Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Marathoning #4 begins!!!! :)

Marathon training has begun!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is extremely exciting... it all began yesterday.

Well, I thought I would be beyond thrilled but when I woke up I felt like this.



My knees had not been feeling too hot lately so I was not feeling the six that was on my sched.

So I hit the gym and did cross training on the elliptical and bike. I am pretty pumped I was able to listen to what my body was telling me and my knees feel great for toady's run. I mentioned before that I did one of my running days a week on the elliptical, for Boston, and got the same time as I did in the previous marathon!

I am a believer in listening to my knees... they tend to win when I don't.

I am excited to see where this training takes me. Some of you my know I am trying to cut about two minutes of my time in the great city of Chicago! But, at the same time I have never gotten too hard on myself about times. I like to run a race and enjoy it rather than feeling like my legs are going to burst. So if I do a little more speed work and run with some faster friends (Kurt) throughout the summer I think I will be able to do it... if not I will survive :)

What are your running goals? Do you set realistic goals or far fetched?

P.s. my pic uploads aren't working but I promise to get some in soon!

P.p.s. Good luck to all the other runners who begin training!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

What Dad Taught Me

Happy Fathers Day to my wonderful Dad!! My Dad is for real the best one. I know people say that but I really mean it. He is intelligent, hard working, caring and dedicated to his family. Oh, and he is hilarious.

I am who I am because of my Dad and what he has taught me...

1. Work your butt off at whatever you do.
My Dad is one of the hardest working guys you will meet. On his "day off" he makes up some kind project to do outside or in the basement. Such as reorganizing the china set we never use or sweeping the garage until you can eat off of it. I am currently watching him outside "do a project". Haha, no clue what it is.

He is a travel agent and is constantly traveling and running around, he works for us :) He has always said he works for his girls.

2. Clean up
My Dad is an advocate for a clean car, room, house anything and huge about turning lights off. When I was little I thought this was possibly the most annoying thing about him. I DID NOT want to turn the dang light off in my room if I didn't feel like it... naturally I have come to learn that he was right. It saves money and the world. Smart guy.
I still work on the picking up after yourself thing...

3. Good food doesn't have to be expensive.
MyDad goes to all the best restaurants for his work- he takes clients out, hosts dinners when he is on trips... I think it sounds AWESOME. But my Dad knows good food and always tells me his favorite spots are not the super pricey places... he would even prefer to eat at home. My mom is a terrific cook and we all love her food, Dad would chose a home cooked meal any-day. This is something I have really come to appreciate too. I am working on my cooking skills and have really begun to enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen!

4. Be the life of the party and never grow up.
My Dad is well... a tad on the immature side. I mean this in the best way possible- he loves to have fun and make people laugh. He is seriously the BIGGEST goof ball and I love that about him. Anywhere we go he makes someone laugh (or nearly pee their pants) and always makes a party more fun. I have heard my Dad and I have the same volume... loud or extra loud. I love this about him.

5. Learn how to let things go.
My Dad knows how to let stupid things go. He is one of the most forgiving and caring people I have ever met. He never holds a grudge and when I am over dramatic about something he is the one who tells me to relax, take a few breaths and just let it go. Wise words (and he doesn't even do yoga)!


I love you Dad and all the things you have taught me :) I look forward to learning more from such a wonderful man!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Stop the planning.

I just read this post over at Honey Nut Lo - so amazing and true...
I find myself having SUCH a plan sometimes that I forget to just go with it and enjoy life. I do not HAVE to go to yoga after work or get groceries TODAY... some days I just need to go grab a cocktail on a roof top or get a big ole' ice cream cone with my sista.

The same repetitive plan will always be available spur of the moment fun activities will not. I can guarantee the crazy random times with a friend will be much more memorable :)
 

Saturday, June 11, 2011

So You Want to Run a Marathon?

Alright, so it is that time of year... lots of people are starting marathon training.

I am so lucky to be starting my fourth training season! Wow I cannot believe it! Want to know why else I am lucky? I know a few people who are training for their FIRST marathon. Seriously so proud of you guys, one is my sister:) and a Holler to my friend Kate who ran her first 10 miller yesterday!!


I have had a lot of people asking me for advice on training, from "what should I eat?" to "what do you think about on long runs?"

First, I will note to anyone who wants to run a marathon- IT IS NOT EASY. I do talk about my love of running and marathoning BUT I don't want anyone to think that means it is easy or the entire process is fun. There are days when there is no fun involved... but you just do it (holler Nike).


1. How do I stay motivated?

The main thing that keeps me running is the knowledge that if I train hard, the marathon will be that much more enjoyable. Let me tell you some days, when my alarm goes off in the 5 a.m. hour, I do not want to wake up and go for a 6-8 mile run... before work. But guess what? I do it. I feel amazing when I finish it and energized throughout the entire day. I have the freedom to do whatever I want after work.

Not only do I feel great afterwards but I know that completing that run is getting me closer to my goal and will help me enjoy the marathon. My thoughts on this are, if I skip a lot of training runs the marathon will be waaaay more difficult and so will the recovery. If I train hard you will see me smiling while running at mile 23 and heck, I will probably get a better time.

I have been very diligent about my training in the past and plan to continue this way. I do not skip runs, maybe because I am superstitious but I feel way more comfortable on race day knowing I am as prepared as I could possibly be.

Now, one quick note on not beating yourself up about it. If you have a vacation in the middle of training - take a few days off. I went to Mexico two weeks before I ran Boston and while I did run everyday I didn't track my millage or beat myself up about it. You live life and running should just be apart of it, you shouldn't live to run.


2. What do I eat?

CARBOOOOOS I eat bread, cereal, pasta, cous cous, qunioa, oatmeal and plenty of cookies and cupcakes :)

I also consume a lot of fruits and veggies and PROTEIN. You have to eat protein to keep your muscles building especially after those long runs. I definitely up my carbs during training- I try to have at least one serving a meal and at snacks. For those of you who avoid carbs... then you should probably avoid marathons. I don't eat as many carbs when I am not training but I swear you run better, faster and stronger if you are eating carbs while training. Your body NEEDS this type of energy and getting it from fruit and veggies alone won't do. You will be tired and your runs will suck.

I have tested around with different eating and this works best for me, but honestly I do not think there is a better way to train for anyone. I have known girls who run distances and still avoid carbs- they run slower than me and are way more tired... just saying.


Also, I treat myself during training. Well, truth be told I treat myself everyday... I don't remember the last day I went without a treat. During training I find myself frequenting bakeries much more often. Sure a ton of sugar is not good for anyone, I know this but I am working my booty off and when I run 20 miles I deserve a big old slice of cake with extra frosting... Woullets Bakery becomes a second home during training :) Some people would probably say this is not a good thing to do to your body and blah blah blah but for me, it works and makes me happy! I believe in a balance in sweets, buuuuut not so much when I am training.

The night before a big race I usually eat something carbo based with some protein and veg. This can range from some great Pizza Luce to a  Jimmie Johns sub, or a nice pasta dish.

And then I eat a lovely dessert.



A quick list of things I enjoy while training:
Whole grain breads, cereals, pastas
Fiber one pancakes (with choco chips)
Treats
Greek Yogurt (great protein for a recovery meal)
Fish- protein
Peanut Butter
Fruit - apples, bananas, berries.
Lots of veg
Tofu- protein
Eggs- protein
More bread
Protein bars- my favs are Luna and Kashi bars

I am not a big smoothie girl but I know a lot of people like making protein smoothies. I am more of an eater so I'd rather eat a meal instead of drinking it. I also drink Gatorade SOMETIMES only after like 15 plus miles- I don't like the taste of it.

I am not a Guu fan either- I prefer Chomps (little gummy energy bites) or Cliff blocks. Guus make me feel like I am going to yack.

3. What shoes do you wear?

Asics- hands down the best running shoe for me. I need the extra support. My best advice here is to go to a running store where they watch you run and they will help find the shoe for you.


Fro clothes- it depends on the weather but Nike running gear is my all time favorite.

5. Do you listen to music?
Usually, when I am training, but I don't really during the race. Personally I love to hear the crowd roar and pretend I am the winner. I do use music when I go out for long runs. I usually run alone, even for 20+ mile runs- I enjoy the "me" time.

6. Do you get nervous?
Only the day of... like 10 minutes before.

7. Do you eat the morning of and before long runs?
 I sure do but I know a lot of people don't. Some people can't stomach it but I need the fuel. I get up early so I can digest a bowl of cereal with almond milk, berries, a banana and coffee, of course!

8. How do you re coop after?

Um, I have been known to not be so good at this... I have learned from experience, taking time off is key. I have gone back to running 2-3 days after and have hurt myself. I recommend AT LEAST a week. I have gotten so hurt after coming back too soon that I was out for 3 months (idiot).


Take the time you need off- wait until barely anything hurts anymore.

Get a massage- it will hurt but it gets all the guck out.

Got to yoga- it works.

Eat when you are hungry- your hunger will be a little off and at odd times. Just go with it- this is an awesome time to really be in tune with your body. Some people are not very hungry that day and then starving the next and some are starving right after or even during the race. I have had a different experience with each race so I just tune into my body and usually eat even more than it tells me mwahaha (at least desserts).


9. How do you do it more than once?
I am addicted. I am addicted to the training, the kicking my own ass, the proving myself, the adrenaline, the challenge and the endorphins. It is a part of me.

10. Do you cross train and rest?
YEP, my training plan is 5 runs a week. I take one day off or add light yoga that day and do weight training the other day off. During Boston training I actually took one of my running days and logged the miles indoors, on the elliptical.  I had bad knees before training began and wanted to be extra careful- and guess what? I got the exact same time as I did in the race before :)

11. Can you take time off if you are hurt?
YEP, do it. One of the few times I have skipped a run was because of injury. Listen to your bod during training- don't go against it... it will win.

12. Do you ice after?
No, but I should and so should you.

13. Do you ice bath?
Nope, after Boston all I wanted to do was take a hot shower... I made my parents go get me a huge sandwich and took a hot shower (I promised them it would be cold) I regretted my decision the entire next week when my body killed.

14. Do you take pain medicine.
Yes, Advil becomes its own food group (this is not the best advice but its what I do).

15. What is your BEST advice in a nutshell.

Be serious, bite the bullet when you "don't feel like it", be ready to work really fricken hard, eat up, do yoga, listen to your bod and be prepared to feel the most proud of yourself you ever have in your entire life after you cross that amazing finish line.


I still get chills when I think about any of my finishes, I cried every time (sometimes in pain hahaha).

But seriously, all of the sweat, early mornings, running off a hangover, eating, blood blisters, PB sandwiches and protein bars are worth it in the end. It is something a lot of people would never do and guess what? You do it and you feel like you are the queen of the world... for at least ten minutes.

Any more questions I missed? Ask way!!!

Peace, love and marathoning!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Half Marathon and a treat...

Super short post tonight- but just want you to know (all of my HUGE fans) hehe that I am back to blogging.

I ran a half marathon the Minneapolis Marathon to be exact, on Sunday... I did well for not really training :)

I ran it in 1:43 not my best and I could have done betta - I started towards the back but oh well.

I ran it with my sister (we signed up on Friday night). I just want to explain how proud I am of her! She did not really train and never thought she would do one... not to mention she is signed up for the Chi full with me mwahahaha.

Anyways, I was just super happy because I love seeing people run further than they thought they could! She looked so strong and kicked ass. A best friend from home and a co-worker also completed their own first half marathons on Sunday. I may be a loser but I get so pumped for other peoples running accomplishments!

Congrats all my running buddies!!! You are all inspirational! 

Running is something so dear to my heart- it has taught me how to be strong and prove to myself I CAN DO ANYTHING. I love to run run run run run. I love seeing other people love it. I love it.


So I am making a promise of three upcoming posts to hold myself to:
1. My ABC's of food I got from my bestie Caitlin (who is training for her first half!)
2. So you want to run a marathon (my best advice)
3. Running is not for everyone- if you don't like it.... WHO Cares! Do what YOU love!


That is all. I am pooped and have to whoop some booty in the morning at Sculpt :)

p.s. I made amazing banana PB brownies that I want to marry. Super easy (I did not take pics but here it is)

1 box of No Pudge Brownie Mix
1 cup of Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup oatmeal (optional)
PB choco chip swirl chips
2 suuuper ripe nanners (mashed)
PB!- like a hlaf cup?
Powdered Sugar


Directions: Mix brownie mix, greek yogurt, 1 mashed nanner choco chips and oat meal. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.
Frosting:1Mashed nanner, PB, powdered sugar (some milk if needed) wisk this frosting together, add more sugar as needed (you can add a little butter too) dump over almost cooled brownies and top with more choco chips.

Eat and be in heaven. I LOVE using greek yogurt because it makes the brownies so thick and gooey- they taste sooo decadent.

Yum Yum Yum treats.

I may have another... you know, pre sculpt fuel :)

Night lovvvvvvvas.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Please, Wear Sunscreen... (lesson leanred the hard way).


My parents are wonderful... they bought me a plane ticket to come down and visit them in sunny Florida. Lucky me right? Time away from the WINTER THAT WILL NOT QUIT... one would think.


I was throughly enjoying the weather and time with the parents and sisters until, DUN DUN DUN we went boating. I decided I would be fine for a few hours on the boat without sunscreen. Let me explain. I never really burn or wear sunscreen- last year I did the crazy college Mexico SB and seriously did not touch a bottle of SPF (perhaps I was too busy holding other bottles?) Also, in my crazy Semester abroad, Semester at Sea, I did not burn either... I thought a few hours in Florida was nothing.
 Supper tan in Mexico

I forgot a minor detail, I used to tan all winter. I quit tanning this year for a variety of reasons, which started with being broke and lead to finally admitting that it was TERRIBLE for me and not wanting to look 95 at age 30.

Long story short- I FRIED MY SKIN. I got first degree burn on my thighs, shoulders and chest. My shoulders have already pealed off. Side note: this may get TMI. I could not move the next day because I was a dried cherry. A day later I felt I needed to get a long run in while in FL weather so I went out and ran 11 miles. IDIOT. My legs blew up to the size of Free Willie.

The size of one of my thighs.

From there on out I was inside or hiding under an umbrella sulking and feeling bad for myself. My Dad seemed to fall in love with the saying "All to think it was easily avoidable if you would have listened to me." 

Thanks, Dad.

I am here to say... Dad was right (and Mom) If I would have put on a simple layer of lotion I would not be sitting here with legs the size of  Willow Trees ( yes they are still swollen and yes I am a little freaked out). Side note: I went to the Doc. yesterday and they gave me ointment that smells like toxic BBQ sauce and pain killers. Both weird me out.

Anyways, the moral of my unfortunate story is this... Why learn the hard way when you don't have to? 
I did not have to learn the hard way- I know that sunscreen prevents sunbrun.
I have seen this in many forms of life, too. For example:

Running- learned the hard way not to over run my miles in a week- injury. Why learn the hard way when it is proven that you will get hurt if you run too much.
Work- did not ask questions I should have asked early on in a project. Why learn the hard way when a simple question could have saved time and energy?
Drinking- learned the hard way martinis will ruin my next three days- Why learn the hard way when my sister and parents warned me.
Roommates- Plenty of avoidable arguments that a simple conversation could have saved.
Dating- learned the hard way a jerk is a jerk- Why date a jerk after you already have dated one... they are all the same. Nice guys are way better.
Overeating frosting- okay, I actually just did this because I have homemade PB frosting in my house and now I have a stomach ache. Why learn the hard way when I have suffered frosting stomach aches many times before (okay I'm not that sorry about this one).

Now, do not get me wrong there are somethings that are better learned and NEED to be learned the hard way- or we will never get it. But, after my sunburn from hell, I have decided to start taking a step back and looking at past experiences and others experiences and learning from those instead. 

We are lucky to follow after those with more experience. At work, we should be going to our seniors... they are a tool and a resource- a true privilege to have.

Health- experts study topics such as running, alcohol, eating and SKIN DAMAGE to come up with valuable results that we can learn from THE EASY WAY.

So the moral of my story is... if you don't have to learn the hard way don't- it will save you time, money, skin, and your health.


Now I am going to go eat more frosting.


P.S. For your entertainment: I tried 233245 home remedies Including: a vinger rub down, tomato juice mixed with buttermilk bath, oatmeal bath, face mask all over my body and worst of all icy hot ALL OVER MY BODY...I ran around the house crying/ laughing at the pain/ freeze my body was going through. I do not recommend any.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Aloof

I am always so aloof? Yesterday I posted about starting my New Years Resolution back up... umm did I not realize tomorrow marks the start of Lent?! Haha, I make myself chuckle... well it works out nicely- I will now be writing down three things I am thankful for each day... for Lent.
I was raised Catholic, as mentioned in my best friends post :) but I do not tend to be into the whole giving something up for Lent thing. I think it is because, as a kid, I felt like I was being punished for something. Now, I look at it as a reason to do something good for me and others in my life- giving something up like texting, treats, twitter, or shopping would simply make me crabby. Instead, I am going to do the three things I am thankful for ... and as I sleep tonight I am going to think of something else. I think it is going to be volunteer once a week. I will let you know.
I think it is important to think of something we can do that will make us happy and better people, rather than give something up (well for me that  is- you would not want to know me if I had to go without treats). I think doing something positive makes us all #winners (sorry had to hahaha).

Well, I will keep you posted on how this goes for me/ if I think of anything while I sleep.

Goodnight ninjas and noodles. mwah