Post Run Recovery

I've found that I've been having trouble with recovering after my long runs - so badly that I was pretty much lying in bed for the remainder of the day. I've shared with you before that I had felt "hungover" and I thought to myself that surely there was a better way.

Ya know, part of training is not only building on the distance I'm running, but to also key into my body and giving it what it needs. This is a process of trial and error because what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for me. To my dissappointment, the XS energy drinks (Amway) that I had been using, could quite possibly be the culprit. I didn't use them the last couple of runs and I'm not going to use them tomorrow - I'll be running 19 miles. I did go to REVO in Dana Point (bicycle shop) and the owner there was extremely helpful. He suggested I try out an electrolyte mix instead of G2. I drank it all week to introduce it to my body and I really like it (more than G2) But here's the really cool thing...

A friend of mine just recently purchased the Japanese technology (machine) that process' water - making it more alkaline for the body. The benefits are that it get's rid of free radicals vey quickly, hydrates the body more efficiently, provides more oxygen to the muscles and I've felt like I've had a lot more energy overall. AMAZING!! I am aware that ther very idea of this might be a "placebo effect." But I have to say, that my short runs this week (less than 4 miles) have been awesome! I ran faster than usual and for the first time in months, my cardio was actually getting a workout!

I used to have to drink coffee, or an XS energy drink or something to get me moving in the morning before the run. I always thought to myself "how do runners do this? THIS SUCKS!!" My trainer says she doesn't drink anything like that before a run and I used to think she was nutz. But I now wonder if her body is better hydrated, with better nutrition and performs at a different- better level than mine.

In the past on all of my long run days, I've felt crappy. Last weekend's 10 miles wasn't soo bad, but I didn't feel my best. I am curious with the new water and the new electrolyte mix-- how I will feel after the 19 miles Sunday. For me, the running itself is not the hardest part. The hardest part is figuring out what my body needs to properly replenish it.