I had to take a little running break for a while because my knees were starting to cramp up and tighten while working out. I did stick to swimming laps and strength training to make up for it. I’ve been fitting in a lot of golf, basketball, yoga and dog walks to also get some more exercise. I decided to try and run today. I did surprisingly well. I ran 3.5 miles without feeling too bad on the knee. I made sure to ice it after and then wrap it. I also ran VERY SLOW miles. The miles were around 10-12 minutes.
It was so hot out when I went for my run. I should have done it earlier in the morning, but that’s my time to drink coffee and do my emails. I may start pushing my runs back until later in the evening; at least I got a tan. When I got back, I blended up 1/2 cup ice, half banana, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1 packet of stevia, and one pack of white chia seeds to cool down.
This is such a quick and refreshing drink for a post workout.
What is your favorite way to cool off after a workout?
Margaret @ Happy Healthy PDX says
That’s my normal mile pace – I won’t win any speed awards, but at least I’m out there…those slow miles are going to carry me through my first 26.2 this October!
If I’m running on a hot day, I usually text my husband when I’m about a mile away from being done so that he has a big glass of ice water waiting inside the door when I get back. I also like to hop in a super cold shower (and slowly crank it back up to normal people temperature). If I don’t cool myself off enough I am beet red for the rest of the day!
Jody K. says
Good luck with your marathon, that’s a HUGE accomplishment…even at your “slow” pace (totally joking, I think that’s a very average and normal pace).
Mel says
I run at around a 10 minutes a mile pace too. I don’t think it’s slow, ad Jody said, it’s a normal pace. Keep it up!
Sue says
My normal pace is about 11 minutes a mile and I run everyday. I see people passing me, but oh well at least we are out there! It makes me sad when other people comment that my normal is VERY SLOW. I’ve only done one 1/2 marathon and my 4 year old nephew asked my sister if I won. And then if I was sad about losing. Finishing at any time is winning! Good luck on your run!
Margaret @ Happy Healthy PDX says
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I live in Oregon (down the street from Nike HQ) where it seems like everyone and their dog is an elite runner, so it’s hard to not play the comparison game. But I’m working on owning what I can do. I agree, if you’re out there, you’re winning!
Cassie says
Yum! I’d probably add a heaping scoop of peanut butter in there too!
alison says
I love anything strawberry banana!
Lisa says
Looks so yummy! I need to try this. Keep up the awesome work Taralynn! You inspire many people!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Would you rather run in heat or the cold, Tara?
Taralynn McNitt says
heat.
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
post workout I love drinking some ice water to cool down!
Amanda says
When are you going to upload the mailbox “redo” tutorial? I am so excited to get out in the yard and making it look nicer and would love to see posts like that on your blog since you have your own house now. DIY’s would be fun to read as well! Just some ideas! 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
I want to wait until they grow a little bit taller for the final picture! 🙂 They’re getting so big though! It should be up by next friday 😀
Emily says
Find it a little discouraging when you’re hard on yourself for your “VERY slow miles” at 10-12 minutes pace when I know that for me and a lot of your readers that is normal. I know you didn’t mean for it to be kind of insulting, but that’s how it came across 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
For me, that is slow. Not everyone runs the same. We all have our “slow” paces. My slow is not your slow and your slow is not my slow. Don’t take it the wrong way. Just as long as you’re going at “your” pace, you shouldn’t feel discouraged.