making me want to do Disney for a day when we are in FL! I usually take 4 days completely off and then easy running for about about a week and a half…I kinda let my body tell me the pace and distance , I just make sure not to push it. Funny thing is though that I got my marathon PR 2 weeks after another marathon that I did not do well on :)…I have only done that once and will never do it again, but it was fun.

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Micky Waffles are seriously the greatest (cutest) thing!

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Thanks for sharing your pictures from DisneyLand! Brooke looks like she is having such an awesome time:) How fun to have people come through out the vacation to visit, really spices things up.

I have an idea for your pictures, have you ever tried Shutterfly before? I make one of these books (8×8 size) for each year (kind of like a year book for our family) then also for each vacation too. This would be great for your DisnseyLand trip. Sometimes you can find discounts or even a free coupon book around the net.

One more thing (dont mean to make this so long) but you recover and eat the way you want. You know your situation and body better than anyone ~ the people on the dont. They just have unsolicited opinions, they dont count.

Have a great day!

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I will be at Boston next year! It is my first, I hope to meet you :) So glad you guys are having a great time at Disney! I think we are taking the girls again Thanksgiving weekend (World though, not Land). It’s the most wonderful place in the world :)

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I’ve trained and done 5 1/2’s this year and it’s definitely time for something different. I usually just take a few days off with a 1/2 and a week off with a full.

If I could go anywhere on vacation, it would either be NY, DC, or the Mediterranean.

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I usually take a week after a half and two weeks after a full but I have broken the rule plenty of times :)
I like finely chopped peanuts on my caramel apple. And a drizzle of dark chocolate is always good too.
I want to go to Hawaii and Alaska!

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Brooke’s Disney outfits are way too cute!

And I always take 1-2 weeks off after a marathon. You worked hard for 12-15 (sometimes even 20 weeks) you deserve a little break! :D

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I have a rule that I used to follow to the t but I got out of it and just now started again but it always worked for me in the past. I take a half day off for every mile run. For a half that’s a week off and a full is 2 weeks. When I don’t do that, I pay for it with injuries, hence all the ones I’ve had this year…

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OMG the chocolate covered apples! My favorite which I just commented about on your last post lol. So funny.

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I love DISNEYLAND!! don’t miss out on getting a dole whip by the tiki room! also i usually take a couple weeks off after a half and then try to motivate myself back into running. haha

http://www.oursweetthingcalledlife.blogspot.com

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I usually take 1 week totally off and 1 week of very light 30 min runs like 3-4x. And if I could go anywhere right now it would be Japan, I’ve heard it’s beautiful in October!

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I LOVE seeing all of your Disney pictures!! Brooke is too cute!! What a great experience for her!!

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Totally agree – I had my first full on Sunday, and today I am starting to feel almost 100%. I don’t feel any pressure into getting back into running the first week, and in fact my coach is big on just walking gently the first week. It has helped to work out all the muscle soreness, and I’m sure you are seeing that too with all your walking around Disney!

More than anything, I am finding I am STARVING and also sooooooooo sleepy. I work from home and it is just so tempting to go down and take a nap, but I can’t! :) So for me, a very important part of recovery is getting to bed early, and I have been sleeping the sleep of the dead! :) Just listened to Deena Kastor on Runner’s Academy podcast yesterday and in her peak weeks she sleeps 10-11 hours- WISH I could get that much! Love sleep!

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Rides that spin…not such a good thing for me! I love them just after a dose of Dramamine I love them more! I am going on vacation in a couple of weeks out to California with my daughter. We will be hitting up Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk while there! Mmmmm, caramel apples! Standard no frills, peanuts and caramel!

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I learned about 2 years ago when I went on a kids ride that spun that I can’t do spinning rides anymore. I also can’t stomach the feeling of swings at a playground anymore. Must be age (altho I’m only 29) because as a kid I could do it all.

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I discovered the swing thing recently too with my son at the park! Omigosh! Where did that come from…like you I use to LOVE swings as a kid. And for the record I’m 27…weird!

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Now I just want to go to Disneyland!

I am planning on taking at least 2 weeks off after the marathon in 3 weeks. I’m just tired and looking forward to free time! For half marathons, it really depends on whether it was a goal race or not. I ended up taking 6 weeks off in May because of a stress fracture – but the half I ran in September, I only took 1 day off – as it is marathon training time!

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The Disney waffles are simply the best.

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Your trip looks great!! Are you running Boston 2015? Just wondering because I didn’t see your name on the entry list. I will be running it for my first time, I can’t wait. I was a bit nervous that I wasn’t going to make the cut, but luckily I did!

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I just ran my 4th marathon on Sunday and qualified for Boston so I will be there! I’m trying to take a full week of NO running, then I’ll ease back into it while focusing on strength training for a while. I’m not really into caramel apples (weird, I know!) Anywhere with a beach sounds perfect right now, luckily I’m going to Playa del Carmen Mexico in November for my good friend’s wedding.

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That first picture of Brooke = she is too cool for school.

We did one of those lunches in DW. It was sooo nice to get to meet all the characters without having to wait in line, but I had a real hard time enjoying the food cause all I could think of was how I paid $30 for each kid to eat a piece of watermelon and drink some chocolate milk. Oy.

My favorite caramel apple is and always will be the white chocolate with cinnamon and sugar

I took 2 weeks off after my marathon. Way to play it smart. Each person’s body handles marathons differently, even to it may seem like everyone runs the day after (because of SM, like you said) that is not so.

This trip makes me want to go back to DL so bad. Will you come home already?

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I miss Disney!! All those pictures of Brooke are adorable!!

And that candy corn caramel apple looks amazing! My favorite is dark chocolate and caramel. I keep it simple. :D

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I’ll be at Boston next year as a spectator cheering on the hubby along with a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 month old. I love going to the marathon because it’s really close to were I used to live when I lived in Boston. Makes me miss the city though (we live an hour north, and parking is expensive, so it’s not a regular trip anymore)

I run lots of half marathons, but I only take time off after a goal race. And then it’s usually only a week or so.

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Normally I would say I want to go to Europe or somewhere nice and warm, but Disneyland looks so fun! I will definitely have to go in the next couple years! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

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bahaha I don’t think I could handle spinning rides anymore, either!! Also, that apple with caramel corn looks amazing! brilliant combo!

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I ran my first half on Sunday and I’m going running today. I felt good enough to run on Monday but I made myself take a few days off. Because it was my first, I didn’t feel like I really pushed myself speed-wise, because I was trying to finish strong and I did that. So maybe next time I will be more sore? After the race I rolled out my muscles right on the sidewalk (I have the Stick so it’s pretty portable) and stretched a ton, so I’m sure that helped me recover quickly.

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I don’t really take much time off after half marathons. I’m usually running within a day or two. After my last one of the year, I go back to shorter runs though. It is nice to relax and run for fun instead of feeling forced into a distance because my training plan says so. :)

Disney looks super fun! If I could go anywhere right now, I would probably pick Australia. I have never been and it is on my bucket list.

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I LOVE your crossbody purse! Where is it from? I’m guessing Nordstrom?

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I listen to my body after a race, but I’m usually excited to get back at it. I usually walk the next day and start to jog a two days after. Ultra’s are a different story though! My body needs more rest afterwards.
I’m boring. I just like plain caramel apples.
It looks like you’re having a great trip!!

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I bet you’re really having a good break after running in a marathon. As for me, it’s all usually a week or 2 of rest after joining a marathon, depending on how tough the race was.

And I miss going to Disneyland. My family and I are going to Japan later this year and we’re going try their Disneyland, too. Excited!!!!

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I’ll prob take 2-3 days off from my half marathon this Sunday only because I’m in marathon training. I kinda feel like I’m cramming for my first marathon because life happened and I got sick and took time off. I may only get up to 18 miles. But I simply want to finish my first.
I like the ghiradelli sundaes at Disneyland…I would never qualify for Boston lol I’d live to do NY but not sure if theres qualifying times for that? Regardless I’ll be going to NY for my 40th bday in 1.5 years eek!

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Meant to say love not live…although I’d love to live too ;)

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I really like your thoughts about recovery. I am going through a period of no running right now; not because of a running injury but because of some very difficult and unrelated health concerns. It is so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially with many unknown things and the fact that I have used running as a coping mechanism and a way to clear my head for years. During a physically stressful and emotional time, it is hard for me not to grab my shoes and go for a run. I miss it so much, but it is important to let my body have time to deal with other stresses the way it needs to.

That being said, I always take about a week off after a marathon. Then I run “for fun” with out planned workouts for another couple of weeks.

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Disney is just the best, isn’t it? It’s expensive as all getout but it’s so much fun that I think it ends up being worth it.

I am going to be at Boston next year! My boyfriend and I are running for the Boston Children’s Hospital charity, Miles for Miracles. We have A LOT of fundraising ahead of us so that seems to be more intimidating than the miles right now. We are so excited/terrified – it’s the first marathon for both of us! To get it all kicked off, we are running the Boston Half Marathon this weekend :)

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I took a full 7 days off after my last marathon before jumping (slowly) back into running to train for NYC.

Can you believe I’ve never been to Disney? And I live in San Diego. I know, crazy.

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So fun!!! You have to get a churro at Disney! They are the best :) My husband and I had annual passes a few years in a row, and we alwayyyys got a churro. Ugh, you’re making me want to go back so badly! Is it crazy to go with an infant?…. I already know the answer, but I kind of don’t care… haha

xo

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I may sound a little crazy but I love that feeling being sore after a race. That means you left everything you had out on the road! There’s no better way to recover than walking in the happiest place on earth. It looks like you are having a blast! I can’t wait to share those kinds of memories with my daughter.

I normally take about 5 days off after a marathon. But after running 2 marathons 16wks and 24wks after my daughter was born I vowed I was taking the rest of the year off from marathoning. While I’m still running half marathons, training isn’t nearly as time consuming and so laid back which lets me spend more time with the baby. Let me just say it’s been Nice!

I’ll be in Boston watching the hubs and friends run. I hope you are planning a meet up!

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You make a really good point – social media does pressure my running sometimes! Now that I’m running preggo again, I’m trying to focus on what is best for MY body and not what other runners are doing.

After full marathons, I usually take a week and after halfs, I take a few days. I won’t be at Boston, but will hopefully be super preggo at that point and cheering for you via the internet!

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Yay! I have been waiting for you to say you’re going to Boston! If you mentioned it before, I missed it. I will be in Boston 2015 too. You’ll have to share your training plan.

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It looks like you are having a blast! I can’t wait til my daughters old enough to go! :-D

I love your peach top! Looks very comfy! Where is it from? I just want your clothes….fitness attire included ;-)

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In the past I’ve taken weeks off after my marathons. This past training cycle, I scheduled 2 marathons in the course of a month, so no real time off. Running Chicago this weekend.

And I’ll be in Boston this next year – I can’t wait!

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What is your marathon training plan? I’d love to see a peak into what you do to prepare for a race, especially since you’ve incorporated strength training and speed work into the routine. (pst…I’d really love to train for a marathon one day)

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I will be at Boston next year! Hope to meet up with you to say hi!
Enjoy Disney :)

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Looks like you guys are having an amazing time! I will be at Boston next year… so excited to be back! :)

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All of the photos look great, I hope you’re having a fabulous time!

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I’m heading to a Disneyland in four weeks and can’t wait for a Dole Whip!

Have you registered for Boston, or are you entering through an alternate route? (As time qualifier entries closed a few weeks ago and the lists are up)

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I think that it is so important to take it easy after doing that to your body. I have only ever done a half marathon, but I definitely waited a few days to allow my body to rest before I started running again. It was good for me both mentally and physically!!

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That candy apple looks SO GOOD. I want it, right now.

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Hmmmm…I ran TC Marathon on Sunday…plan on doing some light eliptical tonight (took 2 days off)…I think I will do 3-6 mile runs here and there in the next 2 weeks, as I have a half and 10 mile race coming up. My legs are still tight…but feel great otherwise! It feels strange not “having” to train for a marathon right now…so I can do whatever I want!

It was my first marathon…and I qualified for Boston 2016! 3:33:34…I still don’t believe it!

I think I would just go with caramel and nuts on my apple;)

Even though I love the “running” season…I do look forward to alpine skiing and hockey…yes, I’m from Minnesota…lol

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I love taking a couple of weeks off too. I figure I deserve it. I try to do a lot more yoga practices to help stretch out the legs and back. Your Disney trip look like so much fun.

No Boston for me. I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy too slow.

Got to have chocolate and nuts on a caramel apple.

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I will be at Boston next year ! Ran a 3:12 at Boston 2014 this year and looking to get into those single digits in 2015 if you need a racing buddy :)

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I will take a week off after running Chicago on Sunday!

I will be at Boston, not running but visiting family and supporting a friend from WA.

Favorite caramel apple topping is peanuts and chocolate.

If I could go anywhere on vacation it would be China or Peru, Machu Picchu. I have never been and they are on my bucket list.

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I usually take a few days to a week off after a half, depending on how I feel after the race.

I’m a caramel apple purist – I just want apple and caramel :)

If I could go on vacation anywhere right now, it would probably be Ireland – I lived there for 6 months and college and I really want to go back!

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I like your no-pressure attitude about running lately. You rocked that marathon and now you deserve to enjoy running for fun again.

I love those big pickles every time I go to Disneyland. For some reason, they are just what the body needs after walking around that part all day.

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Oh my goodness, she is such a doll baby!! It looks like you guys had a really great time!! :)

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Your corn dog picture got photobombed by an incredibly happy guy. That totally made me laugh! I love Brooke’s decked out Disney outfit and shades.

I completely agree with you about taking time off after a marathon and letting the body heal. After running the Portland Marathon on Sunday, I am not going to run for at least two weeks. My body definitely needs the break!

Vacation right now would definitely have to be Isla Holbox!

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Vacation- hmmm somewhere in the country with lovely weather and quiet!

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So many awesome pictures!

I knew at a very young age that being an astronaut was not in my future. The spinning rides get me every time — no one would’ve wanted to see my face after a spin in the tea cups.

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I’m running my first marathon on Sunday & am really looking forward to RESTING for a few weeks after! I have been having a mentally and physically exhausting few months, between training & my mom being sick/ in and out of the hospital & nursing home, and now to her being in ICU. I will be running and thinking of her on Sunday & letting my body recover as it sees fit when I’m done!

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I’ve run 2 marathons and I take 1 week off. It feels great to rest those days and eat what I want! :). I’m usually itching to get back running sooner but don’t because I know it’s important for my body to recover.
Boston is on my list…hope to be there someday!! Your blog and tips I feel like have already helped me improve and get faster. Thank you!
Have fun at Disneyland. That’s my favorite place!!

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Incredible job on your marathon by the way! You inspire me!

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For a half marathon I’ll take a few days off, for a full I’ll take at least one week, sometimes two!

My favorite caramel apple topping is white chocolate with cinnamon sugar on the outside, tastes like apple pie! So good.

I would love to go to Switzerland or Scotland (where my husband served his mission).

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Where is your purse from ? LOVE! Btw, I live about 20min from Disneyland! OC :)

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I took 2 weeks off after my half marathon and it was lovely but hard to get going again. That Chocolate cover apple looks amazing. I am off sugar at the moment and it looks so tasty. It looks like you are having a lovely time.

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I love Pam….I used to hear a lot more about here when Skinnyrunner was blogging.

I love Brooke’s pancakes. Did she end up letting you cut them?

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ahhhh i want that candy apple!!
THank you for answering my question for me!!

I WILL BE IN BOSTON WITH YOU!!!!!!! XOXOXO

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You’re very right about taking time off. It’s incredibly hard when you see it on social media but I have to remember we’re all different.

Brooke looks sooooo cool for school in those glasses. Loving her headbands.

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I would probably go to visit my cousin and her husband in Virginia. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them and it would be good to catch up with them!

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I’ll be at Boston! I had an amazing experience (but not so great race) last year. Hoping to have BOTH a great weekend and race this year!

Boston training always starts the week after Christmas for me too. Until then, I’m enjoying eating my donuts too :)

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