They are all still here:
http://funsized-fierce-fitness-food.tumblr.com/
That was my original blog, while I was testing out if I actually enjoyed blogging. Turns out I do, so I upgraded to here. Unfortunately I'm not very tech savvy so I haven't figured out how to post all of my recipes so they are nicely categorized like they were on tumblr. I will keep trying, so check back soon! In the mean time, they are all still available to view in the other domain :)
Friday, February 27, 2015
Progress... it's a personal thing
When I had numerous people ask me if I was going to take before and after pictures from my training, I was a little confused to be honest. When I asked why, they simply asked me, well don't you want to see your progress? Hmm. well, I don't exactly have a good answer for that one.
You see, progress is such a personal thing, so subjective. It's not about a physical appearance. When you're doing something to make yourself better, only YOU will know when you finally "see" improvements. For me, it was more about sheer strength and stamina. Everyone has this misconception that the smaller you are, the faster you'll go, and that's not necessarily the case. I grew up in a sport that was surrounded by negative stereotypes and images, and often got a bad rep for itself. I never really understood it, until I got to college.
When I cheered allstars, the extent of size was the littler girls flew, the taller girls backspotted, and the STRONGER girls based. not the "bigger" girls. It wasn't a size breakdown/analysis. It's just how things went. No one got a complex from it, we just knew it was how the system worked. It was literally like a puzzle, and everyone had a piece where they fit, with a very important role to play to hold it all together. Now in college? it was more like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole... or more like trying to squeeze the wrong girl into the wrong uniform. I could now see where the complex came from, and I didn't like where it was heading.
While cheering at SRU,I was always referred to as "the fetus"... which I grew to hate. It was because I was the smallest one, and here once again came a misconception that smaller was better. I knew it was my technique that made me good, but I sometimes got lost in the comments and the crap and eventually was convinced it was my size that made me good. So I stopped lifting, and just focused on cardio. I wanted to stay as slim as my coach needed me to. I didn't want to "bulk up" from lifting, which as an AT, I KNOW that's not how that works, but try letting common sense, and actual knowledge overcome the pressure of a coach. Let me tell you, it's impossible.
Once I was done cheering, it was like an instant light bulb. I finally could see clearly that listening to that crap was stupid. I know it sounds so cliche, but I could finally understand that strong really was the new skinny. Instead of aiming for the skinny, unrealistic body image of someone like a Victoria Secret model, I was aiming to be strong, to let that six pack show, to have people jokingly ask to put my guns away. I finally was aiming for healthy, which in and of itself is subjective, which is where I go back to talking about progress. My goal in all of this was to be strong enough to make it 13.1 miles. It was a mental, physical, and emotional training regimen. I don't run to lose weight. I don't run to "get skinny". I run because I can, because it's something I can do that is mindless and is an escape for me, and is oddly euphoric. I run because it's something that I can do that I only compete with myself. Maybe it's selfish, or maybe it's smart. And more importantly, now I will be doing it to benefit those who can't run. So it's not about "getting fit". It's about being strong. Being able to stay committed to the training, get through the race, and raise some money for those who need it along the way.
I don't just run, I lift. I strengthen my body to be strong enough to withstand the stress and the pounding of running. Yes, I am officially a girl that lifts. You'd be amazed at what a difference it makes in my running. And you know what? I love it. I love being sore, I love feeling myself get better, get stronger.
I did take pictures before and after my training. More so for personal measure than anything. Ya'll make look at this and see no difference in the 3 months I trained, but I can tell you, I FEEL a difference. I feel so much stronger, so much healthier, and honestly? so much happier.
If there's anything ya'll take away from this, I hope it's that you don't compare yourself to others, and that you don't listen to what they have to say. Set goals for yourself, know what YOU are aiming at. Know your milestones, and take pride in them. Even if it's the little things. I celebrated when I ran 7 miles, because it was officially the longest I had run, and then again when I ran 10, because I hit double digits. I celebrated when I officially squatted more than I weighed, considering when I was in college I would never have even thought about squatting with weight.
Know what you want to see, how you want to feel. Tuning out the rest of the world is one of the best things I've ever done, and I can assure you, it will be worth it.
You see, progress is such a personal thing, so subjective. It's not about a physical appearance. When you're doing something to make yourself better, only YOU will know when you finally "see" improvements. For me, it was more about sheer strength and stamina. Everyone has this misconception that the smaller you are, the faster you'll go, and that's not necessarily the case. I grew up in a sport that was surrounded by negative stereotypes and images, and often got a bad rep for itself. I never really understood it, until I got to college.
When I cheered allstars, the extent of size was the littler girls flew, the taller girls backspotted, and the STRONGER girls based. not the "bigger" girls. It wasn't a size breakdown/analysis. It's just how things went. No one got a complex from it, we just knew it was how the system worked. It was literally like a puzzle, and everyone had a piece where they fit, with a very important role to play to hold it all together. Now in college? it was more like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole... or more like trying to squeeze the wrong girl into the wrong uniform. I could now see where the complex came from, and I didn't like where it was heading.
While cheering at SRU,I was always referred to as "the fetus"... which I grew to hate. It was because I was the smallest one, and here once again came a misconception that smaller was better. I knew it was my technique that made me good, but I sometimes got lost in the comments and the crap and eventually was convinced it was my size that made me good. So I stopped lifting, and just focused on cardio. I wanted to stay as slim as my coach needed me to. I didn't want to "bulk up" from lifting, which as an AT, I KNOW that's not how that works, but try letting common sense, and actual knowledge overcome the pressure of a coach. Let me tell you, it's impossible.
Once I was done cheering, it was like an instant light bulb. I finally could see clearly that listening to that crap was stupid. I know it sounds so cliche, but I could finally understand that strong really was the new skinny. Instead of aiming for the skinny, unrealistic body image of someone like a Victoria Secret model, I was aiming to be strong, to let that six pack show, to have people jokingly ask to put my guns away. I finally was aiming for healthy, which in and of itself is subjective, which is where I go back to talking about progress. My goal in all of this was to be strong enough to make it 13.1 miles. It was a mental, physical, and emotional training regimen. I don't run to lose weight. I don't run to "get skinny". I run because I can, because it's something I can do that is mindless and is an escape for me, and is oddly euphoric. I run because it's something that I can do that I only compete with myself. Maybe it's selfish, or maybe it's smart. And more importantly, now I will be doing it to benefit those who can't run. So it's not about "getting fit". It's about being strong. Being able to stay committed to the training, get through the race, and raise some money for those who need it along the way.
I don't just run, I lift. I strengthen my body to be strong enough to withstand the stress and the pounding of running. Yes, I am officially a girl that lifts. You'd be amazed at what a difference it makes in my running. And you know what? I love it. I love being sore, I love feeling myself get better, get stronger.
I did take pictures before and after my training. More so for personal measure than anything. Ya'll make look at this and see no difference in the 3 months I trained, but I can tell you, I FEEL a difference. I feel so much stronger, so much healthier, and honestly? so much happier.
If there's anything ya'll take away from this, I hope it's that you don't compare yourself to others, and that you don't listen to what they have to say. Set goals for yourself, know what YOU are aiming at. Know your milestones, and take pride in them. Even if it's the little things. I celebrated when I ran 7 miles, because it was officially the longest I had run, and then again when I ran 10, because I hit double digits. I celebrated when I officially squatted more than I weighed, considering when I was in college I would never have even thought about squatting with weight.
Know what you want to see, how you want to feel. Tuning out the rest of the world is one of the best things I've ever done, and I can assure you, it will be worth it.
post race recovery
The number one thing I've learned, and I'll say it over and over again, is listen to your body. I was definitely feeling that 13.1 miles the next day. What better way to relax than with a nice bubble and epsom salt bath. And let me just say, our new apartment has a wonderful tub. It's the perfect size for bubble baths! I let myself soak in all the steamy goodness and massaged out some of the soreness.
What better way to work out the lactic acid than by exercising it out! Yep, that's right, I headed back to the gym and got right back into workouts. I don't want to risk getting out of shape, so I headed to the Y and started with a warm up on the cycling bike. I did a mini workout like I do in my spinning classes, varying the intensity to get me moving and sweating. I took it easy on the lifting because I know my body is still healing and recovering. I did a light set of squats to get my legs moving, but I mostly focused on upper body and back, and of course a nice little core workout.
Race Update!
hey ya'll!
So the big day has finally come and past, and let me tell you, it was one heck of an experience! There's just something about running with thousands of people that is seriously unlike anything I've ever done before. For my first marathon, I would definitely say it was a success. We had a few trial and error moments along the way, but now we've learned for next time. This training regimen definitely had it's fair share of road blocks, including a wicked case of the flu, multiple head colds (perks of working in a high school), a very hindering case of runners knee (thank you, horrible biomechanics), unexpectedly having to scramble to find an apartment and move the week before my race, which prevented me from running the entire week before, some frigid temperatures, and a lovely dose of rain and some limiting side cramps the day of my race. but you know what? I did it. I didn't stop. I didn't walk. and I pushed myself through. I might not have been the fastest, but I couldn't be prouder to say I ran 13.1 miles. You know I have officially caught runner's fever when I was looking up my next marathon on the car ride home.
So here's a little recap of the weekend events.
First off let me just say we were extremely nervous it might get cancelled. We had a "snow storm" in the forecast at home (and I even had a snow day!), and I wasn't sure if it was going to hit Alabama. To ensure we got there in plenty of time to get my race packet, we left bright and early Saturday morning (which was even earlier in Alabama because they are behind us by an hour). Birmingham is a relatively short drive for us, which is nice because there was so much left unexplored after 2 trips there that we would like to return again.
Our first stop of course was the expo so I could pick up my race packet and my Bell Runner packet. The only thing I could come close to comparing it to was a cheerleading competition... So many vendors and so.many.people. While this was exciting, I also tend to be a bit on the claustrophobic side, so we quickly got in, got my stuff, and got out. (Not to mention at this point is was well past my usual lunch time).
I won't get into details as I'm afraid I will get angry again, but lunch unfortunately was the worst part of our trip. On top of the marathon being that weekend, there was also a cheerleading competition, so naturally everywhere was SUPER busy. That was our fault for not thinking ahead and making reservations for lunch as well as dinner (one of the things we will learn for next time.) Now, I understand busy, I worked in the food industry for numerous years, so I understand the chaos of getting everyone's needs met when there are a million and a half customers. That being said, I never, EVER treated a customer differently for how they looked, their assumed age, how much I thought they would tip me, etc. Every customer was treated equally, and it absolutely infuriates me when I come across people in the food industry, or honestly any industry for that matter, because I look young and they don't think I can afford something and tip well. I understand that we were staying in a 5 star hotel and the restaurant attached was a tad bit classy, but don't you think if I can afford to stay in a 5 star hotel, I can afford to go to your little pub? and yes, I was in yogas and a running jacket, not my ideal wardrobe for lunch. But had you any common sense, you would know that the mercedes benz marathon was that weekend, and any runner would want to be comfortable the day before their big race. AND lets not forget the minor detail of I WAS A WAITRESS. I probably tip more generously than the majority of people much older and much wealthier than myself. But she would never know that, because if someone so chooses to treat me in such a manner, it will be reflected in how she is treated back. The whole experience was absolutely infuriating. Okay, venting done, back to the awesome weekend :)
We initially planned to go explore Birmingham a bit, but upon further review we realized all of the awesome site seeing we found was not right in the heart of the city where we were staying, and we didn't want to do a bunch of running around the day before my race. Next time though! We did manage to see a couple cool landmarks while walking around between the expo and the hotel. In the mean time, we went to the opposite end of the hotel, where we found much friendlier folk in a cute little hipster coffee shop attached to the hotel. Now THAT was customer service! He felt bad that, due to the insane amount of little cheerleaders running around that weekend, he was fresh out of hot chocolate. So you know what he did? Made up his own delicious drink that didn't have coffee in it. Definitely made up for the lack of customer service at the pub. The hotel staff was extremely friendly too, as they let us check in early since we had nothing else to do. First thing I did? faceplant on our giant, and super comfortable bed.
Now onto the good stuff, DINNER! We were on point, finding the top rated Italian restaurant in Birmingham. Carb loading, duh :) Now, for a place that was so highly rated, let me tell you, boy was it a little hole in the wall place! but those are always the best kind. It was absolutely delicious. I swear I could have ordered one of everything on the menu!!! definitely a 5 star in my book. AND the waiter definitely made up for the poor service we received earlier in the day (needless to say he earned both hers and his own tip.) I didn't snap a pic of dinner (which ended up being penne vodka for me, and veal ravioli for her), but I couldn't resist taking a pic of dessert. You know its a true Italian restaurant when they import their gelato FROM ITALY. goodness I was in a gelato coma after that. Gelato counts as carb loading, right?
So the big day has finally come and past, and let me tell you, it was one heck of an experience! There's just something about running with thousands of people that is seriously unlike anything I've ever done before. For my first marathon, I would definitely say it was a success. We had a few trial and error moments along the way, but now we've learned for next time. This training regimen definitely had it's fair share of road blocks, including a wicked case of the flu, multiple head colds (perks of working in a high school), a very hindering case of runners knee (thank you, horrible biomechanics), unexpectedly having to scramble to find an apartment and move the week before my race, which prevented me from running the entire week before, some frigid temperatures, and a lovely dose of rain and some limiting side cramps the day of my race. but you know what? I did it. I didn't stop. I didn't walk. and I pushed myself through. I might not have been the fastest, but I couldn't be prouder to say I ran 13.1 miles. You know I have officially caught runner's fever when I was looking up my next marathon on the car ride home.
So here's a little recap of the weekend events.
First off let me just say we were extremely nervous it might get cancelled. We had a "snow storm" in the forecast at home (and I even had a snow day!), and I wasn't sure if it was going to hit Alabama. To ensure we got there in plenty of time to get my race packet, we left bright and early Saturday morning (which was even earlier in Alabama because they are behind us by an hour). Birmingham is a relatively short drive for us, which is nice because there was so much left unexplored after 2 trips there that we would like to return again.
Our first stop of course was the expo so I could pick up my race packet and my Bell Runner packet. The only thing I could come close to comparing it to was a cheerleading competition... So many vendors and so.many.people. While this was exciting, I also tend to be a bit on the claustrophobic side, so we quickly got in, got my stuff, and got out. (Not to mention at this point is was well past my usual lunch time).
I won't get into details as I'm afraid I will get angry again, but lunch unfortunately was the worst part of our trip. On top of the marathon being that weekend, there was also a cheerleading competition, so naturally everywhere was SUPER busy. That was our fault for not thinking ahead and making reservations for lunch as well as dinner (one of the things we will learn for next time.) Now, I understand busy, I worked in the food industry for numerous years, so I understand the chaos of getting everyone's needs met when there are a million and a half customers. That being said, I never, EVER treated a customer differently for how they looked, their assumed age, how much I thought they would tip me, etc. Every customer was treated equally, and it absolutely infuriates me when I come across people in the food industry, or honestly any industry for that matter, because I look young and they don't think I can afford something and tip well. I understand that we were staying in a 5 star hotel and the restaurant attached was a tad bit classy, but don't you think if I can afford to stay in a 5 star hotel, I can afford to go to your little pub? and yes, I was in yogas and a running jacket, not my ideal wardrobe for lunch. But had you any common sense, you would know that the mercedes benz marathon was that weekend, and any runner would want to be comfortable the day before their big race. AND lets not forget the minor detail of I WAS A WAITRESS. I probably tip more generously than the majority of people much older and much wealthier than myself. But she would never know that, because if someone so chooses to treat me in such a manner, it will be reflected in how she is treated back. The whole experience was absolutely infuriating. Okay, venting done, back to the awesome weekend :)
We initially planned to go explore Birmingham a bit, but upon further review we realized all of the awesome site seeing we found was not right in the heart of the city where we were staying, and we didn't want to do a bunch of running around the day before my race. Next time though! We did manage to see a couple cool landmarks while walking around between the expo and the hotel. In the mean time, we went to the opposite end of the hotel, where we found much friendlier folk in a cute little hipster coffee shop attached to the hotel. Now THAT was customer service! He felt bad that, due to the insane amount of little cheerleaders running around that weekend, he was fresh out of hot chocolate. So you know what he did? Made up his own delicious drink that didn't have coffee in it. Definitely made up for the lack of customer service at the pub. The hotel staff was extremely friendly too, as they let us check in early since we had nothing else to do. First thing I did? faceplant on our giant, and super comfortable bed.
Now onto the good stuff, DINNER! We were on point, finding the top rated Italian restaurant in Birmingham. Carb loading, duh :) Now, for a place that was so highly rated, let me tell you, boy was it a little hole in the wall place! but those are always the best kind. It was absolutely delicious. I swear I could have ordered one of everything on the menu!!! definitely a 5 star in my book. AND the waiter definitely made up for the poor service we received earlier in the day (needless to say he earned both hers and his own tip.) I didn't snap a pic of dinner (which ended up being penne vodka for me, and veal ravioli for her), but I couldn't resist taking a pic of dessert. You know its a true Italian restaurant when they import their gelato FROM ITALY. goodness I was in a gelato coma after that. Gelato counts as carb loading, right?
As always, Ash is keeping me on my toes. Our anniversary was on Wednesday, and I had a basketball state playoff game to cover, so unfortunately we didn't get to really celebrate. We said we would celebrate in Birmingham, but I didn't think that would extend past dinner. I came back to the room to find a pleasant surprise of rose petals on the bed, and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert round two. I have to give her credit, the girl knows how to put a smile on my face.
I had my first alarm set for 4:45am, so needless to say it was an early night for us. I didn't sleep the greatest, but I think it was the nerves getting to me. Surprisingly enough though, I woke up no issue. Which that in and of itself was impressive because I am NOT an morning person!
Now where I will have to plan better for next time... gauging what to wear with the weather. I tried to take note of what temperatures called for what clothing while I was training, but it's always so hard to tell. It was upper 40s, but that could be crazy hot or insanely cold depending on so many different circumstances. It started raining too which didn't help my cause (so glad we detoured to pick up a running rain jacket for me on the way.) I settled on my longsleeve and my rain jacket, which I know now was way too much... I started stripping and rearranging layers halfway through. and even could have probably gotten away with shorts. I contemplated throwing my jacket on the side of the road, but it was Nike and I couldn't justify that haha Next time I am going to stop in the thrift store or something if I plan on shedding layers. Oh well. you live and you learn.
The rain wasn't too bad, it didn't downpour, which was good, but it was super annoying. I definitely think it had an effect on my time. The biggest thing slowing me down though was my side cramping... My heart sunk as soon as it started, because typically when I run and get side cramp/stitches like that, it's my craptastic lungs telling me they can't keep up with me and to slow down or stop (downfall of having scar tissue all over them, my lungs literally cannot produce enough Oxygen to keep up with me). There was absolutely no way I was going to stop, so even though I didn't want to, I slowed down and began pacing my breathing. I have a trick that one of my certifieds from SRU taught me for when I start struggling with my breathing. When I was getting back into exercise after my Pulmonary Embolism, I got winded really quickly, and sometimes (even though I know its exactly what not to do), I would panic, which only made it a thousand times worse. To prevent the gasping for air and panic from happening, she told me to count me fingers while I ran. This sounded silly at first but it really helps! As you count up, you inhale, and then you count back down and exhale. It helps you keep a nice even breathing. Now, if I was one of those runners with a 5min/mi pace, I don't think anything could slow your breathing down, but my guess is, if you're running that fast, you don't really need to. But for a girl with a bum set of lungs just trying to make it 13.1 miles, it works great.
I tried not to let it get to me, but every mile when my phone updated me on my time, I couldn't help but get a little frustrated. I had ran the full 13.1 twice before, once on the course, and I had a better pace then. I know that circumstances arise that we have no control of, so I just kept pushing through.
I could also tell that I just recently (unfortunate timing) had to break in new shoes before my race. I could feel the friction starting, and once my feet got soaked, I knew I was a goner. I could literally feel the skin peeling off the bottom of my feet. BUT I never stopped.
The run went surprisingly quickly. Normally when I do my long runs, I go through the 5 stages of grieving, no lie. This run was surprisingly easy though, and enjoyable (minus my few complications.) The amount of emotions I felt while running was ridiculous. I can't really put into words how it felt, it's true an experience you have to try for yourself. It was nice seeing so many people out supporting the runners too, it actually was a big motivation and a push I needed.
When I got to the last 5K, I just told myself to sprint it. Push through the pain, exhaustion, doubt, and whatever else I was feeling, and just get it done. I was so close. I knew I had nothing left in me (I was literally running on empty... or GU. I couldn't eat breakfast because I wasn't hungry,which is a horrible start to a half marathon). The last mile quite frankly sucked. I saw my time, and knew it would be a stretch to get it done in under 2 hours. I could remember the scenery, but I couldn't remember how much longer until the finish line. As soon as I got my bearings of where I was, I literally ran as fast as I could for that finish line. I about fell on my face when I crossed the finish line, but I couldn't help but smile and laugh. I had done it, I just finished my first half marathon, when I was told that I would never be able to do something like that. I just beat all odds.
I could definitely feel the lactic acid sinking in the minute I got into the grass. There's just something about race day that makes you push your limits even further. It was all worth it though. I found Ash and just plopped down. I was a little disheartened to see I missed the 2 hour mark by a whopping 47 seconds, but I still had to pat myself on the back for even doing it. I knew I could beat that next time. Everyone said your goal for your first half should just be to finish, and that I did. So now to adjust my training, and beat that time.
I kept my phone on do not disturb while I ran, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw all the supportive texts from my family as I ran, and the fact that all of them followed me on the tracker was awesome. Whether here with me in Georgia, or 700 miles away, I really do have the best support system a girl could ask for.
Once I changed out of my soggy clothes, we headed to the expo to first and foremost get a massage to work out the lactic acid. Once my legs were a bit functional, we finally got to do what I was waiting for all weekend long, go meet baby Eve. That literally was the highlight of my weekend. To be able to run the half not only for myself, but for someone else that can't, there's no words for it. Being a Bell Runner has now inspired me to run all my races for charity, and continue changing lives.
Eve was seriously the most precious little baby ever. She was such a happy little peanut, and it was great to get to talk to her mom and really get to know her and the family. She even gave me some other marathons to look into doing that have special fundraisers for different charities. She actually runs marathons as well, which was great to talk about. I am now considering running this same race again next year so I can continue fundraising for Eve and hopefully raising enough money to give her the chance to one day run as well.I'm hoping I have impacted her life for the better as much as she has mine.
As much as we would have loved to stay and enjoy the festivities (btw, who wants to drink beer after running a marathon??), we wanted to ensure a safe return home as we had a sleet storm in our weather forecast. Once I got to see Eve and her mom, I was content, so we headed back to the hotel for a quick power nap, and then we were on our way. Of course we stopped at cracker barrell to eat, complete with about $20 worth of candy. It was definitely an early night when we got home, I don't know who was more exhausted, me or her!
It was definitely an amazing weekend and I wouldn't have traded it for the world, even with some of our issues we had along the way. One state down, 49 to go!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Finding the fine line of listening to your body and pushing through pain
Let's face it. Running 8-13 miles a day is indeed crazy, not to mention alot of stress on your body. That being said, there's times that you should call it quits for the day, and times you just need to tell yourself don't stop. I unfortunately am not good at this. My pain threshold is incredibly high, making that line extremely blurry for me, and it's all catching up to me. You're going to be sore, you're going to feel like your legs are lead, you're going to feel like your feet will just walk themselves right off of you, and you will hit a point that you feel like a turtle trudging through peanut butter. But you know what? as long as you don't stop moving, you don't let your body win.
Pain vs. injury... a long disputed concept. It's subjective, it's vague, but the difference is there. Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job differentiating, and as my race quickly approaches, I've had to tone down my training instead of ramp it up. I just have to keep telling myself there's no point pushing through an injury if you don't make it to race day. I'm stubborn, which is extremely difficult to overcome and use my athletic trainer brain instead of my athlete brain. I've been taking extra steps to take care of my body, such as lowering my miles when need be, doing extra low impact cardio, especially swimming, doing full body workouts to keep myself strong, and foam rolling, stretching, and icing on the daily. All things I had told myself I would do the whole training process, but then life sort of happens. I can't make up for lost time, but you've got to start somewhere. Better late than never.
Pain vs. injury... a long disputed concept. It's subjective, it's vague, but the difference is there. Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job differentiating, and as my race quickly approaches, I've had to tone down my training instead of ramp it up. I just have to keep telling myself there's no point pushing through an injury if you don't make it to race day. I'm stubborn, which is extremely difficult to overcome and use my athletic trainer brain instead of my athlete brain. I've been taking extra steps to take care of my body, such as lowering my miles when need be, doing extra low impact cardio, especially swimming, doing full body workouts to keep myself strong, and foam rolling, stretching, and icing on the daily. All things I had told myself I would do the whole training process, but then life sort of happens. I can't make up for lost time, but you've got to start somewhere. Better late than never.
Excuses.
I'm tired. It's too cold outside. I'm still sore. I went hard yesterday, I have a late night. The gym is always too crowded. I deserve a day off.
All of it just a load of crap. All of it just one more excuse you can think up in your head of why you aren't up already and on your way to go workout or run. If there's one thing I've learned during my training, it's that the mental battle is the hardest part. My body is indeed capable of doing the things I put it through, it's my mind that says otherwise. Forcing myself to commit to my training has made me a better person all around, not just physically. I am more confident, my work ethic is even better than it was before, and I'm just overall happier. When people tell me I'm crazy for wanting to run 13 miles, I just let them ramble, and then let it go in one ear and out the other. Had you asked me to run 13 miles 3 months ago, I would have indeed told you that you were crazy. But this marathon has taught me a lot and changed me for the better in a way I can't explain until you try it for yourself.
All of it just a load of crap. All of it just one more excuse you can think up in your head of why you aren't up already and on your way to go workout or run. If there's one thing I've learned during my training, it's that the mental battle is the hardest part. My body is indeed capable of doing the things I put it through, it's my mind that says otherwise. Forcing myself to commit to my training has made me a better person all around, not just physically. I am more confident, my work ethic is even better than it was before, and I'm just overall happier. When people tell me I'm crazy for wanting to run 13 miles, I just let them ramble, and then let it go in one ear and out the other. Had you asked me to run 13 miles 3 months ago, I would have indeed told you that you were crazy. But this marathon has taught me a lot and changed me for the better in a way I can't explain until you try it for yourself.
Super Bowl- an excuse to eat crap for many, a challenge for the rest of us
We mine as well name it a national holiday. Everyone watches, and everyone celebrates. Unfortunately more often than not, with celebration comes alot of alcohol, fried food, and processed crap. With my race being only 3 weeks away, I really didn't want to ruin all the hard work I've been doing to make sure I fuel my body properly. To keep the boys happy, I brought them their own "man food" snacks, but for myself? We stopped by Kroger to get some salmon burgers, I roasted chickpeas for a nice salty snack, and one of my fellow health junkies made quinoa buffalo bites (which were absolutely DELICIOUS btw, I'll have to get the recipe) It's still possible to enjoy super bowl sunday without stuffing your face with crap :) Sure, I love a cheat day more than anything, but we reserve Saturdays for eating out and indulging a little, so I compromised and still got "game time" food, just the healthier version. It's the little things that make a big difference down the road :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)