Post Marathon Blues

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It has now been one week since my 1st full marathon (race review here), and I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. I struggled during this past week to find the motivation to even do a recovery run, and then when I did it was painful and my legs felt like they were right back out there on the Surrey course struggling to get even one step further. But today, today I finally feel better, I'm back up to a normal pace and have no aches or pains to speak of (knock on wood!). I am still sad though that my big race for the year is done, so I think it might be time to start considering what's up next...

The following are my current options:

1. I had considered (before finishing Surrey) doing the Boundary Bay Full Marathon on November 3rd, but have since decided that I'd rather do the half. I think I still want some time to process what happened during my 1st marathon so I can do better the next time around. I also did this half last year, and it was really flat and a great course to attempt a PR!

2. This isn't a full marathon, but I'm super excited that I'll be heading to Florida in November for the Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon! Stay tuned for upcoming posts about this weekend and a really awesome related giveaway!

3. Rock n' Roll Arizona Marathon - January 19, 2014
I'd love to do this race because if I were to do this AND the Las Vegas Rn'R Half later in the same year I'd get an awesome medal... but that means I will have to jump right back into marathon training and I just don't know how I feel about that. It would be convenient though since my in-laws have a place in Palm Springs for the winter and they could babysit (I think... you guys want to babysit right???).

4. LA Marathon - March 9, 2014
This one is on my bucket list so it would be nice to check that off next year. However, the timing is inconvenient because it is typically a different type of race weekend for my family (cars), which means I would be on my own, and that's not very appealing... I don't think I'd mind running in LA but the driving in LA might kill me.

5. BMO Vancouver Marathon - May 4, 2014
I think I am pretty much certain that I'll be doing this full next year but the question is, can I wait that long for marathon #2?

How long does it typically take you to recover from a marathon or half marathon? Have you done any of these races, or do you have any recommendations?

Marathon/Half Marathon Bucket List

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Image from http://www.lucyinnovation.co.uk

-Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon. (Unknown Author)-

So after Saturday's awesome Virtual Half I'm feeling pretty confident that I can challenge my first Full Marathon next year if not sooner. This got me thinking as I have a growing list of Half Marathons and Marathons I want to do, (and they're definitely not ALL going to happen next year) why not create a Marathon Bucket List:
(in no particular order)

1. BMO Marathon 2014 (Vancouver, BC in May) - I'm aiming for this to be my first FULL marathon but it may end up being sooner than this
2. Kelowna Marathon (Kelowna, BC in October) - Also would be a good one for next year
3. Kamloops Marathon (Kamloops, BC in July) - Ideally I'd like to complete most of the Marathons/Half Marathons near me at some point in my life, so I'd definitely have to check this one off even thought it's in the heat of the Summer
4. Victoria Marathon/Half Marathon (Victoria, BC in October) - I wanted to do this one this year but I think my schedule is maxed out, so maybe next year.
5. Oliver Half Corked Marathon (Oliver, BC in May) - this sells out every year and it just sounds like tons of fun, should celebrate my birthday doing this one year.
6. Cayman Islands Marathon (Grand Cayman in December) - No need to explain this, who wouldn't want an excuse to go to the Carribean.
7. Route 66 Marathon (Oklahoma in November) -  This just sounds cool.
8. Dopey Challenge (Walt Disney World in January) - Okay I would love to do this in 2014 but seeing as how I will be in WDW for the Wine & Dine Half only two months prior I'm going to have to put this off till at least 2015.
9. Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington in October) - There's so much buzz about this Marathon selling out that I think it belongs on this list.
10. Napa Valley Wine Country Marathon (Napa in October) - No need to explain this one LOL
11. Big Sur Marathon (Big Sur to Carmel in April) - This is a very iconic race that I must do at some point in my life.
12. London Marathon (London in April) - One day.
13. Athens Marathon (Athens, Greece in November) - This has to be on EVERY marathon list, the oldest marathon.
14. Chicago Marathon (Chicago in October) - Another iconic marathon that has to be on the list.
15. Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu in December) - Gotta do one in Hawaii just because!
16. LA Marathon (Los Angelos in March) - Just cause.
17. RnR Vegas (Las Vegas in November) & RnR Arizona (Pheonix in January) - Cause you get an awesome medal and I love RnR!
18. Oregon Crater Lake Marathon (Oregon in August) - Cause it sounds cool
19. Nike Women's Half Marathon (DC in April) - Because I loved the Nike Women's Half in San Fran.
20. Nike Women's Marathon (San Francisco in October) - This was my very first Half Marathon where I raised over $7000 for Team in Training, I HAVE to do the Full Marathon and I might just do it with Team in Training again.

So there you have it, a list that will probably always be growing and in progress. It's a long list, good thing I have a few years of racing ahead of me (I hope).

What races top your Marathon Bucket List?