Marathon Training, Healthy Eating and My Photography!

Running!

Sooooooo... I'm training for 2 Half Marathons and a Full Marathon!!!!

Since I started to lose weight running was always part of my routine but that was just a few miles to keep in shape. I then started to make small goals, to run 5 miles by the end of a month, which turned into to wanting a 10K which turned into training for a Half marathon! I never wanted to run more than that and I thought it was insane to run 26.2 miles... but now I am! I read an amazing marathon training book by Hal Higdon which totally convinced me to do it. So the count down starts!

1st Half Marathon: July 14 in Davis, Ca (It's a night time one!) Finished in 2:29!
2nd Half Marathon: September 22 in Virginia Beach (Rock & Roll series, There's live bands at ever mile!) Finished in 2:36!

Dun dun dun...

 Full Marathon:   November 11 in Norkfolk! Benefits the Wounded Warrior Project!

ALSO I'm great at tripping while running and ruining my knees... so just to keep track, I'm currently on fall 12... NOW ON 13!!! :( I'm going to try and go 3 months without falling, so lets see if I can make it till the end of September.

Running Terminology! I know when I first started getting serious about running and reading forums it was like a whole other language was being spoken! So here's a link with abbreviations, terms, and sayings in the running world!

I do have terrible knees though and smashing them into concrete, pavement, and side walks definitely doesn't help. I found a quick and easy project for a shapable ice bag on Pinterest, all it is is 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water in a freezer zip lock ( I used a quart sized bag), then double bag it and stick it in the freezer! The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid, I also added in some food coloring for fun!

My elevation and icing cubby!
Don't forget to 'RICE' things that hurt! (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) I should have James take a picture of what I look like after my long runs...
For the 'Compression part, I've been wrapping my calves in ACE bandages since someone doesn't agree with me spending 50 bucks on compression socks :p so that is a cheaper alternative.





Wet Shoes!
I hate when I go on runs after it rains or if it starts running during... well I love the weather but I hate the effects. SOGGY SHOES! So for a quick fix I found on 'RunnersWorld.com' to take out the insole and wipe it off, then stuff your shoes with news paper changing it when the paper got soggy. Last time this happened I didn't have any newspaper so I used dish towels and the next day they were completely dry!

Running Fuel!

*My favorite Pre run meals that I normally have an hour before I run in the morning are"
*Always a coffee! (caffeine helps add a boost to your workouts and metabolism)
*100% Whole wheat toast or bagel with sugar free jelly
*Steel cut oatmeal/Bulgur with cinnamon, and honey. 

During my long runs 8/9 miles and longer I'll take a GU or Gel with me and my hand held water bottle. Especially during this summer heat!!

After runs I make sure to get something in me within an hour. That's the prime time for muscle to soak up nutrients and should consist of protein and carbs! I'll normally eat:
*Cottage cheese with cinnamon and honey
*Soy vanilla protein shake W/ spinach and blue berries
*Slice of 100% whole wheat bread with peanut butter
*Glass of Chocolate milk

 Cross Training!
Here's what I enjoy doing on my cross training days or after my short run days.
*The stair stepper with the actual revolving stairs. You're drenched in sweat after 10 minutes!
*Walking on the tread mill on incline. I'll walk at 3.4 - 4.0 speed while starting at a 5 % incline working my way up to 10-12%. You can get your heart rate pretty high doing this and every extra percentage of incline burns 10% more calories!!
*The Elliptical is fun since it uses your arms also, but its easy to stay at a comfortable pace. I always make sure to check my heart rate and keep it around 150 BPM or higher. 

                                                                                            My work out buddies!
*GU: For gels during my long runs, Vanilla GU is the best. It taste good and isn't too sweet.
*Nuun: An electrolyte replacement drink. Only 8 calories, 0 grams of sugar, healthy additives, and tons of flavors.
*20 oz Hand Held Bottle: Super useful! The pouch is big enough for my Iphone, car key, and 2 GUs which is perfect since hydration belts don't work very well with my body. The only thing is I have to fill it half way or else it gets too heavy.

*Petroleum Jelly: For chaffing! For the mini one it's a whole lot cheaper than buying Body Glide.
*Camelbak Bottle: I absolutely love this bottle. I bring it every where and I probably drink about 7 of them a day.
*Blister Band-Aid: These are life savers. They stay on for a few days and stay on during showers and runs. I would recommend taping it for long runs, but for my shorter ones it stuck just fine! It also has medicine in the pad to help heal the blister. Mine was pretty bad and it felt like normal skin after 6 days.
*Running Socks: I have Asics brand because they were a little cheaper and came 3 in a pack but they still come with the extra padding in blister prone area, with the breathable material, and the extra padding around the ankle.

Just some running tips I've learned while out and about :)
*It's not too enjoyable to run on windy mornings when it's garbage day 
*If it's sprinkling outside and you decide to wear a white shirt, the sprinkles might turn into a pelting storm and the white shirt might turn into a clear shirt.
*If 3 people stop and ask you if you need a ride back when its raining, you might want to consider taking one of their offers... before you're running for your life from lightning and a tornado.
*To add onto the last 2 points I've made... CHECK THE WEATHER!!!

 Here's my schedule I'm basically following for Hal Higdon. (Click to expand)


























































































































































No comments:

Post a Comment