What I dream about when I dream about running...

I love the Milepost quote for today! I think this is true for so many of us...we start out with a specific goal in mind and are motivated to achieve that goal. But long after the goal has been reached or even while we are still on that journey, habit kicks in.

My week feels "odd" if I don't get to complete my 3 running sessions since I'm pretty much always in "training mode". It has become my habit. If I'm not focused on an upcoming race then there's usually another goal in mind....rehabbing from injury or increasing my endurance or improving my speed (or all of the above). There's always something that I'm working on and I think it will be like that for as long as I am able to run (I can always get better right?)

My half marathon is in 4 days. Ok maybe that didn't truly reflect how I'm feeling so let's try again.... My half marathon is in FOUR DAYS!!!!!! YAY!!!!!! So in keeping with my taper week plans I ran this morning (and will fit in one more pre-race run before Sunday). This morning I completed my typical mid-week session...

My goal was to not do any more than I would normally do (since I'm tapering) so I stuck to a 35 minute session. My pace was slightly better than it has been on previous mid-week sessions thanks to extra motivation this morning.
Pace per mile breakdown...

I felt good throughout the run. There were times when I wanted to slow down a bit but each time I took a walk break I got an extra push to try harder during the next running interval...

I've been trying to get more hours of sleep this week. I actually snoozed my alarm and slept for an extra 40 minutes this morning (which is unusual for me when I'm scheduled to run). Because of the time change this resulted in me seeing the sunrise (I forgot to take pics), which was nice since for the past several weeks it has been pretty dark in the morning. In addition to the added benefit of watching the sunrise, rest in general is a key component of my training (hence my commitment to only 3 running days each week). I try really hard not to overdo my training, or run too frequently, or too fast (let's pretend that's why I don't run fast). I think a part of the reason for that is because deep down I'm scared I will get injured again. I'm trying to get over that...success isn't possible if you allow fear to dictate your path.

In my dreams (where fear doesn't live) I am a runner with no injuries, a great running form, a strong core, a stable running gait, shin splint-free legs and little to no muscle soreness...

In reality, I am a 34 year old newbie runner who has to battle with lingering injuries, new injuries, blisters, lost toenails, fatigue and self-inflicted mental blocks. When I dream about running nothing is impossible for me. This journey of mine is about making those dreams become a reality.

When I started running last year I was motivated by my desire to run with my twin sister. Then the "habit" kicked in and running became more about me and my own personal journey to improve. This week I have been reflecting on that, and on all the things that keep me motivated (above and beyond what mere habit can do). While I love all my roles in life...and at times, I love some of those roles more than others, no matter where I am on that spectrum (in the midst of my reality) running makes me find my smile...

On a side note (in a moment of self-reflection and discovery) I have come to the realization that I may be a tiny bit liberal with the use of parentheses (it's been that type of day)....

Happy Wednesday!

What makes you (find your) smile?

How many hours of sleep do you (try to) get each night during race week?

True confessions of a water snob...

Before I begin this confession I would like to note (for the record) that I'm not the worst water snob in the world. I know people who refuse to drink anything but a specific brand of bottled water. In fact, one of my former bosses would make his employees stop work to go and buy him bottles of Fiji water whenever he ran out...

So while I'm not the worst, I do recognize that I am a bit of a water snob...mainly because I don't drink spring water. I know spring water is quite popular and many people (including other self-proclaimed water snobs) ONLY drink spring water. But there is something about the taste that I don't like.
[note: you know you're a water snob if you can "taste the difference" between types and brands of water].

(The look on my face when spring water is my only option....as you can see deep meditation is required)

Sadly, all water isn't created equally, and spring water is at the bottom of my list. You know what's worse than spring water?.... warm spring water (UUUGGGHHHHH)...

I write this confession because there are a few situations where being a water snob doesn't work in my favor....like at mile 11 when I'm exhausted and thirsty. If you're like me (one of the slower runners) by the time you get to mile 11 the water is probably warm-ish, and it's more than likely spring water...

During a marathon, unless you have supporters holding bottles of your favorite brand of water along the course, or are carrying all the water you need on your hydration belt, you're pretty much stuck with what they give you...

(who knows what they put in those cups!)

This week I'm going to ensure that I am hydrating well. As a general rule, going into your race well hydrated is the key to a great start and staying hydrated throughout the race is the key to a great finish*. So I have been flushing my renal system with this today...

(my smart water alongside Kaiyu's fancy water jug/cup)

*there are a myriad of factors that affect race performance...proper hydration is only one of those factors

And I've also cut out other forms of beverages completely for this week..with the exception of a few sips of coffee in the morning to ensure that I'm actually awake.

Today is "Paleo 80/20 Remix" Day 2 and it's been going well. I've been craving sweet stuff today (probably more hormonal than a paleo issue), so in addition to my chewing gum addiction, I consoled myself with this...

nothing beats actually eating cake..but having cake batter smelling lips comes close ;)

Apart from my hydration focus (and subsequent frequent bathroom breaks), today was relatively uneventful. I did a short session at 4am at the gym (cardio warm-up ~ light weights ~ cardio again), and then came home to complete Day 4 of the sit-up challenge. The goal for today was 35 sit-ups...I did 50...twice! :)

Tomorrow is a running day for me...

Happy Tuesday!

What's your favorite brand of water?

Have you ever had a really bad water stop experience during a race? What happened?

Race Week: The Countdown Begins!!!!

It's RACE WEEK!!!!!!! 

I'm a little excited about Race Week, can you tell? You know I'm excited when I use more than three exclamation points on a Monday (and I'm not upset about something). Although my day started out dragging in the "positive emotions" department (it's still a Monday after all) the day got better and better with each passing hour (I know! I'm as shocked as you are!!).

This week I'm going to be focusing on proper preparation for my half marathon in the areas of: nutrition; hydration; sleep; training/tapering; stretching; and mental preparation.

Today's topic of choice will be Nutrition. 

So I've been fluctuating with my diet discipline. I wasn't on a specific diet (just trying to eat healthy) but I was also treating myself to these amazing apple croissants from Au Bon Pain....every day.
I tend to be an emotional eater, which doesn't always work out well when I combine that with my sweet tooth. Anyway (I shall not dwell on these instances of indulgence), this week I really want to focus on nutrition. I told myself (and many of you all in a previous blog post) that I was not going to do Paleo again. And I stuck with that decision....until this morning...

I'm doing a modified Paleo 80/20 diet with my brother Mark. He started Paleo on Nov 1st and I said I would do it with him (so I started today)...but with a few exceptions. For example: salad dressing (all types) and chewing gum are on my list of "ok" foods. And I'm carb loading on Friday so obviously Friday will be a non-Paleo day for me. I'm also trying to stay away from anything too greasy, too spicy, or too "outside of my normal food intake", while maintaining a respectable resemblance to the Paleo diet.

I did some research on the Runner's World website and came across THIS ARTICLE about race week nutrition. There were some key points that I found interesting and some great tips that I figured I would share with you in the form of iPhone screen shots (you're welcome)...

And even though I don't normally eat before I run, I may try something simple and basic (like 1/2 a bagel etc) on race morning...

Disclaimer: I'm not a dietitian or a nutritionist or any type of food expert. I do my own version of research and eat whatever I like based on the theme/mood of the phase I'm in. Please don't consider anything I'm doing regarding my diet as a formula that will necessarily work for you. You have to do your own research, visit your physician, see a dietitian or nutritionist (ones that actually get trained (and paid) to do this for a living), and listen to your body. 

Today was a rest day for me but also Day 3 of my November 30-Day sit-up challenge...

I have been following the challenge from November 1st and so today I did 30 sit-ups. I initially planned to start with 50...but then I got lazy so I'm just sticking with the plan as it's laid out. I may skip the rest days and jump ahead though (we'll see). 

Happy Race Week to everyone racing this weekend!

What race week nutrition advice do you follow?

Anybody doing a 30-day challenge in November?

For the love of all that is running...

I had a great run with my running group this morning! The entire day has been great so far actually. I woke up to "winter" temperatures (it's Florida...this is our winter)...

I missed the sunrise on the beach (thanks to daylight savings time the sun rose while I was driving to meet the group) but I took a mini video of the waves, which were a bit rough this morning...

I decided to run with the 4:1 interval group today because I really want to push myself and have an intense training run (even though it's my taper weekend)...

Pace per mile breakdown...

Post run selfie...

I had the pleasure of running a little ahead of the 4:1 group with these lovely ladies. We pushed each other with each mile and it made my run this morning one of the best runs I have ever had. Thank you so much!!!!

A quote from "Going Long"

I love running. I love the fact that I can push my body to limits I never thought possible (even after my injury....possibly in-spite of all my injuries). Running has given me an outlet. Running has brought me new friendships. Running has strengthened old friendships. Running makes me happy. I'm so grateful for the ability to run.

Next week Sunday I will be posting my "after the Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon" blogpost and I hope it will be filled with lots of great news and awesome pictures. A few of my fellow Memorial Milers are running the event so I hope I get to see them along the course (or pre or post). 

Who else is doing the Ft. Lauderdale half next week Sunday?

10 Day YOU Challenge: #9 - SECRETS

Today's post is a continuation of the 10 Day (week?) YOU Challenge and I will be sharing my deepest....darkest....secrets. I'm kidding! You'll get a few "secrets" but mostly it's information that you may or may not know about me...

#1 I love overtly romantic gestures:
Yes, including flash mob marriage proposals and perfectly planned date nights with all my favorite things. The gestures don't always have to be big and glamorous...sometimes the most romantic moments are found in little acts of kindness and consideration.

#2 I'm not an animal lover:
I don't even like pet fish. I have to admit that at times I find puppy and kitten pictures cute but they still don't sway me. Not even slightly. There was a period of time that I considered getting a teacup puppy (because they really are cute), but then I heard they are very expensive, and have a lot of health problems, and I really don't need that kind of stress so I got over it relatively quickly.

#3 I'm very shy:
My friends would probably disagree with that statement, but until I get to know you and feel 100% comfortable, I tend to sit/stand back and observe others. Even though I'm shy it's easy to read my emotions. You can easily tell if I'm happy or sad or any emotion on the spectrum. Life is too short to mask how you feel.

#4 I play with my hair when I'm nervous or lost in thought:
Which happens often (getting lost in thought). I think it stems from needing something to do with my fingers and so I keep them busy by twirling my hair, smoothing my hair etc. It's a nervous habit.

#5 I get pre-run jitters:
Every time. Even before training runs. It has gotten worse since my injury and I think that subconsciously I'm just afraid of getting hurt. Hopefully I'll get over that soon.

#6 I love country music:
It's not the only music genre that I love but it is one of my favorites. I have a large selection of country music on my playlist and have specific favorites that I tend to listen to over and over again.

#7 I get lost easily and have a surprisingly poor sense of direction:
I do have a few random moments when I am able to figure out where to go and even fewer when I can give someone directions. But those are very few.

#8 I hate shopping:
I've never been a big shopping person. Mainly because walking up and down in the mall looking for something just seems more frustrating than anything else. Also, after a while my lower back starts to hurt me (even when I'm wearing comfortable shoes with good arch support).

#9 I'm very impatient:
Ok that's probably not a secret. It isn't as though I'm incapable of being patient but rather that I have a lower threshold than most people.

Share a Secret Saturday!