Time for Shoe Shopping!

After today's 4 mile run, one thing is apparent-something is off, and I think I know what it is. The last three runs I have done, though physically I felt great and my breathing and everything was under control, when I stop running the pain sets in. It feels like both of my knees have been locked for a decent amount of time. They feel so stiff and tight, and I've never felt that before. It doesnt last too long, and I can normally walk/stretch it out, but it is painful. I dont know if it has anything to do with the distances I've put in each week with training for this half, but I'm thinking it could be caused by my shoes. I've had them from my first 5K (last October), to the River Run, and now half marathon training. So, tomorrow I will go to 1st Place Sports and see about some new shoes. I have my Vibrams (which I love) but I havent been training with them, so the plan is to get some new Mizunos (like I wear now) and once the half is over, using my Vibrams again.

Besides my run this afternoon, work was extremely boring, so I couldnt wait to get off and go run. My mom and Cody came tonight which was helpful because there is something different about running in the afternoon rather than the morning. I definitely prefer the morning, so I wont put it off again.

Tomorrow: no running-strength training!

Run Recap & Quick Dinner

The 8 mile run Sunday turned into a 6 miler. The weather was questionable so we cut it short, but the run was amazing! I ran with a friend, Ashley, and we chatted the entire way. The run went by so fast, and I felt great! I really feel like I'm coming into my own in terms of running because with each run I feel stronger. I'm just really excited about the place I'm at with my running.

I am however not thrilled with my lack of strength training lately. I know kicking that in will help me shed the last 12-13 pounds. I've been stuck at this point with my weight and I cant seem to get past this plateau. I know I'm ultimately responsible more because I cheat here, or have an off day there and it all adds up. Its fine when I'm maintaining, but when I still have pounds to go I should be a little more focused. Now with football season starting this weekend, it will be tough to stay on track, but I will just have to bring things I can eat. I will attempt that this weekend!

Tonight, after work I wanted to go and get a new Gator shirt for the game this weekend. While at the sports store Cody and I ran into everyones favorite teacher from our high school. We ended up talking to her for awhile and by the time we left it was 7:30. I knew I didnt have time to make an elaborate dinner and I am a huge fan of quick, healthy dinners so thats what I did. I was extremely tempted to, and I think most people can relate to this, get junk food. When its late and you dont feel like cooking, and the night doesnt go as planned, its so much easier to turn to fast food. I thought about it and how guilty I would feel afterwards and instead I grabbed the stuff for chicken stir fry!

With these simple ingredients I was able to make a quick, healthy dinner. Cut up chicken mixed with stir-fry sauce and veggies over a little brown rice. I was full and happy-no guilt here! I'm happy, but I do feel like it is a constant battle to make the right decisions. Though its my lifestyle I still want to throw in the towel some days. When I dont, I feel so much better. I know that not only am I making the best decision health wise, but that its good to know I have to will power to not give into the easy fast food temptation.

Tomorrow: training schedule says 4 miles!

6 Miles & New Gear

This morning I had my job interview with Allstate, which I think went very well. They seem like a great company and I was told that getting in with them is like starting a long-term career, which is what I'm looking for! I should know by next week, so I'm excited to find out.

After the interview Cody and I did lunch with his mom and we thought since the weather was overcast, it would be a good mall day. Somehow everything I ended up purchasing revolves around running. I think thats when you know you've really gotten into something, everything you buy has to do with it. Here's a pic of everything I got:

I got Nike Gator running shorts, my GNC Women's Active Vitamins (on sale-50% off), a pack of Gatorade Perform drink mix (I thought it would be perfect to mix in one of my bottles on my water belt for long runs), an awesome Nike Dri-FIT hat (perfect especially in this heat), and my dad got me the EA Energy Armour band (some wrist band that improves balance, strength, and even known to help improve running strides-the demonstration was cool and worked so I'll try it!) Overall, I got alot of great stuff. Whenever I buy new running gear it gets me excited to go running again, so I cant wait for tomorrows long run!

Going back to Thursday, I did get up early for my 6-miler. I had a quick pb and sandwich thin and headed out with my water belt and towel. I was nervous because I havent really pushed myself and I just wanted to see if I was still capable of the distance. It wasnt as hot as normal, so I knew the conditions were right. I didnt want to worry about time, so I just wanted to go out there with a clear mind and go. I ran the entire time, and completed in 1hr 24min. Its not very quick, but now I know I can do it and it makes me feel good going forward training for this half! I felt great afterwards once I had my protein shake, but I was a bit of a mess. I took a picture because I ran through grass, had dirt and mud on me, I felt like a tough athlete!

hard to see, but my legs were covered in dirt, I felt legit!

So, after extra-lean turkey burgers and watching the Jags game tonight I will head to bed-got to be up early for an 8 mile run out on the trails!

Job Changes

I've been away from the blog, but I've been a little busy. Friday was my last day at Football Fanatics. I went to lunch with my co-workers and they got me an edible arrangement which was super nice, considering I only worked there for about 7 weeks. I had some issues over the weekend and had to go to the doctor on Tuesday, so running got put on hold. Monday I started my new job and I feel a bit uncomfortable. It sucks to be the new girl and have no one to talk to, but I'm trying. I decided that I really cant skip on the training, so 2 miles wouldnt kill me on Tuesday.
Today, however I found out I have an interview with Allstate in a few days. I am really excited becasue its a reputable company who I could start a long term career with. I wuld have the opportunity to work my way up and set up a promising future. I guess I will see how it goes. Tomorrow I've got a 6 miler on the training schedule. Hoping to just give it my all and run the whole thing. We will see tomorrow!

Is it sad when the most important part of my day is cooking dinner?

Honestly, sitting at a desk all day and logging product isnt my favorite thing and I cherish the times I get off at a decent time and get to cook dinner for the fam. I love cooking and trying new things, especially healthy recipes. It always proves to me that eating right is delicious and just enjoyable to do. I got to leave work around 6 tonight and I knew dinner was going to be homemade Mexican! I decided on chicken fajitas.

The process went as follows:

just finished cutting the chicken into strips
fresh sliced green, red, yellow peppers-the colors look amazing!

chicken and peppers, simmering in taco seasoning and a little chili powder for that extra kick!

the finished product-chicken, peppers, red beans, brown rice, lettuce, low-fat cheese, hot sauce all on a low-calorie multi-grain wrap! YUM!

I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and I love the satisfaction that I made it. Dad was impressed too since he is new to the eating/working out lifestyle change. Overall, a success today because I got in my 2 miles this morning. Ran it in about 17 minutes and felt pretty good afterwards. I had a Myoplex shake while I got ready for work and I'm shocked at how full it kept me. I ate again before work because I knew I needed the fuel, but the shake really kept me full and energized, not to mention the protein I got after the run. I think I will stick to that, especially after Thursday's 7 miler.

Tomorrows plan: (since I dont have to be at work until noon, thank you lord) is to get up about 8 and do some strength training and then make a big breakfast for me and the boyfriend.

Ok, until tomorrow!

Crispers and Cross-Training

This morning I woke up energized to continue half-marathon training, but its an off day for running so I slept in a little before work. I had a lean pocket breakfast and skim milk for breakfast and left for work.
For lunch, I was not feeling the salad I packed, so some co-workers and I went to Crispers. I have not been in awhile and I was pleasantly surprised! I got a half southwest chicken sandwich on multi-grain break and black bean/sausage soup-DELISH! When the food came out they accidentally gave me tomato bisque soup and instead of taking it they let me keep it. I decided to take it home and have that with my salad for tomorrows lunch. I left lunch completely satisfied and happy. I had energy and was not stuffed.

Work went by quick, and I came home to a good dinner. Salmon, brown rice, and fresh broccoli-so good. Anyone who says eating healthy doesnt taste good is dead wrong! Its not a diet its a lifestyle change and once you get into the routine and mindset, it is a great thing!

After dinner I got the family to go to the Y. We stayed up there for 45 minutes doing strength training. I figure on days when I dont run that will be what I do. Strength training will only help my running. This week should be intense in terms of the running schedule. I have 2 miles tomorrow, 7 miles on Thursday, and 8 on Sunday. I'm looking forward to see how my body handles this week!

3 races, 24 hours=Tour de Pain Finisher!

What an exhausting 24 hours! I did it though, I completed my first Tour de Pain! When I first signed up I really didnt think it would be that hard, but I was dead wrong! I'll break down how the races went for me:

Friday-4 mile beach run: Toughest race of my life! Within 5 minutes I was cramping and it never went away. I have never really had to walk during a race, but I would say I walked alot of this one! I would slow down and the cramp would go away and once I started running it was back. It was more than frustrating. Once I finished though, I could not catch my breath and I felt nauseous for awhile. For a minute I had decided I didnt want to run Saturday morning because of how bad I felt, but naturally thats feeling didnt last.

Saturday morning-5K: Much better than the night before. It was incredibly hot and humid, but thats typical here. I started to feel a cramp come on in the beginning, but I knew if I made it to mile 1 I could finish. I stayed back behind my mom most of the race and in the end had the energy to sprint to the finish! I was hot and tired, but overall I felt 100% better than the night before.

Saturday afternoon-1 mile Sizzler: I thought this would be easy, but by the time 3 heats had gone by and it was time for mine I knew a 10-12 minute mile wouldnt cut it. I decided to push myself and see what happened. I started and immediately my legs felt heavy and the mental and physical battle of the past 2 races was very present. At this point it was all I could do not to stop and crawl to the finish. I crossed the line at 9:15 and couldnt have been happier. I was happy it was over and I had done all 3. I grabbed my medal and ran off to find Cody and my family.

Overall, I loved and hated every minute of these races. I dont think theres any way to prepare mentally for this series. The distances dont seem far, but it really is alot on your body physically and mentally. I plan to continue running in the Tour de Pain, but it will probably be one of the toughest races of the year. Running in this makes me feel accomplished, but also like I want to be 100% prepared for the Marine Corp 1/2 marathon this October!

Training for the Pain

So, I havent blogged in awhile so heres whats been going on:
I have the Tour de Pain this weekend-this is 3 races in 24 hours. It will break down like so: Friday night a 4 mile run on the beach, Saturday morning a 3 mile run, and Saturday afternoon a 1 mile sizzler! It should be tough for my body, especially the beach run. Its one thing to do one race, but 3 in 24 hours will be a new experience. I'm excited and nervous for the challenge!
Also, I have been offered 2 jobs this week. I know I am working for Football Fanatics, but on a seasonal possible full-time basis. After talking to my boss and having the uncertainty of whether or not a full-time position will be available I'm still not sure what to do. I know I need to make the best decision for me, but I'm not sure what that is yet. I think all the running this weekend will be theraputic.
Either way-hoping for a possible new decision in life and great new challenge this weekend!

Boo to the Flu!

So, at work on Friday I started to notice that I wasnt feeling 100%. My throat felt a little rough, but I thought I would be fine. After work Cody and I went out to Bahama Breeze for a yummy dinner and drinks! We had a good time, but once we were home I really wasnt feeling good. I woke up Saturday feling sick, but I had to go to work. I pushed through work until 3 and then came home to pass out. The just of my weekend has been me laying on the couch and Cody bringing me gatorade/mashed potatoes/soup. My plan was to try and get up this morning and go to bootcamp with Ash at the HIT center, but after a restless night with a sore throat I knew that wasnt happening this morning. I woke Cody up to go to Solantic with me where I found out I have the flu. I cant workout or go to work until Wednesday, which is so frustrating! I had such an intense week last week and now to start like this. I want to be able to keep up with my training schedule without having roadblocks. I guess the best thing to do take care of my body and get it ready to start up again Wednesday. I'm just going stir crazy sitting around! Oh well..back to my gatorade and movies!