First of all, THANK YOU for all of the congrats and well wishes! It's 4 days after the race, and I still cannot believe it's come and gone! The other thing that's a little mind-boggling is that I feel pretty normal. I had a massage scheduled shortly after I got home on Monday, and I've been putting in alot of walking miles since the race, including the evening after. That, plus copious stretching and Vitamin I (ibuprofen) here and there... I feel totally fine!

My walking buddy and I took a light jog around the lake yesterday afternoon, and I was amazed that it felt ok. I don't know if this is normal, or if there are some sneaking aches or weaknesses just waiting to rear their heads! Just to be safe, I'm sticking with walking and yoga this week, and might do a nice trail run this weekend.

After that, I think I'm going to swing back into a normalish routine next week. Strength training and running some lower mileage (I think I can dial back the 20 milers). I've got an 8k Turkey Trot on TG, and the Hot Chocolate 15K back in DC on Dec 3. I'm also considering an easy 5K with my kiddo on the 19th, but we'll see... do I really need 3 more races on back to back weekends?

I already have my 1/2 marathon spring schedule laid out. My goals for next year are:
- get my Half Fanatics membership
- break 2 hours for a 1/2 marathon
- do at least one adventure race (Muddy Buddy, Warrior Dash, something like that)
- I'd also really like to do another marathon for my 40th birthday.. kind of a fun way to say "suck it, 40!". Problem is, that's in December, and I don't know of many cool marathons in Dec. In face, ANY marathon is going to be hard-pressed to top the MCM, sooo.... who knows.

And that, as they say, is that! If you're heading into a race in the next few weeks, good luck! If you're winding down for the season, take care of yourself!