Weekly Check In

Saturday Long Run

I went running on Saturday so that I wouldn't have to on Christmas Day. My task was 18 miles. The experience was NOTHING like last week. I ran it in 2 hours and 30 minutes, so that's about 8 1/2 minutes per mile. That's really good considering it was my longest run to date.

As I've mentioned before I don't like to eat or drink a lot while running because it upsets my stomach. This time I took some of those Extreme Sport Beans for energy that I bought at the half marathon race expo. 

I took one pack 30 minutes before heading out and then another pack when I got back. It says on the package to take it with water. About halfway through my route (mile 9) I took half of a GU. 

I felt great, especially after the run. Sometimes I feel really weak but this time I felt fine and I didn't eat until about an hour (or more) after runnng. 

This will be my marathon strategy for energy. The marathon is so early (it starts at 630am) that I doubt I will want to wake up 3 hours ahead of time just to eat. That's how long it takes me to digest enough to get ready to run. 

So I will take a pack before and then take the beans as I need during the race. To carry the beans I'll probably buy one of those shirts for cyclists that has pockets in the back. I think that'll be more comfortable than running with a belt.

Sunday

This was a rest day. I planned to do some light exercises and stretch but there was a lot going on. So I just ate and chilled out.

Monday

Today I will do the static bike for about 30 minutes, do some stretching and ab work.

Tuesday

After work I will do some weight training (arms) and interval training on the treadmill for 25 minutes.

Wednesday

Weight training (legs)

Thursday

I won't have time to hit the gym today so I will run my 20 minutes in the morning before I head to work and do some abs.

Friday

Rest day

Saturday

Rest day

Sunday

I will attempt to run 20 miles. I know you shouldn't keep increasing, but this week will be a pretty relaxed week and I will rest (and stretch) two days before. Plus, to recover, the following week I'll just clock 6 miles or so. 

I want to get another long run in before I have to start tapering. With getting sick, races, life... I haven't been able to stick as closely to my marathon training schedule as I would've liked. So before I start tapering (January 29th) I have this 20 miles and another 18 miles.

The marathon is coming so soon! I'm excited and SUPER NERVOUS! Before I know it, it will be February!

How are you staying active during the holiday season?

Race Pack Goodies

The race expo wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. I guess I was expecting more free stuff...yes, I definitely expected cooler free stuff. But just in case you're curious here's a peek:

 This is where I picked up my bib number. It was the first day of the expo so there weren't a lot of people. Thankfully!

There I am with my goodie bag. The best gift (besides the race shirt) I was given.

 Here's the free stuff: a granola bar, chapstick, a mini tube of lotion, and toothpaste. I'm still confused about the toothpaste.

 There I am sporting the race shirt! I like it a lot actually. The material is pretty good quality and the fit is excellent. I probably won't wear it on race day though.

A close up of the bag. It's nothing special but I think I'll start using it when I go to the gym.

No, these super cool running shorts were not included in the race pack! I bought these for $11 at the expo! I've been wanting some spandex shorts to run in for awhile. These can also double as undies. They are so comfortable!

 I should've bought two pairs!

One of the vendors at the expo. I'm excited because it's a completely organic supermarket! So Chema and I have another option when looking for our vegan fare.

My bib number! It was shocking because these numbers are my dad (28) and older sister's (27) birthdays! Their birthdays are in February, which is when I run the marathon. It's shocking because I initially got motivated to run the marathon for my dad. He passed away suddenly a couple of years ago and was a real exercise nut. My sister has nothing to do with my running...at all...but I still think it's a cool connection.

The first half marathon I ran was not high-tech in the least so this "new" technology impressed me. Instead of the chip on the shoe it's placed on the back of the bib number.

The stuff in the front is the non-exciting free stuff I mentioned earlier. The stuff in the back I purchased as part of my November goals. I want to try some alternative ways to hydrate and energize myself while running. Instead of drinking tons of water or eating solid foods as they wreak havoc on my stomach. I purchased this stuff for a total of $3! Anywhere else it is so expensive. As in more than $3 for just one pack.

Does anyone know where I can by this stuff at reasonable prices?

That's it. That's my race pack.

Mentally, I'm ready for the half marathon. I want to do some stretching tonight and tomorrow to loosen up my muscles a bit. This week was super busy with work that I only had time to go to the gym Wednesday and Thursday.

Something crazy that happened: Last night in body combat my mom injured herself! We were doing back kicks and she suddenly stopped and limped out of class. She couldn't finish it. She was in so much pain she had to go to the emergency room this morning. She now has one of those leg braces that doesn't allow you to move at all and crutches. They think she tore a muscle. She won't know more until Tuesday when she has an appointment with the orthopedic doctor. It sucks. So we didn't go to the gym today and next week I'll be going solo. The only positive thing is that I can try new classes, also part of my November goals. I just hope my mom gets better soon!

Back to my mental state...

I'm only nervous about 2 things:

1. Daylight Savings -- Of course we have to push back the clocks an hour the day I have to run the half marathon! It's at 2am so I hope I don't forget. Either way, it's better to be early than late.
2. Traffic -- The NC State campus area is always busy anyway so I hope it's not too bad on race day. I plan to leave the house at 530am and the race doesn't start until 7am. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to get there. I should be OK.

So that's it. I will check in again tomorrow to post any other final thoughts. As well as to show you what I plan on wearing on race day. Wish me luck!

Fitness Tip: Lackluster Energy

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER (My first half marathon)

Yes, lackluster energy affects the best of us. After taking a look at my embarassing, lazy, pictures above you know it's true. So how do I get the job done when I just want to sit on the couch staring into space or catch up on my youtube videos? 

Honestly, sometimes I don't know how I do it either.

Typically, working out the first thing in the morning is the best option. For me, it helps me get it out of the way so that I don't have to worry about making excuses later. 

Sure, I still have crust in my eyes and it takes me a minute to get oriented, but after that I'm good. Plus, I have added energy for the rest of the day and have a sounder sleep at night. 

When I don't get up early I feel lazier as the day goes on. At the end of the day I make up some excuse why I can't go run:

• It's too late
• I have to get up early tomorrow
• I'm too tired
• I'm hungry
• It's too dark
• I have no clean clothes...

On the weekends I have no reason to get up early. So how do I handle it? I get a buddy! 

Now, I am not one of those lucky people who has a running buddy or are part of a running club. There is no one who wants to run with me! 

However, I can oftentimes beg my husband to come with me on his bike on days I truly feel energy-less. He holds my water, tracks my miles, and sometimes provides witty conversation (sometimes).

Of course I can't always count on my husband or getting up early. So instead I try to stay on my feet. I find that if I get up and then plop right down on the couch, it will be harder to muster up energy later. 

When I get up I wake up with a plan. I will eat breakfast, check my email and in an hour I need to be doing something active. If not, I'd better have a real good reason.

Or I can just look at the pictures above and see what happens when I DON'T. Not cute.

What do YOU do when you feel a case of lackluster energy starting to materialize?