Kind of a Big Deal

It’s Monday and class is canceled. No babysitting on the agenda for today and I knocked my long run out yesterday.

What in the world am I supposed to do with myself? 

Should I blog? Let the world know that I accomplished my second 14 mile run of my life yesterday?

Mm well, alright.

First, let it be known that I’m moving out of my summer apartment in t-minus 3 days and have no food in my pantry and my room has been horrendous. Actually, it’s always a mess but I’m using my nomad ways as an excuse this week.

The night before my long run I laid out all of my gear like usual.

recycled pic

• Lucy shorts and top
• Foot pod/polar watch
• Brooks Running shoes
• Thorlo running socks
• Sports bra
• house key
• Nathan water bottle
• Ipod  NO IPOD!

Yes, I got all of my gear together and could not for the life of me find my ipod. I looked everywhere in my room. Under my bed, drawers, bathroom.. I had no clue. I had 14 miles to run the next morning and even thinking about doing it without music was a very scary thought for me. I totally depend on my music to help “get me in the zone” and pump me up when I need it.

Since, it was already nearing close to 11 pm I went to bed hoping my little ipod’s location would come to me in a dream.

 

No such luck. 

 

I woke up the next morning and still had no idea where it was. Gahh

 

Oh well, there was no way I was going to let my lack of music keep me from tackling my miles that morning.

So, I made myself some PB toast with cinnamon. Three staples every college student should have: bread, peanut butter and cinnamon Cheap and filling.

Snapped a bathroom pic (classy) of my excited running self:

Blurry pic.. but can you make out the excitement on my face?? You can't fake that kind of enthusiasm at 5 am!

Actually, you can semi fake that kind of excitement. I knew I was going to tackle my miles but I was a little apprehensive of how the run was going to go.

As soon as I stepped outside I was shocked at how stinkin humid it was. It wasn’t even 6am and I was already sweating. Bad bad bad.

Or so I thought.

The strangest thing happened with the weather during my run. For the first 2 miles it was pretty humid and then all of a sudden I started to see lightening and the clouds became super thick. It looked like it was just going to storm but thankfully it never did. I was nervous that this weather was just going to make everything even more humid but instead it brought a nice cool breeze. I loved it.

Here’s how my run went down this weekend:

Mile 1: 9:25 pace

Mile 2: 9:28 pace

Mile 3: 9:20 pace

Mile 4: 9:10 pace

Mile 5: 8:45 pace

Mile  6: 8:45 pace

Mile 7-9: 9:20 pace

Mile 10: 9:35 pace

Mile 11: 10:30 pace

Mile 12: 10:20 pace

Mile 13: 9:45 pace

Mile 14: 9:25 pace

A nice steady pace the whole time. My goal for my long runs is not time at all right now. All, I want to do is get my body used to running for that amount of time. So, if it takes me 2 + hours to finish a run. I am perfectly okay with that. I just ran 14 miles and that I think is kind of a big deal.

I mapped out my run so I could walk the last two miles (that were uphill) back to my apartment. Definitely, much needed time to stretch out. I felt so tight and I may or may not need new running shoes. I have been using the same shoes since February and think it might be time. Running shoes are just so stinkin expensive. I definitely will need some before Chicago though.

All in all I would say this run went swimmingly. And the whole not having my ipod thing? Totally not a big deal. I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxing it was and easy for me to just get into my own little running zone. I might have to go running sans music more often.

As far as training goes this week I think I’m going to make my longest run 10 miles so I can be ready to knock out 15 miles the next week.

9 weeks until Chicago! 

Now, it’s time for me to finish my last speech for my summer class and catch up on some reading.

Did you run this weekend? Have any races? I wanna know! Do you run with or without music? 

Happy Monday!

~Sarah

This Week I…

Found out how much I love running partners: Can I run on my own? Yes. Am I able to wake myself up at the crack of dawn and throw on my running shoes? Yes. But having someone to do it with is just more fun. Not only does a running partner give me that extra bit of motivation to drag myself out of bed in the morning but it feels good to have someone to share the early morning/milage pain with me. Camaraderie I do believe it is called

Have been waking up earlier to beat the heat. This morning was a 5am wake up call and I was already drenched by the time I hit 2 miles. Somehow I have woken up with loads of energy each day.

Ready to run? Yes! Yes!

Have been incorporating pilates more into my workout routine. Strong abs=strong back= strong body. I can always tell a difference in my running when I’m doing pilates/weight training. I feel so much stronger!

Made some of these.. 

Which end up looking something like this..

Finished my last solo speech for my communications class. I can’t believe the semester ends next Friday. Nuts. I just have one more test and a group speech next week and I’ll be done. Wahoo! This summer is flying.. Bittersweet.

 

Decided that I need this outfit asap: 

 

 

Lucy Propel Shorts    & Lucy Workout Racerback

 

 

 

 

 

These pictures really don’t do the outfit justice. The shorts and top are so unbelievable soft and comfortable. Lately, it has been so stinkin hot and humid that I am soaked by the time I’m finished running and my shorts are sticking to me. Maybe I can buy these pieces for milage rewards.

What do ya think? After 15 miles purchase the shorts and after 16 miles purchase the top? I think it might just have to happen.

Okay, time to start the day. I already ran 5.5 miles this morning. Tomorrow I plan on cross training and then on Sunday I have 14 miles planned!!

I am also going to finish my book this week! Thank goodness.

Have a very happy Thursday!

~Sarah

Motivation Station

Last week one of my friends called  me up wanting to know if I still ran. Still ran? Well, yes! Who do you think I am? Of, course I still run! She wanted to know because she wanted to start running again but was having some trouble with the whole motivation thing. So, I told her not to worry and we set up a morning run for three days this week.

I was a little worried at first because I’ve always been a solo runner for the most part; but, I have to say that I am benefitting from this morning running partner setup just as much as she is. The miles fly by as we chat and it splits up my milage so nicely.

I thought that today I would share a few little tricks I use to help me stay motivated:

Schedule your workouts: If I set up a schedule at the beginning of each with my workout for each day than I know it will get done. If I know what kind of workout I’m doing the next day I have time to mentally prepare for it. This set up works really well for me so I know that I’m not running willy nilly and risking burn out/injury.

Workout in the morning: I have always loved my morning workouts. There is just something about getting up before everyone else and running around town. The peace and quiet before the day gets started. My morning runs become my time. Another benefit to running in the morning is that I know that my body has a full 24 hours to recover before I run again. This is huge because for aehile I had been running at different times throughout the day and found that it really took a toll on my body.

Train for a race: You don’t have to sign up for the next half marathon or marathon in your town but maybe a 5-k fun run, a mud-athalon or tri-athlon of some sort. This way you have a tangible goal to work towards. There is no better feeling than finishing a race that you have spent months training for.

Take rest days: A few weeks ago I was stuck in a serious running rut. Not only did I start training for my marathon way to early but I was running way too much. I took a week off from training and by the time  that week was over I was more than ready to get back at it.

Switch it up: Another contributer to my burn out a few weeks ago was that I was running too much. I needed to add in some cross training days. Now, I run 3-4 days a week and incorporate biking, hiking, walking, strength training and pilates. It keeps things interesting! Variety is the spice of life!

Plan a great breakfast: Who says food is a bad motivator? Not me! Pancakes? Waffles? Oatmeal? Yes, yes and yes! One of my favorite things about my long runs is the time after my long runs. Coming back and doing the whole ice bath thang and then fixing myself up a yummy breakfast is the best.

12 miles: French toast

14 miles: Pancakes

Yep, I <3 breakfast.

Milage for the day included my 7 mile run. Having a running partner makes a world of difference. I ran two miles down to the trail we planned to meet to run 3 together. Once we finished I ran the two miles back completing my 7 miles.

It was great. Having someone to run with for the middle 3 miles really split up my run nicely this morning.

Here’s how my run went down: 

• Mile 1: 8:53 pace
• Mile 2: 8:30 pace
• Mile 3: 8:45 pace
• Mile 4: 8:30 pace
• Mile 5: 8:50 pace
• Mile 6: 9:15 pace
• Mile 7: 8:30 pace

Do you run with a running partner or are you more of a solo runner? Have any workout motivation tips? I’d love to hear em!!

Happy Hump Day!

~Sarah

Just-in-Case

You forgot…

I’m Sarah and I love to eat smores, oatmeal and pineapple pizza. Oh and I like to run sometimes too..

Oh hey!

Yikes! I can’t believe I haven’t posted in what? 4 days or so? Woops. I have all great reasons though and they all include wonderful company and very yummy food.

Even though I disappeared from the blog world for a few days doesn’t mean that I skimped out my running too. No way, not this girl!

I had my 12 mile long run this morning and it went swimmingly! I’ve been experimenting with my training plan and ya know what? I think I found a winner this week!

Here’s the breakdown of my training plan: 

• Sunday: Active rest day – went on a long walk followed by some pilates
• Monday: Cross training – Hike/Bike Adventure
• Tuesday: 4 Miles + weights
• Wednesday: 7 Miles
• Thursday: 4 Mile fartlek run
• Friday: Cross Train – Bike to gym + 20 min elliptical/20 min incline walk + abs + bike back from gym
• Saturday: Rest
• Sunday: 12 miles!

Normally I run my long runs on Saturday but because of an impromptu weekend getaway..

Baseball games = best summertime activity!

I added an extra cross training day and ran my 12 mile long run on Sunday and ya know what? That extra cross training day did wonders for my legs this morning. Note to self: Two days off of running before long runs from now on. 

After getting pretty burnt out with running a few weeks ago I decided to take a different approach. I added some variety but at the same time more structure too. Throughout this week I’ve been getting to bed around 10:30-11:00 pm and waking up at 6:00 am. I do my whole coffee/luna routine before my workouts begin. And luckily this week I received a lovely package from the lovely people over at Luna Bar to help fuel my morning routine.

I was so excited to receive this package and am loving the Luna running hat! I wore it during my 4 mile run and it fit perfectly. It was super light and kept all of the super cute sweat that I create off my face; and of course kept the sun out of my eyes! Always, a mega plus

This morning I ate half of the Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bar with my coffee and read a few inspiring bloggies to get me pumped: Faith Fitness and Fun & Ali on the Run

After becoming sufficiently inspired I hit the rode for my 12 miles.

• Mile 1: 8:35 pace – “Whoa baby! Sloowww it down.”
• Mile 2: 8: 15 pace – “This is weird, slow Sarah.. we have 10 more miles”
• Mile 3: 8: 45 pace – “Getting better”
• Mile 4: 9:10 pace – “This is more like it”
• Mile 5-8: 9:35 pace
• Mile 9-10: 9:40 pace
• Mile 11: 9:15 pace
• Mile 12: 8:30 pace

I have to say that after getting back at 1 am the night before (from babysitting) I was super nervous that I was going to just die on my run this morning. Luckily, I woke up with enough energy to start out with an 8:30 pace! That never happens.It must have been that extra cross training day.

Or my Luna Bar :) 

 After finishing up my run I had my second ice bath of my life. Is it weird that I was looking forward to it the entire time I was running? So strange because last week I hated it but this week I lasted a solid 15 minutes in that incredibly beneficial self-made torture device. 

Once I was all iced up/cleaned up I made myself the most perfect post run breakfast. I had planned on using the Blueberry French Toast recipe from Sound Eats but the website was blocked this morning! So, I winged it and I think they turned out pretty excellent if I do say so myself

Blueberry French Toast with mashed banana + mango chobani + extra blueberries 

Yumzo. 

Now, it’s time for me to catch up on some blog reading. I’m so behind! How have your runs been going this weekend? Good? Great? I want to hear!! 

Happy Sunday

~Sarah

Meal of Champion

Good Morning! How are we doing today? Good? Great? Everyone happy, healthy, feeling loved? 

Wonderful.

Remember when we talked about planning last month? Ya know when I said how sometimes planning just doesn’t seem to work. Well, lately everything has gone pretty according to plan. I like these days. Planned days make me happy.

This morning wasn’t really one of those mornings. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a terrible morning but a few things through me off my planning game.

Like my alarm clock going off at 6:04 am and me hitting the snooze button (or so I thought) only to wake up at 6:40 am realizing I had actually  hit the off button. Doh! 

I threw on my running clothes I had laid out the night before (good planning strategy right there) and walked down the stairs half awake planning on pouring a cup of freshly brewed coffee that should already be made according to the plan. Except once I got down there I realized I set my programmable coffee machine to 5:47 pm instead of am. Gahhh

“Not to worry though,’ I thought, ‘it’s still 6:45 am.” With a simple press of a button I can have my coffee ready in no time, drink it and be out the door by 7:15 am. How humid could it be? I only have 7 miles planned. Easy cheesy.

While waiting for my coffee to brew I decided that since I was already pretty hungry this morning my gu chomps weren’t going to carry me through my run.

I made myself a little pre run snack: 

I enjoyed my Jif Natural Peanut Butter and banana alongside a cup of coffee while reading my running inspirations for the day of course: Hungry Runner Girl & Runner’s Rambles.

I surprised myself at how fast I scarfed everything down. I was hungry this morning! I made it out the door at 7:05 and took off.

Here’s how my run went down this mornin:

• Mile 1: 9:10 pace
• Mile 2: 8:45 pace
• Mile 3: 8:40 pace
• Mile 4:8:45 pace
• Mile 5: 9:20 pace
• Mile 6: 8:30 pace
• Mile 7: 8:00 pace
• Mile 7.5: 7:30 pace!!!

I have to say starting out this run I was feeling pretty tight. Luckily, the first two miles were down hill so that give me time to loosen up before I hit the trail. Mile 2-3 was kind of frustrating for me because I felt like I should be feeling loose at this point and was ready to just run but my body wasn’t feelin it today. Somehow my last few miles ended up being my best ones! Which was a pleasant surprise because these were all uphill! I couldn’t believe I finished my run with a 7:30 pace. Wowza!

I think I’m going to have to attribute finishing up my run strong to my PB and banana pre-run snack. It carried me right through those miles like a champ. Thank you Jif! Meal of a champion!

Today’s 7 miles felt great and I honestly felt like I could have gone a few more miles today. I love those runs! So, even though my day started out slightly less structured than I had anticipated it all worked out wonderfully.

Minus the humidity. Have I mentioned the humidity? 

Do you see the focus on that face? “Make sure you capture all of the sweaty glow”.. Attractive Sarah. 

After finishing up with my stretching and ab work I took a speed shower  so I could eat my breakfast. This running smore works up quite an appetite on her runs lately.

After all of that humidity all I wanted was something cold and fresh. It was a cereal day  

• Vanilla yogurt
• Cinnamon Quaker Oat Squares
• Kashi Golden Goodness
• Frozen Banana
• Pineapple
• Strawberry
• Kiwi

Oh yes, just what I needed this morning. This breakfast hit the spot. Do you have a go to meal after breakfast? I’m usually an oatmeal kind of girl but hot oats are not appetizing in the summer time. I need to start making overnight oats. I’m probably the last one to jump on that train! 

Have a Happy Hump Day!

~Sarah

Oh Hey!

Good morning! Have you ran today? Lifted weights? Did some ab work? Ate breakfast and drank your coffee? 

Because I sure have! Booya! I feel so productive and it’s not even 9am.

I <3 morning runs.

Here’s a little recap of my last few days of exercise:

After my long run on Saturday I decided to make Sunday an active rest day. I went on a long walk followed by some pilates to stretch out a bit. I was surprised at how great I felt and was soo excited to not feel the effects of my long run as I had in the previous weeks. Thank you ice bath! 

{I posted my ice bath on my Daily Mile and I received a comment saying that if I could train for a marathon then I could surely take an ice bath. This really resonated with me because  it’s so true. How the heck am I supposed to run nearly 30 miles if I struggle to take a stinkin ice bath? My thoughts exactly. I should be able to do this easy cheesy. It’s good for me and I”m going to do it and do it with a smile gosh darnit!}

Once Monday rolled around I didn’t really have any big plans for the 4th so I went on a bike ride to the hiking trails near by. Getting to the trails was loads of fun because it was all downhill But ya know what they say.. what goes up must come down. So, since I already went down I had to look forward to going back up after my hike. Luckily, it didn’t end up being terrible but sure did give my legs a good workout The rest of my 4th included stretching, laying out by the pool and making some very delicious Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers. I cannot recommend this recipe enough! I am not a burger fan at all but I like no love these burgers. Throw in some baked sweet potato fries and it has become one of  my favorite go to meals.

I headed off to bed early so I could get ready for my morning run. I was surprised at how great I slept last night with all of the dumb boys lighting off fireworks outside my apartment. Dontcha just love college? Although, I think between my bike ride and pool time I just really wore myself out. The sun makes me sleepy. 

My alarm went off at 6 am but I hit snooze a couple times and ended up rolling out of bed and into my running clothes around 6:30 am.

Oh Hey! Good Morning!

Since I only had 4 miles on the agenda this morning I ate half a banana and drank my cup of coffee while reading my running inspirations for the day: Katy, Ali & Corey

Here’s how the run went down: 

• Mile 1: 8:45 pace
• Mile 2: 8: 30 pace
• Mile 3: 9:00 pace
• Mile 4: 8:20 pace

I felt really great from the start of my run until I hit mile 3. All of a sudden I got super thirsty and my stomach felt empty.. So much for that stinkin banana. I was also running uphill during the majority of this mile which definitely contributed to my slower pace. Once I was able to come down the hill I started feeling a ton better. I think the combination of running downhill with this song playing on my ipod was the perfect way to end a run.

After my run I headed over to my apartment gym to lift some weights and do some ab work.

I still haven’t gotten this book: 

So, I did my random weight session once again. I plan on picking this book up today. So, if I post one more time that I haven’t gotten this book I give you all full permission to call me lazy and cheap. K?

Okay, great. 

Once my workout was completed I came back, jumped in the shower and made myself some much needed oatmeal to refuel.

• 1/3 c oats
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla
• Strawberries
• Frozen cherries
• Almond butter
• Raspberry Preserves

Now, it’s time to plan the rest of my Tuesday. I have class and a nanny job that will take up my afternoon.

Something that I’m excited about: grocery store trip today!

Am I the only one who looks forward to grocery shopping? I could spend forever walking up and down the aisles finding new, fun foods to try! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! 

~Sarah

Hot & Cold

11 miles can be checked off my new marathon training plan. I scaled back these last two weeks to make sure I wasn’t over doing it in the milage department and risk injury by the end of the summer. I really felt like injury was right around the corner for me had I continued to rack up milage as fast I was.

I took a week off, reevaluated my training plan, got back to morning runs and have slowly been finding my happy running place again.

It was the best decision I could have made for myself.

Now, all I need to figure out is this darn summer heat. June was hot don’t get me wrong but literally on July 1 the heat index went from an average of 90 to 100+.. mehh

Knowing I had 11 miles planned for yesterday I should have paid more attention to this. While I was out the door by 6:45 am the humidity was already as thick as ever. I knew I was in for an interesting run.

I started out this morning run like I would any other. Laid out my clothes, drank a cup of coffee, ate half a luna bar, and read a few running blogs for inspiration. Thank you to: Hungry Runner Girl & The Singing Runner

I drove to campus, my old dorm to be exact, and started out on my old running route. It was basically downhill for the first 2 miles to the trail where I ran another 4 before turning around.

I have to start out by telling you all that starting this run off was hard. My legs felt super heavy and didn’t really loosen up until mile 5. I attribute this to the 2 mile run I did the day before in the afternoon 107 degree weather. I know, I know what was I thinking running in 107 degree weather. I wasn’t. It won’t happen again. Running in that kind of heat takes a lot out of you.

Anyways, here’s how my run went down:

• Mile 1: 10 minute pace – Told ya my legs felt heavy!
• Mile 2: 10 minute pace
• Mile 3: 9:45 pace
• Mile 4: 9:30 pace – Loosening up, slowly but surely
• Mile 5: 9: 20 pace
• Mile 6-8: 9:30 pace
• Mile 9: 9:20 pace
• Mile 10: 9:40 pace
• Mile 11: 10 minute pace

*Times are not accurate. I watched my time throughout my run and these are all rounded up. The one down fall of my polar watch.* 

Yep, not my fastest or favorite run out of the bunch but I’m still taking it. 11 miles done fast or slow is a pretty great accomplishment in my book. I learned a few things during this run too. I know where I went wrong and what I’m going to work on next week.

For one, I’m NOT going to run in the afternoon heat the day before. Dumb dumb Sarah. I’m also going to have to wake up earlier. While, I thought 6:45 was pretty stinkin early I was clearly mistaken. Next Saturday, I’m going to have to wake up at least an hour earlier to beat the heat and humidity. It makes a huge difference in my run.

Early to bed early to rise makes a runner healthy, wealthy and wise  

Did you see my July goals yet?! Well, I knocked out two of them already. One being an ice bath!

Have you heard of an ice bath before? Runner’s swear by them and I’ve read about them forever but I had yet to try one! Here’s a little info about why the ice bath’s are so great for you after long runs. (Taken from runaddicts.net)

Why should I take a bath with ice? It’s freezing!

Yes, it is chilling. Although most of us don’t like a cold shower, an ice bath right after an intense running session can actually do wonders for your body. It’s a fact that right after an intense activity, like a long run or a set of short sprints, your muscles experience microtrauma. These are small tears in the muscle fibers, which are perfectly normal for runners. You’re probably feeling some of it when your muscles hurt after an exhausting run, but you won’t feel every tear since they are, as the name implies, micro.

Because of the very low temperature, ice bath also becomes a great treatment for muscle soreness, strain, and inflammation. It also prevents the breakdown of muscle tissues. The cold water will stimulate muscle cells to start repairing the muscle tears.

As you immerse yourself in the ice bath, you’ll get relief from your sore muscles, let’s say your calves. The good thing about the ice bath is that your other leg muscles are also being treated in the process, like your hamstring, gluteus, and quadriceps. Thus, it gives your body optimal conditions for recovery.

Determined to figure out why runner’s love this fun activity so much I drove straight to the gas station after my run and bought two ice bags so I could torture myself aid my muscle recovery.

Here’s how it all went down: 

After pouring in the ice bags along with some water I felt it out for temp testing. I’m more of the toe to heal kind of girl. I’m not one to just jump in to anything without feeling it out first. This works goes for both figuratively and literally

Slow and steady..

Almost there..

Ahh cold, cold, cold!

Completely submerged.. 

Burrr

I wasn’t sure how long I was supposed to be in there so I think I lasted about 7 minutes? At the most. This probably isn’t enough time to properly recover all of those muscle tears.. but it was cold!

I’m a wuss.. better luck next week! 

Since I woke up pretty worn out this morning today will be spent doing some pilates and going on a walk to stretch myself out a bit.

I hope everyone has had some great runs this weekend!

How do you deal with the summer heat? Early morning runs, late night runs or treadmill runs? Have you ever tried an ice bath? 

Happy Sunday!

~Sarah

Setting Goals

Yesterday, I reviewed all of my June goals to see how I did. After checking in with myself I decided that I could definitely put a little more effort into them..

And then I thought about a few more.. 

So, July, I deem you my favorite summer month. We are going to make a lot of great things happen here. Are you ready?

Great, here we go.

Fitness Goals:

• 15 mile long run: By the end of this month I want to have completed 15 miles feeling strong!
• Strength training twice a week: This means I have to know how to strength train so I’m going to buy the NRLFW book today!
• Pilates twice a week: Try pilates before a run that way you’ll be stretched out/ warmed a little before heading out.
• Ice bath: I’ve never done this before! After each long run I will try out an ice bath and see how I feel the next day. Runner’s swear by it for reducing muscle soreness and quicker recovery so I just have to try it out!

Personal Goals: 

• Read 1 hour a day: In the morning, at night, in the afternoon.
• Make more delicious foods: There are tons of recipes that I have been wanting to try out!
• Try going gluten free for a day: I have read soo many positive things about a gf diet. While I don’t think I have any food allergies I would like to test it out and see if I feel any different.
• Try Kombucha! Again, I have heard about the benefits of this drink and just need to try it out. Hopefully, I don’t like it too much because this guy is pretty pricey!
• Search for internships for next summer: event planning, pr, marketing/advertising.. anything!
• Research study abroad programs: Right now I’m thinking Austrailia, or New Zealand but I think South America would be pretty amazing too.
• Girl Time: Relationships are important and I truly believe that is what life is all about is relationships. That being said I need to put more energy into mine. Maybe I don’t need to go out until 4am with the girls but I can totally schedule a lunch/dinner/run with them. I have month left of being semi-busy so I need to take advantage of the time I have!

Phew! That’s a lotta goals! I think these are all very doable though.

I already tried Kombucha and an ice bath..! So check those off my list!

11 miles ran this morning! It was hot but I did them I’ll have to do a recap tomorrow over my long run for the week.

The rest of today will be spent eating these

Hillary’s Apple Buttermilk Pancakes

And a little of this:

Happy Saturday!

~Sarah

Wrap Up

Normally on Friday’s I do a weekly wrap up and go over my workouts for the week and make sure I’m on track with my training plan.

Since, I’ve gotten off track with my training plan like big time I think I’m going to do something a little different this week.

While it’s the end of a week it’s the beginning of a month and just so ya know I love new beginnings. I love the start of every season, every school year, birthdays, new years.. you get the idea. They all bring a chance to check in with yourself and see where you are and how you want to move forward.

Last month I wrote a list of goals I wanted to achieve for June so, in true “new beginning” fashion let’s do a little check in.

Goals for June:

• Stick to Hal Higdon’s training plan! Lately I’ve been running willy nilly and while I’ve been getting the miles in I have definitely felt the effects. If Hal says take a rest day that does not mean run or have a two hour bike ride it means rest Sarah. My knees are starting feel it and my achilles? Yikes! Dumb dumb Sarah. So, starting today I will be getting back to the training plan and logging my workouts on here as well as on Daily Mile.

Well, we are not off to a good start because this goal when down the drain! But for very good reason. I started out training way to early for my marathon and felt like I was burning myself out and at high risk for getting injured. So, I scaled back and now have a less structured training plan that I think will work much better for me. I’m running less days during the week, incorporating strength training and including more cross training and stretching. I have a very good feeling about this one 100 days till Chicago Marathon! Yikes!

• Incorporate pilates and/or yoga into my workouts at least twice a week. Lately, (probably because of my willy nilly workouts) my body has felt soo tight. Adding in pilates and/or yoga at least twice a week will help to stretch me out and strengthen me up. Since I found my favorite pilates video I don’t think this will be a problem at all. Very doable!

Since I’ve dropped Hal’s training plan I’ve been able to do more pilates than I had been doing. I still could incorporate more into my routine though. I might need to start doing this before my runs instead of after. Once I finish running all I want to do is stretch, shower and get on with my day. I think a pre-run pilates session would do me good. 

• Eat more vegetables. As much as I hate to admit it I’ve totally failed at this whole pescatarian deal while at home. I was super successful while I was in Chicago and in Dallas but once I got back with my family my veggie meals fell by the wayside. It’s not that my family forces meat on me but if it’s what’s for dinner then it’s what for dinner. I can definitely tell that my body feels more sluggish when I eat more meat than when I have a more veggie based diet. Since I head back to school tomorrow I know this will be an easy task for me since I never buy meat for myself anyways.

Success! Since being at school I have been a vegetable feign! I still eat meat, not a lot, but I do eat it throughout the week. 

Side note: I really want to see the movie Forks Over Knives. I’m doing a speech on the benefits of a plant based diet and know this movie will be filled with loads of great info.

• Eat more intuitively. This is a big one for me. Sometimes I get into such a routine with my eats that I eat pb oats because well, that’s what I always eat for breakfast. But what if I don’t want oatmeal in the morning? What if I want yogurt or a pancake instead? This might sound silly but it’s a mindless thing that I do.

I would say that I’ve done a pretty good job with this one too. I started running before breakfast and feel sooo much better! I’m not weighed down by all of those oats. Silly Sarah what was I thinking? 

•  Read that book! Notice my goal tab? 22 before 22? Well, this one will kill two birds with one stone. I have to read this book for the freshman class I am teaching in the fall. Which means that I have to start this book and finish it. I hope it’s a good read. There’s nothing worse than dragging through a summer reading book..

I don’t know what it is but I can’t seem to do this! There are tons of books that I want to read but I still need to finish my required summer reading book before I can start the other ones. I think I’m going to designate a certain amount of time each day to reading so I can knock this out. 

• Girl time. As much of a busy bee that I am I totally lack in the social department at times. I’ve gotten so busy between my school work, res-life stuff, nanny jobs, girls on the run and my actual running that my social life kind of gets put on the back burner. I know this is bad. Especially because I’ve really developed some awesome relationships over this last year. Thankfully, it’s summer time now and I have slightly more free time so this month I want  no need to make spending time with girlfriends a priority.

Slightly more free time? Well, sort of. Somehow I found myself pretty stinkin busy since I’ve been back at school. While, I’ve made more of an effort to girl time I haven’t put nearly as much as I should. It’s hard for me sometimes because after a day of class, nanny and workouts I really just want to wind down, get some sleep and wake up for an early run. Lame.. 

All in all I’d say I did okay with my goals. I’m definitely paying more attention to my body in my training which is crazy important. I’ve gotten back to a point where I’m excited about my runs, especially early morning runs ! I’ve been eating my veggies and more intuitively. But there is always room for improvement!

Looks like it’s time to come up with some new goals for July! 

I have a 2 mile run and pilates session on the agenda for today, a book to buy and relaxing to be had.

I will leave with you last night’s dinner pic:

Holy Vegetable Yum! Can you guess what’s all in here?!?

Yayy for 3 day weekends! Hope you all have fun plans for this weekend!

~Sarah