On Spectating, XTraining, Restina, etc.

Thanks for everyone’s encouraging comments from my last post! Blogging is funny, after I was finished writing that post, I had completely “worked through” my injury anger and had come to terms with it. It is what it is. In the grand scheme of running injuries, it’s not a big deal (hopefully). The timing is actually perfect, considering I was planning on taking a 2-3 month break before NYC training begins. So I am officially nestled into my cozy little injured circumstance, and am embracing a relaxed couple of months. I’ll still be cross training, and will hopefully fit in some mileage once I can do so pain-free. But it will be nice to not try and meet a weekly mileage number or try and push through something when my body is screaming at me telling me not to.

We woke up early on Sunday to be the best spectators we could be:

No, still am not sure what the injury is. The pain is now centralized on a specific area (groin – TMI?) which I guess is good so I can isolate it now.  I might try running this weekend to assess the pain, and decide whether I should see a doctor.

Cross Training

The primary goal through May & June is to give my body the break from as much impact as I can. I foresee a typical week looking something like this:

2 Days Rest

2 Days Elliptical or Incline Walking

1 Day Bikram

2 Days Running 5 miles max, “Naked” (no Garmin)

And, yes, I’m writing it on here to stay accountable. Hopefully come mid-July I’ll be ready for 16 weeks of marathon training.

I have previously mentioned that I despise the elliptical machine with a passion. I simply assume that everyone else on other elliptical machines must also be injured, as there is no other justifiable reason why one would choose this piece of equipment. However, I have a trick for you. Purchase a season(s) of a guilty pleasure TV show for your iPhone (that your husband probably doesn’t want to watch). The rule is, you can ONLY watch it while on the elliptical machine. This way, it will give you something to look forward to! Smart, yes? Friends, I officially downloaded the entire first season of:  

I’m sorry I’m not sorry.

Anyways – since there was no racing last weekend, there was lots of good eating. Saturday evening, Joe and I went to my absolute favorite restaurant (yes, in the world), D’mitri’s.

Greek salad with Greens and Grilled Octopus! We also ordered lamb meatballs.  Accompanied by Greek white wine (aka Ρεστίνα, pronounced “restina”, a little Greek lesson for you.) This is my favorite meal in the world.

Sunday morning, our spectating efforts were fueled by Spread Bagelry:

I ordered the Egg White bagel on whole wheat, with swiss, spinach, mushrooms, and smoked turkey bacon.

And you may or may not know by now that my post-race meal is always (always!) a burger and a beer. Since I trained to race, I figured it was still deserved, no?

Twenty Manning’s TMG burger, with avocado & side sald.

Classic.

Q1: How do you keep yourself occupied on the elliptical, treadmill, bike, etc?

Q2: What is your most favorite restaurant and/or meal in the world?