I Love Running

No doubt, I love running. I've created a blog, so yes this is obvious. Today I ran 9.5 miles (planned to run 8, but Kim joined me at 3.7 and wanted to do 6). I have come over a hump in my long runs. Today's 9.5 felt like a nice 5 miler. About half-way through the day, I thought, "I really need to work out today"...oh, and then I remembered that I already ran this morning. Maybe an allergy fog has clouded my brain, or the long run, according to the body, is just a regular run now. My tempo was under my half-marathon pace, so that was good too. This makes me look forward to the Silver Comet Half in October. I may PR by 10-15 minutes on this one. My next race is the 10k classic, and I am super excited for it and very ready. I know that I will PR even with the well-known rolling hills. YIPPPPEEEE.

The Love Hate

The Speed Work

To clarify, I am not fast. I am faster that I was last year, but I am not fast. Just like the saxophone, I did not learn it overnight. As I was doing speed work this week, I was thinking what a love-hate relationship I have with speed work. When I am doing it (although it wasn't that bad this time, maybe I need to speed up), I want it to be over. When it is over, I am so glad I did it. A day later, I want to do it again but know that I need to be a balanced runner and do my tempo, long, easy runs too. How funny. Expect the unexpected with running. I tell my students that anything is possible, but running has definitely given new meaning to this mantra. I am looking forward to my early morning run on Saturday. Sleeping in is not in my vocabulary.

Marathon Decision Made

Done Deal

I've been keeping up with my mileage maintenance goals. The transition to school should be good since I have been getting up early to run. Yesterday, I did a "speed session" on the track. I put it in quotes because I've been watching the World Track Championships. Now that is fast. It is interesting to watch the difference between the runners. The winners have such a smooth delivery and form. It's funny because the 100m dash runners look like they are on fast forward.

There is a lot of advice out there on how to improve your speed, lots of different workouts...etc. I've decided to do Yasso 800s for my workouts. They are simple. Take your marathon goal time, make it minutes, and then run 800m in that time with recovery in between. Start with 4 reps at the first workout and build up to 10 reps. I can remember this and see progress.

I've decided on my next Marathon, the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. My friend Kellie and I will be running it together. It is a dream for us because, 5 years ago she challenged us to run a marathon. I thought, NO WAY. She ran the DC Marathon...and of course now, I'm hooked. It will be fun!

Nutrition: People ask me about nutrition. I enjoy the science of nutrition. As I continue to make physical goals, the needs of my body changes. Here are some things I have cut out because they simply are not worth the calories or the fat, and I can always find something better for me and more satisfying. I do have these items once in a while, but I do not desire them because I have made a habit of saying that they are off limits. Read the labels, and you will be surprised. I'll put a substitute in parenthesis.

• Peanut Butter/Peanuts/Nuts: (I have these occasionally but really watch the portions)
• Bacon (bacon bits for flavor)
• Cookies and Brownies (make my own with whole-wheat flour and alternative fats)
• Regular Potato Chips (baked chips, Ruffles are great)
• Ice Cream (Frozen Yogurt, Skinny Cow Brand treats)
• Pasta (I prefer potatoes as my carb of choice)
• Butter (I just do not use it, but you could use spray butter)
• Creamy Dressings (you can make some from low-fat yogurt, or use Kraft Italian Vinaigrette (4g of fat)
• Cream Cheese (hummus)

Tips:

• Check for Low-fat alternatives: Sour Cream, Yogurt, Cheese (2%), milk, crackers, etc. They have made so many improvements and taste so good!