Running: Distance

So over the past month I have taken amazing feet and have run as much as 9 miles! I'm so stoked because it wasn't that hard and it was a great feeling. This means that 13.1 is achievable and that I could really do a marathon! It's thrilling! I can't wait to see what my body can do!

Now how am I gong about my distance training? It always starts with the first 3.1 miles (or 5K). I do my best to run for that whole time and then take a nice .40 mile walk break after. My next focus is the 6.2 (10K) marker. Try to run straight through to the 10K then a walk break for .30, which will put me at 6.5 miles. From there it's a simple combo of running and walking. Starting with run .5 and walk .5 and if I feel the drive, I'll run a little bit more than .5! After finishing the destined milage, a slow walk to ease down the body is required along with a good stretch of the legs. Resting and eating some good proteins and veggies after helps the body regenerate and refuel.

Another important factor is pace. Not speed, pace! In any activity or sport that has to do with distance and endurance, pacing yourself is very very important. If you go too fast too early, you will wear yourself down too quickly and won't be able to finish the way you want to or not at all. Always start slower in stride. Feeling the difference of your range of speed is important. Learn what pace will get you the farthest. Have a way to track it (Nike+ systems work great) so you can see the difference and teach yourself how to adjust it.

A few other pointers for long runs:
- Wear comfortable clothes that wick moisture and don't chafe
- Hydration, take a water bottle or a hydration belt/pack if you plan to run far, especially when it's hot
- Make sure you have the time to do your run and you're not rushed
- Make sure to eat a light carb meal a while before your run, never do distance without substance!
- And if it's a trail or just a scenic route, enjoy the view!

Eating: Some Things to Digest

In my years journey of loosing weight and loving food, it has always been a struggle to enjoy what I want to eat and enjoy my body when I eat right. Now merging the Want and Right will always be hard. That's why I read a lot of articles in Women's Health, Runner's World and The Food Network to find key foods and recipes that not only Do Good for my body but Taste Good too!

Basics:

Season Your Food!
No one wants to eat bland food. So season it with salt, pepper, garlic salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano and steak seasoning to name a few. Anything that will add heat will benefit your metabolism and make you slow down when you eat. Which is something that my generation has issues with. When at the grocery store, look at the whole spice section and read the labels if there is nutrition information on them (like how much sodium per serving). Get a few to start and taste the difference.

Portion Alert!
Always start small by putting less protein on your plate compared to your veggies and put way less fats and sweets than your protein. What's helped me a lot is reading the nutrition facts on EVERYTHING. Serving size, calories, fat content and so on are very important to be successful in weight loose and a healthy lifestyle!

Eat Color!
I'm sure many people would agree that most of the food they consume looks brown or beige. Talk about boring! There are so many articles out there that will agree, the more colorful your plate, the healthier you're eating! Eat the Rainbow! There are so many nutrients and vitamins in those foods that we need and we can't get in a pill.

H2O... Drink It!
For years, my dad has envied my ability to drink a lot of water! And that is something that came from being a swimmer and a dedicated athlete. Even those who don't want to be athletes, water should be your go to drink no matter where you go or what you're doing! The best part is that water can be free and inexpensive at restaurants and you can lessen waste if you use tap water and a filter pitcher. So you can be healthy, cheep and green by drinking water. Now yes, there is such a thing as drinking TOO much water. If you're full, don't keep drinking. Drink when you're thirsty and when you eat! If you just ate a meal and you are still hungry, drink some water first and see how you feel a few minutes after. Sometimes huger is a false indicator for being hungry, you might be thirsty. And if you are hungry after a meal and water didn't help, then do eat a small light healthy snack.

So with all of this info, remember to do some research about anything and everything! And always talk to your doctor! Doctors can help with any health issues that might happen along the way (like digestive system or allergies, and everything else).

Running: My Plan

As of this year, with 3 races to compete in, I not only want to train to survive the races but to loose weight and be healthy. The ultimate goal is that my training becomes a lifestyle. Here's my basic plan:

- Run 3 days a week minimum, 5 days maximum
- Core/Strength Train 2 days a week minimum, 3 maximum
- Workouts last 30 minutes minimum

It's been tricky the past month to balance this plan with my work schedule. So far I've been able to get my 3 runs and 2 Core workouts in. But I've learned the power of writing my weekly schedule out. Not only is it on my phone, but I wrote it on the fridge and in my little day planner that I keep in my purse. It's not only keeping me accountable but it's helping my husband, Dan, to support me and keep me in check. Gradually, I will increase my mileage, time, and strength over the summer.

Now a plan usually has goals tied to the ends of them. How about I list a few...

- Run a Half Marathon
- Run a Marathon
- Loose 20 pounds (or so)
- Eat healthy
- Have a well toned body
- Chisel 4-6 pack abs

Now these goals have different time lines. The half marathon is planned to be in October of this year! I'm stoked! The marathon will be figured out for next year. One step at a time.

Update:
Feeling good so far in my process but my progress isn't budging yet. Working on the food intake (or fuel) with the balance of burning calories. It's tricky for every person is different. Metabolisms and BMIs amongst many other factors. Hopefully I can crack my body code before summer's end.

A New Beginning

And so a new year has begun and so is the running season. Getting motivated was the hard part since the snow and cold was not inviting. Now being in March and finally getting into a rhythm of running 3 days a week or so, I feel ready to really get into training mode. My first race this year will be May 22nd. A 5K in Birmingham which isn't that far from home. I'm familiar with the city, backroads and neighborhoods that I should be confidant in every stride.

It's funny that I'll be running in Birmingham right off the bat this year because I pretty much grew up there in the summers. I was a Swimmer back in my youth and belonged to a Country Club team in Bham (my nickname for the city). For 13 years of my life, I was in that pool soaking up the sun and chlorine! It meant everything to me. I wasn't the fastest but I was darn sure the most dedicated to the sport. My personal best kept me confidant and brought me the challenges I needed to succeed. My coach for all those years, Mr. Lane, was a huge part of my swim life. Well, life I guess. He taught me everything about discipline and respect, amongst many other things. To believe in myself was the biggest. That I could do anything that I set my mind to. From diving off the blocks the first time (age 5) to my first no breather (age 12) to my best swim times ever, he was there. Now that time has past and my life has changed focus, I've been craving that adrenaline and excitement of pushing myself to limits that I never thought possible. To feel my blood pumping and warm sweat trickling down my face after a hard set. I've been needing a new sport. A new dedication. That's when the Fish became a Runner!