1/2 Marathon Training and EO's

If you're on facebook, you probably got an invite to an online class my friend Amanda is graciously doing for me!  She introduced me to essential oils and they've made SUCH a huge difference for my own family that I am dying to tell all my friends about them!  I blogged about them right after I got my kit but I have to tell you my latest EO news... not only do they help my kids sleep, improve my skin, keep us all healthy, they're fabulous for 1/2 marathon training too!!

Yesterday was my first official long run - I say official because I had done a few longer runs on Saturdays but the training program that I'm following started Monday, so this was the first "official" long run.  Not to mention it's been ridiculously cold and snowy over the last several weeks so all training has been basically put on hold.  I don't think I had run over 4 miles in almost a month and I was scheduled to run on Saturday.  Needless to say, I was more than a little nervous about this run.  But I had three good running buddies lined up to run (and a 1/2 marathon registration fee already paid), so there was no backing out!  Before the run, I rubbed a little valor on my lower back to try to work out some stiffness.  I also inhaled some peppermint because I had read it was supposed to be energizing.  We took off running about an 8:45 pace (a little slower than my "normal", but a good pace) and gradually sped up so that by the end our overall average  for 7 miles was 8:24 and miles 4-7 were all right around the 8:00 mark.  I seriously felt SO good the entire time, I was honestly amazed at how well it felt, especially considering how fast we were running (fast for me anyway).

When we finished, we were walking the last 6 blocks back to the Y and I could almost immediately feel my knees getting stiff (this happens anytime I run more than about 4 miles....I have seriously crappy knees but I'm also convinced that prior surgeries on both knees didn't really help, so I'm not willing to do that again).  I did my usual stretching and headed home with still stiff knees.  When I got home, I decided to try out my oils.  I rubbed some panaway on each knee and literally, within 2 minutes, all stiffness was gone and it has not returned at all.  (it's now Sunday night!! - Praise the Lord!!)  After I showered, I also decided to try out my new Young Living Ortho Sport Massage oil (made with essential oils).  I coated both legs in the oil and went on about my day.  My legs NEVER got stiff or sore...woke up this morning, still no sore muscles.  Seriously, my legs felt so good I just about skipped my rest day and went for another run - just for fun! :)

Last month when I started doing some 5 and 6 mile runs on Saturdays, I was super sore all day Sunday and barely ready to run again on Monday morning -- I can't even tell you how excited I am to have such a simple solution make such a HUGE difference in my training regimen!   Whether you're training for a race or just wanting your kids to sleep better, I'd LOVE to share more about Young Living Essential Oils and the difference they're making in my life!  Feel free to comment here or find me on facebook! :)