This isTraining Diaries, a Lifehacker series about my journey to the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.
Its been nearly one week since I ran the New York City marathon.
Ill kick off by saying this: The real stars of the NYC marathon arethe spectators.
One friend described it as getting a five-hour long hug from the entire city.
Personally, I felt I was like running on stage.
In fact, I was on stage doing standup not 12 hours before the marathon started.
My set suffered from pre-race nerves, and my race suffered from post-show exhaustion.
Would I recommend this combo to any other comic or runner?
Would I do this to myself again?
Im going to live forever!
Rather than relaxing into my race pace, my body was clenched the whole time.
Ive heard other runners describe it as failing to find their rhythm.
I was lucky to have friends and supporters spaced out along the course.
Nothing puts a pep in your step like overwhelming gratitude for people you love!
The absolute highlight of my day was seeing a large group of friends alongside my dad at mile 18.
Seeing those people at that point in the race sent my adrenaline skyrocketing.
You know when a dog gets overstimulated and starts zooming around in circles?
Lets just say theres now a video of me doing an impulsive handstand at mile 18.
(This was a good decision.
I in no way spent the next day projectile vomiting.)
Post-race recovery, and the so-called runners flu
The first half of the race passed quickly.
They described me as inaccessible.
Fair enoughat this point, the only thing going through my head was that I needed todig deeper.
I tuned out the crowd and the runners around me.
And then I crossed the finish line.
Im emotional now, but in the moment, it was anti-climactic.
I was just ready to bedoneand lying horizontal somewhere, anywhere.
And then, the vomiting.
I would argue (and many runnerswould agree) that the ideal marathon temperature is around 50F.
Sundays race was around 65F.
Gorgeous for spectating; surprisingly brutal for running.
Laying out my clothes the night before, I had to choose between leggings and shorts.
Two potential evils lay before me: Overheating versus chafing.
I opted for being too warm.
As a consequence of the heat, I accidentally drank way too much water throughout the race.
(Remember:Nothing new on race day.
This includes your hydration strategy and the number of impromptu handstands.)
What is runners flu?
Apparently, I was experiencing the so-called runners flu, which is a very real phenomenon.
The exaggerated inflammatory response and fluid shifts that occur can also cause flu-like symptoms.
While the experience has been unpleasant, Im already on the mend.
Ive prioritized proper rest and recovery techniques, which Ill dive into below.
This will help replenish glycogen stores and aid muscle recovery.
Good options include chocolate milk, yogurt, eggs, and a banana.
This can help reduce inflammation.
Compression socks may also help.
Get a massage.Schedule a sports massage within the first few days after the marathon if possible.
This can help decrease swelling and prevent tightness.
Build back up gradually.
Stretch daily.Focus on major muscle groups like calves, hamstrings, quads, hips.
Prioritize sleep.Get 8-10 hours per night to allow your body to fully recover.
Nap if you’re free to too!
Eat well.Continue eating nutrient-dense whole foods to aid muscle repair.
Get plenty of protein.
I for one lean on easy-to-digest smoothies, eggs, yogurt, and nut butters.
Listen to your body during the recovery process.
Avoid intense or high-impact workouts until you start to feel normal again.
Be patientit takes time to bounce back after a marathon.
It was also my most rewarding race, and I would 100% do it again.
I dont think theres any amount of vomit that can keep me from signing up for another marathon.
I believe training for a marathon gifts you one thingbesides sore musclesand thats perspective.
(And if marathon trainingtakesone thing from you,its your toenails.
Who needs em?)
